Professional Documents
Culture Documents
EDSPE 414
March 14, 2015
disabilities.
Studies show that students with disabilities who are enrolled in inclusive programs,
perform better academically and socially than their peers in non-inclusive environments
In inclusive programs, children with disabilities can look to their nondisabled peers as
positive role models for speech and behavior (National Down Syndrome Society).
The positive effects of inclusive programs carry on long after the children have left. In
fact children with disabilities who were educated in inclusive settings have a far greater
employment rate (73%) than their disabled peers educated in segregated environments
(53%) (National Down Syndrome Society). Furthermore the amount of time disabled
students spend in inclusive programs, correlates with their later success finding and
behavioral, and social benefits (National Down Syndrome Society). For example
nondisabled children are more likely to learn the important skills of tolerance and
and all children benefit greatly when they can witness and learn effective collaboration
skills.
Some may worry that including special needs students in a traditional classroom will take
away attention and resources from traditional students. However this assumption is
false. When special needs students are included in general education programs, the
resources that had been devoted to a special needs program can be reallocated and all
Bibliography:
Baker, E.T., Wang, M.C., and Walberg, H. J. (1994). The effects of inclusion on learning.
Educational Leadership, 52 (4), 33-35.
"Implementing Inclusion." - National Down Syndrome Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.ndss.org/Resources/Education/Implementing-Inclusion/#sthash.Ww59v7Rm.dpuf>.
Institute On Disability, University Of New Hampshire. "Rationale for and Research on Inclusive
Education." National Center on Inclusive Education (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 2 Feb. 2015.
<http://www.iod.unh.edu/NCIE/Research%20Document%20Long.pdf>
Philosophy of Education:
Martin Luther King, Jr. called education the road to equality and citizenship. I agree
that only through education can we create a more equitable and democratic society. Our children,
when given the appropriate tools, can enact powerful change. We simply must provide these
Public education should prepare children to actively participate in the democratic process,
to be respectful of all human beings, animals, and the environment, to develop positive
relationships, and to perform meaningful work in the community. To achieve these outcomes, it
to stand up for what they believe is right. Cultural understanding should be taught in schools by
learning about other cultures in a respectful and immersive way. Multiple languages should be
taught in the classroom and children and their families should be encouraged to share their
unique cultures in the school setting. To help children be successful in whatever career they
choose, we must teach communication (verbal and written) skills, teamwork skills, and critical
thinking skills. Childrens curiosity should also be encouraged. Teachers and students should ask
Schools should also assist families in achieving their specific goals for their child.
Education professionals should employ Skilled Dialogue techniques when speaking with families
so they can get to know the childs family and understand their unique expectations for their
child (Barrera & Corso). Professionals should continue to consult with families throughout a
childs education to revisit the families goals. It is critical that professionals understand that
children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture, community, and
society (NAEYC). A childs education must occur within and beyond the classroom setting
It is the teachers job to create a classroom space in which meaningful learning can occur.
To create this positive learning environment, teachers must treat students as intelligent,
compassionate, highly capable individuals. Teachers must set a policy that all children and staff
will be respectful to one another. Children should also be empowered to develop their own
classroom rules. Professionals must recognize that children...achieve their full potential in the
context of relationships that are based on trust and respect (NAEYC). Once this welcoming and
inclusive environment has been created, it is the teachers job to inspire students to explore the
Children learn best when they feel valued in their educational setting. They learn best
when they are given the autonomy to discover the world for themselves. For young children play
and the exploration of materials are two key elements of learning. Children also learn through
their observations of adults and peers. Therefore it is essential that the adults in a childs life
demonstrate the skills and traits they would like the child to one day embody. Children also learn
in very different ways and at different speeds. It is therefore critical that teachers offer
differentiated instruction. Visuals, language, numbers, and music should all be present in
educational settings. Teachers should use a curriculum that gives children diverse experiences
and that is based on research about child development and effective teaching practices.
conducted through observation of the student, speaking directly with the student, and through
formal testing. Assessment should be ongoing rather than occurring only once or twice a year.
The data gathered from assessments should be used thoughtfully to evaluate if current teaching
strategies are helping a child and what new strategies might better assist a child. All assessments
In order for our society to achieve true equality and have an active citizenry, our
education system must prepare children to actively participate in the democratic process, to be
respectful of all human beings, animals, and the environment, to develop positive social
relationships, and to perform meaningful work in the community. Education professionals must
collaborate with families to help students reach these goals as well as their familys unique goals.
Teachers must create a space for meaningful learning to occur, where children are empowered to
seek out their own knowledge and understanding. The progress of our society depends on our
Bibliography:
Barrera, I. & Corso, R.M. (2002) Cultural Competency as Skilled Dialogue, Topics in Early
Childhood Special Education, 22(2), 103-113.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/02711214020220020501
NAEYC. "Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment." Www.naeyc.org. N.p., Apr.
2005. Web. 13 Mar. 2015. <http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PSETH05.pdf>.
"Selected Quotes." Quotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2015.
<http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/kingweb/popular_requests/quotes.htm#sJustice>.