Sunday, September 27, 2009
Part I - Questions
1. How do educators begin to identify students with learning disabilities?
There are many ways that educators begin to identify whether their students either have learning disabilities or do not have learning disabilities. One of the ways that educators identify this situation is with an IQ test. Although, educators have different ways of viewing its validity. One argument that can be made is that in order for students to understand the importance of the test, they have to be between 3rd and 4th grade. At this point in the child's education, the educator should already know whether the student has a learning disability or not.
Another way that they test the student is called Response to Intervention, also known as RTI. Because of concerns with validity, RTI is only used in a few states. RTI is implemented to help maximize achievement and reduce behavioral problems. Websites refer to this method as the "wait to fail" method because although it works while it is being implemented, it cannot be used throughout the childs education. As soon as RTI is removed from the childs education, they will most likely fall back into prior routines.
Students may also be identified as having learning disabilities because of their achievements in class. Children with learning disabilities do not necessarily lack intelligence, in fact they usually have either average or above average intelligence, however, they usually do not perform at the same academic level as their peers. For example, according to the CEC website, students often have difficulties decoding or comprehending what they are reading, or what is read to them, have problems with writing, or lack a vocabulary expected for their age, and most likely will have poor achievement in mathematics.
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2. Describe how the Information Processing Model is used to show the impact that a learning disability can have on learning.
The information Processing Model is meant to show how students with learning disabilities first take in information, process it, and then expell that information, usually by a test or quiz. The whole point behind the model is to see where students with disabilities have problems, whether it be in the input stage, process stage or output stage. With the Information Processing Model, it is easier for the educator to identify the students learning disability.
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3. Is there one known primary cause of learning disabilities?
Although there are no known causes of learning disabilities, there are many factors which may factor into why a student has a learning disability. Some of these reasons include premature birth, differences in gender (for example, disabilities tend to run more in males than females), maturing at different rates, or sometimes that it just "run's in the family".
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4. Define Sensory memory, short-term memory and long-term memory. How does each affect a student with learning disabilities?
Sensory memory refers to the memories which may not be fully processed yet, but that are able to hold accurate information however, only for a short period of time. The sensory memory will only hold information for a few seconds. This can be frustrating to a student with disabilities because they will only remember the last words they heard, not a whold group of instructions.
Short-term memory refers to the ability to hold a small amount of information in your memory for only a short period of time. This has become a large problem with students because of tests and quizzes which force students to only keep their information in their short-term memory rather than their long-term memory. Children with disabilities will struggle when faced with short-term memory loss because with the loss of the short-term memory, they will have difficulty remembering tasks that they were suppose to complete and steps on how to complete them.
Long-term memory is a memory that lasts anywhere between a few days to decades. Much of this memory requires a physical change in the structure of neurons in order to be retained. A student who has a hard time with retention in their long-term memory will have difficulty tieing things that they have learned together. It will be difficult for them to get the whole picture rather than just pieces of information.
There are many ways that educators begin to identify whether their students either have learning disabilities or do not have learning disabilities. One of the ways that educators identify this situation is with an IQ test. Although, educators have different ways of viewing its validity. One argument that can be made is that in order for students to understand the importance of the test, they have to be between 3rd and 4th grade. At this point in the child's education, the educator should already know whether the student has a learning disability or not.
Another way that they test the student is called Response to Intervention, also known as RTI. Because of concerns with validity, RTI is only used in a few states. RTI is implemented to help maximize achievement and reduce behavioral problems. Websites refer to this method as the "wait to fail" method because although it works while it is being implemented, it cannot be used throughout the childs education. As soon as RTI is removed from the childs education, they will most likely fall back into prior routines.
Students may also be identified as having learning disabilities because of their achievements in class. Children with learning disabilities do not necessarily lack intelligence, in fact they usually have either average or above average intelligence, however, they usually do not perform at the same academic level as their peers. For example, according to the CEC website, students often have difficulties decoding or comprehending what they are reading, or what is read to them, have problems with writing, or lack a vocabulary expected for their age, and most likely will have poor achievement in mathematics.
