Current Special Education Issues and Policies
Assessment Traits
Requires Lopeswrite
Assessment Description
Special education teachers have a professional responsibility to be a self-directed learner and seek information related to current issues and policies within the district and state where they work. An understanding of legislation, policies, and procedures will guide compliance with regulations and improve interaction with other staff, families, and students.
Allocate at least 2 hours in the field to support this field experience.
Interview two of the following about current special education issues and policies:
Certified K-12 special education administrator
Special education chair
An individual in a certified special education leadership role
Your interviews should address the following:
How do you stay current on special education issues and policies?
Do you attend regular board meetings or professional conferences? If so, which and why?
Do you have an affiliation with any professional organizations outside of the school district? What are the benefits of participating in a professional organization that promotes special education?
How do you relay current special education issues and policies to school employees?
What are the challenges in keeping all employees up-to-date regarding current special education issues and policies?
What are some of the ramifications you have experienced when current special education policies are not followed?
What was the best advice you received to help you become better in your field/position?
What professional advice do you have for future special education teachers?
In 250-500 words, summarize and reflect upon your interview and describe how foundational knowledge and current issues will influence your future professional practice. Discuss the similarities and differences of roles and responsibilities based on your feedback from the interviews. In addition, provide any additional insight the interviewees provided you may not have realized until now.
APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.
This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit assignments that are print deliverables to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Document the locations and hours you spend in the field on your Clinical Field Experience Verification Form.
Submit the Clinical Field Experience Verification Form to the learning management system in the last topic. Directions for submitting can be found on the College of Education site in the Student Success Center.
Interview and Reflection
Name
Instructor
Institution
Date
Interview
On Matters about Current Issues
The interview was with a special education administrator and a special education chairperson. They both acknowledged the need to stay afloat with current events and noted that they do so through checking out the internet on any new developments in the field of special education. They also exchange notes with their colleagues too, on their experiences and discoveries.
On the Issue of Attending Regular Professional Conferences
Both of them noted that they regularly attend professional conferences to learn new things and network with other professionals in the field. One conference they attended was the International Association of Special Education.
One the Issue of Affiliation with Professional Organization
As a requisite for being occupants of the positions they have, they said that they were affiliated to professional organizations to also network with their colleagues in the same field on new opportunities.
On How to Relay Current Issues on Special Education
They did this through the use of technology and social media platforms like LinkedIn and messaging.
On the Challenges They Faced
They both noted that the biggest challenge was embracing the constant changes in the field. Most people in the field resist change despite being excited about new developments.
Ramifications and Advice
Given that there are clear guidelines and legal protections for special education, they noted that these new developments are bound to be adhered to, if professionals in the field are to avoid endless lawsuits (Blanck, 2019). The best advice is that one needs to always keep checking on latest developments in either the field of special education or the legal side of it. Additionally, special education should be taken like any other form of learning.
Similarities and Differences of Roles and Responsibilities
Certified K-12 special education administrator manages the institution that provides special education services. On the other hand, th...