So I may have said I would be back and here I am doing it again...lol! I am back in 4th grade, back at my previous school and back trying to complete my master's degree, but this time it is a subject I am more motivated in and love. Mathematics and Science are some of the critical teaching subjects for the future. All of the modern technology that even 5 years ago were a dream are popping up instantly. Did you know within the last 5 years a company was promoting designer face masks on Shark Tank and the sharks thought it was hilarious and didn't invest. I bet now they are regretting not making the investment seeing that we are over a year into wearing face mask due to the pandemic.
This semester I am taking a course titled Critical Issues in Special Education. There are seven "Big Ideas" that we focused on.
1. The impact of law and/or history on the field of special education and STEM
Did you know that in the 1500s if someone was born with special needs they were killed? That is awful, right? In the 1600s people assumed that someone with disabilities were demons and would try to drill holes in their head. Little people were forced to be court jester and entertain people. During the 1700s wars brought about more interest in how the brain worked and people began studying the brain, schools for the disabled were being opened and sign language was developed. From 1975 to 1990 the Education for all Handicapped Children Act was in place and has now been redeveloped into The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 2004. IDEA has been a great gain and win for individuals with disabilities and allowing them to have more opportunities in their educational plan.
The 1984 case Rowley v. Hendrick Hudson School District brought up the fact that individuals with disabilities should have access to a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) in the "lease restrictive environment". It was brought about by the parents of Amy Rowley whom was a deaf student, that required a sign-language interpreter in the classroom. In today's society it seems like it would automatically be granted, but at that time it was not the norm. Another court case that had a huge influence on the education of individuals with disabilities is Endrew v. Douglas County School District. On March 22, 2017 the Endrew case made sure that students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) are given a plan that is appropriate for the student to make the most growth and progress in their education.
The concept of inclusive education is important in STEM many students with disabilities are automatically isolated and not placed in the least restrictive environment. In STEM many activities are hands on and can use concrete manipulatives that are useful. Students with disabilities should be able to
be included in all parts of STEM from the science experiments, use of technology, engineering, and science.
3. How the Common Core should be used to support students with disabilities in STEM
In Florida we do not use common core specifically, but within our standards we do have what are called access points. These access points allow students with disabilities to still accomplish the basics of the standards specifically in core subject class at their level.
For example, MAFS.4.OA.1.3 - Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole-number answers using the four operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding.
Access Point: MAFS.4.OA.1.AP.3a - Solve and check one- or two-step word problems requiring the four operations within 100.
4. How you will use technology to impact student learning in STEM
I will use technology to help support my students in STEM. Some students do well with iPads versus computers. Students can record videos using Flipgrid if they are more comfortable with oral presentations instead of paper based assessments. A great website that teaches the basics of coding is www.kodable.com which allows students to learn about coding while playing games.
5. How collaboration between general and special educators is critical in STEM and how you will make this happen within your own teaching
There are 7 Effective Inclusive Practices in Relation to Co-Teaching
1. Creating a school-wide culture
2. Celebrating the success of all students
3. Developing interdisciplinary collaboration
4. Implementing Effective co-teaching
5. Establishing active learning environments
6. Implementing successful evidence-based instruction
7. Improving grading and assessment
It is important for general education and special education teachers to collaborate and discuss what is being taught in both classes to best benefit the education of the student. If the type of support for the student is in-class support it is important to inform the special education teacher of what has been planned in order to best support the student.
6. How behavior can impact learning in STEM
Behavior can impact learning in STEM because if a student is not able to control their behavior it can sometimes destroy the moral of the class and even the teacher to finish a lesson. When students are motivated to participate and learn about a subject they are more willing to cooperate.
7. Social skill instruction impacts STEM education
In order for STEM education to be successful social skills instruction is definitely needed. Students work with partners and/or teams when working on lessons and or activities. Teaching students about how to vocal express themselves in a productive way helps with the trusting of group members.