____________________________________________________________________
2. Describe how the Information Processing Model is used to show the impact that a learning disability can have on learning.
The information Processing Model is meant to show how students with learning disabilities first take in information, process it, and then expell that information, usually by a test or quiz. The whole point behind the model is to see where students with disabilities have problems, whether it be in the input stage, process stage or output stage. With the Information Processing Model, it is easier for the educator to identify the students learning disability.
____________________________________________________________________
3. Is there one known primary cause of learning disabilities?
Although there are no known causes of learning disabilities, there are many factors which may factor into why a student has a learning disability. Some of these reasons include premature birth, differences in gender (for example, disabilities tend to run more in males than females), maturing at different rates, or sometimes that it just "run's in the family".
____________________________________________________________________
4. Define Sensory memory, short-term memory and long-term memory. How does each affect a student with learning disabilities?
Sensory memory refers to the memories which may not be fully processed yet, but that are able to hold accurate information however, only for a short period of time. The sensory memory will only hold information for a few seconds. This can be frustrating to a student with disabilities because they will only remember the last words they heard, not a whold group of instructions.
Short-term memory refers to the ability to hold a small amount of information in your memory for only a short period of time. This has become a large problem with students because of tests and quizzes which force students to only keep their information in their short-term memory rather than their long-term memory. Children with disabilities will struggle when faced with short-term memory loss because with the loss of the short-term memory, they will have difficulty remembering tasks that they were suppose to complete and steps on how to complete them.
Long-term memory is a memory that lasts anywhere between a few days to decades. Much of this memory requires a physical change in the structure of neurons in order to be retained. A student who has a hard time with retention in their long-term memory will have difficulty tieing things that they have learned together. It will be difficult for them to get the whole picture rather than just pieces of information.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Blog #4 - Chapter 3
ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSORI feel like cars can be a huge environmental stressor!! In the late 1800's when the first car was made, it was more of a luxury than the necessity it has become today. Although a vehicle has the opportunity to create a better life for an individual, it leads to huge environmental problems that will continue to effect all of civilization. Some of these environmental problems include the emission of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, both of which are greenhouse gases, which drastically contribute to global warming.
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LEARN & SERVE
I began my learn and serve on Wednesday at Clarence Center Elementary School with Mr. Stillinger, who happened to be my 5th grade teacher. So far I LOVE the classroom!! I have only shadowed in a 1st grade classroom and a pre-k classroom, and I must say, although I really enjoyed the environment, I feel much more comfortable with 5th graders. They are still dependent on me as an aid, but are competent enough to tie their own shoes :). I will continue to shadow with Mr. Stillinger every Wednesday from 8 to 2:30 until the end of the semester!!
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EDUCATING PETER
I feel that the video we watched in class on Thursday was very informational to us future teachers. Being in an inclusion classroom can not be easy, especially in the beginning stages of its development. As part of Public Law 94-142, all students with disabilities must be given an opportunity to work with "normal" students before putting them into a classroom specifically designed only for students with special needs. In the movie, I saw some of the good things that took place in the classroom, and also some of the bad. As Peter's parents I would be very happy to have my child in a classroom with all of the other "normal" children. However, as a parent of any of the other children, I would be quite skepticle. Although I feel like all of the students in the class eventually excelled because of Peter being in the class, it was not easy. It appeared to me, that Peter had certain days when he did not want to learn at all and therefore, he did not. However, some days, he was interested in learning and thus participated appropriately with his fellow classmates and learned all the information presented to him. It takes a lot to deal with this on a day to day basis for both the teacher, parents, and students. When Public Law 94-142 was first instated, it was a high-stakes gamble. There still continue to be flaws in this law, as there always will be but we have found, at least I feel we have found that it is definitely worth the gamble.
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CHAPTER 3
Chapter 3 expressed many options to early intervention with children dating back to when they were just a fetus. Today, we have many ways of testing children at the prenatal stage to decide what kind of special attention, if any, that will need to be provided for this child. One of the first tests that can be used is called the alpha-fetoprotein test. The AFP is a blood test offered to all mothers so that they may be aware of any increased risk to their child so they may prepare for future procedures to help ensure that the child will have the best available health care. Another, more well known test is called an Sonography, also known as Ultrasound. The Ultrasound uses sound waves to look at the fetus and detect it's health up to that point of the pregnancy. Although not many disabilities may be detected from this test, it can detect certain defects such as microcephaly. Another test which is used during pregnancy is called Amniocentesis. This test can be given at about 14 weeks and helps the parents to better determine whether there child may have any disabilities or abnormalities. Some of the disabilities that this test can determine are Tay-Sachs, Down syndrom,e and spina bifida. When a child is first born, within one minute to five, they are given the Apgar test. This test is given so that the physician will know whether there are any physical problems which may also relate to mental problems.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Blog #3 - Chapter 9
Differentiated Instruction is the approach to learning so that all students in your classroom have a different way to take in the information that you are presenting to them. Photography can be helpful to this approach in a few different ways. For example, asking your students to go out and take their own photographs can help the student to view the world in a different way, perhaps from a mathematical view point, or maybe even a scientific stand point. However, if the students you are working with do not possess the ability to use a camera, or capture a photograph, you as the teacher, can take your own photos and use them to show the class that what you are teaching can be seen everyday around you.
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Question #6. Briefly explain the six ways to accelerate students, as described by Stanley.
1. Early school admission: According to Stanley, a child who is mature enough socially will be allowed to enter school at a younger age than the average child.
2. Skipping grades: Stanley believes that skipping grades should be allowed for students with exceptionalities. Whether they are only skipping a semester, or possibly a whole year, he believes it will be in this students best interest to best keep them motivated in school. Although there may be some social adjustments to be made, he feels that it is still in the best interest of the child.
3. Telescoping grades: According to Stanley, telescoping grades means that a student will complete a certain program in a lesser period of time, but with another group of students. This would be helpful to students because they would still have a social group to connect with.
4. Advanced placement: Advanced placement takes place in high school when students can opt to take classes of higher learning for college credit. Studies show according to the Washington Post that students who take AP classes may even score better in those classes than the introductory class that may be offered because they feel that they are working towards something aside from just a grade.
5. Dual enrollment in high school and college: This is an opportunity given to students with high enough GPA's while finishing up their high school degree. According to About.com there are multiple advantages to this situation. First of all, this may help students to jump start their career paths and allow them to keep motivation while doing seeminly easy tasks throughout the end of their high school career. Another advantage may be that in some instances the school may even pay for the students enrollment in a local college.
6. Early College admission: According to Stanley, a student may enter college whenever they are ready to do so after the age of 13. This means that students with gifts or talents do not need to wait to get their college degrees started and that they may enroll basically whenever they feel they are ready to do so.
Question # 13Define and discuss the concept of twice exceptional
Twice exceptional means that a child with disabilities may also possess special gifts of talents that may be overlooked because of their learning disabilities. Twice exceptional children are actually much more common than we believe them to be, however finding a child that has been properally diagnosed as twice exceptional is a rarety. According to the text, exceptionality may be most commonly mixed with autism. Although these children may have problems with commucation they may possess a higher gift then the 95 average student in your class.
Blog #2 - Chapter 2
Question #7. Identify and briefly explain the six key principles of PL 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act.
Key Principles:
#1: Principle number one is Zero Reject. This states that all children with disabilities or exceptionalities must be provided an appropriate education which will be accustomed to their own capabilities. Under this protection, no child may be rejected an education based on his/her disablities.
#2: Nondiscriminatory evaluation. This states that before a child is placed in a special education program, they must receive an individual evaluation which does not discriminate against the child's culture or linguistic background. A nondiscriminatory evaluation must be approved by the parents of the child being tested, or the parent must go to court.
#3. Individualized Education Program. Once the Child has gone through a Nondiscriminatory evaluation, they will receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP is written for every single student who will be taking part in special education. The IEP will contain where the student currently stands in their performance levels, as well as goals for that specific school year.
#4. Least restrictive environment. A Least restrictive environment means that the child with disabilities must be given the opportunity to work with students who are not handicaped as much as possible. The child with disabilities may only be removed from the classroom when the education of the other students in that classroom is in jeopardy because of the status of the disability that the child possesses.
#5. Due Process. Due process is a legal process in which to assure all decisions about students in the special education field are being taken care of get getting the education that they are entitled to.
#6. Parental Participation. Parental participation means that the parents of the child with disabilities are involved with the development of the Individual Education Program, and all steps to Public Law 94-142.
Question 8: How did passage of PL94-142 place substantial pressure on public school systems?
Since the passage of PL94-142, schools are held to a higher standard in terms of specialized education. Although this Public Law is in the best interest of the students with disabilities, it may be difficult for the schools to keep up with all of the steps to the program. I believe that all good intentions are being made to create a healthy and successful educational environment for students with disabilities.
Key Principles:
#1: Principle number one is Zero Reject. This states that all children with disabilities or exceptionalities must be provided an appropriate education which will be accustomed to their own capabilities. Under this protection, no child may be rejected an education based on his/her disablities.
#2: Nondiscriminatory evaluation. This states that before a child is placed in a special education program, they must receive an individual evaluation which does not discriminate against the child's culture or linguistic background. A nondiscriminatory evaluation must be approved by the parents of the child being tested, or the parent must go to court.
#3. Individualized Education Program. Once the Child has gone through a Nondiscriminatory evaluation, they will receive an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP is written for every single student who will be taking part in special education. The IEP will contain where the student currently stands in their performance levels, as well as goals for that specific school year.
#4. Least restrictive environment. A Least restrictive environment means that the child with disabilities must be given the opportunity to work with students who are not handicaped as much as possible. The child with disabilities may only be removed from the classroom when the education of the other students in that classroom is in jeopardy because of the status of the disability that the child possesses.
#5. Due Process. Due process is a legal process in which to assure all decisions about students in the special education field are being taken care of get getting the education that they are entitled to.
#6. Parental Participation. Parental participation means that the parents of the child with disabilities are involved with the development of the Individual Education Program, and all steps to Public Law 94-142.
Question 8: How did passage of PL94-142 place substantial pressure on public school systems?
Since the passage of PL94-142, schools are held to a higher standard in terms of specialized education. Although this Public Law is in the best interest of the students with disabilities, it may be difficult for the schools to keep up with all of the steps to the program. I believe that all good intentions are being made to create a healthy and successful educational environment for students with disabilities.
Blog #1 - Chapter 1
After reading chapter 1, I found that I was very interested in the family portion of the chapter which began on page 14 and went through about page 26. It was my understanding, previous to reading this chapter, that it was solely the teachers obligation to help this child reach his/her maximum potential, however, I find now, after reading this chapter, that regardless of how much a teacher may want to help a specific student, it is not physically possible for a teacher to do all this without the help of the family. Family interaction is very important to a child with exceptional disabilties. Unfortunately, the way many parents and siblings interact with this child is often times not the approach that needs to be taken. According to the text, a parent will sometimes have the tendency to speak less to a child that is not responsive, even though what this child really needs is to hear his/her family interact with them. I feel that one of the most important things to remember when dealing with a child with disabilities is to remember that they too are human, and just as any human, they need constant human interaction. Depriving your child of this will only hurt them in the long run. Families who have a child with disabilities will usually have a strong reaction to the birth of this child. According to the text, parents of a child with disabilities will most likely go through one of the following two major crisises. The first being suffering a "symbolic death" which refers to the death of the child that their new born was suppose to be. This may result in depression and sleep deprivation along with feelings of guilt and denial. Another crisis which may take place is finding adequate care for this child on a daily basis. The daily responsibilities given to the parents of childen with disabilities can be a heavy load that may weigh families down tremendously. Siblings also have a new life to adjust to. Depending on the age of the siblings, their thought processes may vary completely. However, many of the same thoughts with cross through the minds of this sibling. For example, according to the text, these siblings may wonder why their sibling may behave a different way and whether they will ever grow out of this certain disorder or stage of development. They may also wonder about their siblings future, and whether or not they will ever grow up to be individual adults, or whether they themselves will be responsible for taking care of their sibling at a later stage in life.
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