Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to assess what we have learned throughout the year and how we will
apply this knowledge to our teaching practicum.

Theoretical Framework
The educational belief that I would apply to special education is still existentialism. Even though
the environment is different and the children are different, my child centered philosophy would
still apply. Although I would have to use diverse strategies related to this belief. I cannot expect
to teach these students the exact same way I would teach a general education class, but I cannot
change who I am. I am attached to this educational philosophy because I wholeheartedly believe
that students need to be able to have the freedom to understand themselves and how they work as
well as the core lessons that will help them develop throughout their school careers. To me, this
can apply to any student and it will be my job to help them see their own talents and feel
responsible for their own actions. This knowledge has helped me understand that students need
our help no matter what classroom theyre from. Special education students may require a
different approach, but my philosophy is who I am and therefore it cannot change unless I
change. I would use my philosophy in different ways to apply them to each students needs. All
of the lessons we have done, all of the knowledge we have acquired, and all of the hours that we
have spent on school work has taught me that there are very few differences between general
education and special education students. This means we can teach them in similar ways, but if
something isnt working we have to be willing to adapt to the needs of the student and we need
to be able to admit when we are wrong. When I observed the resource room during my
observation, it was almost like a normal classroom apart from some of the weird things that
students would do sometimes. This assured me that no matter what class I am put into, I will be
equipped to deal with any situation. Although there will be things that I am not prepared for, I
will be able to deal with it.
Practice
Federal law has created many ways in which students with disabilities can have help both with
schooling and with life after school. The IDEA law created many laws for protecting people with
disabilities. There were also many laws after that that were glossed over in IDEA to help even
more people. Preferably I wouldnt want to work with any students with disabilities, because its
sad that many of these disabilities exist, but when they are present, we have to work our hardest
to ensure that they education of the student comes first and that we have to work with students
with disabilities so that they can get a quality education just like their peers.If I had to pick one
for the sake of the next question, I would choose to work with a student who has autism. There
are many different forms of autism and many different ways that we can help students with
autism. Its important to understand the diversity of the disorder. There are many different types
of autism therefore no one way to evaluate and teach the students who have it. There are many
different strategies we must use to ensure that these students can achieve despite their disability.
An important figure in the special education field was Louis Braille. Braille accidentally stabbed
himself in the eye with his fathers awl and was blind after that. An awl is a sharp tool for poking
holes in leather. Braille then went on to create the Braille writing system so that blind people
could read signs. This changed the world for people who are blind and allowed them to better
partake in everyday life.

Evidence-Based Practices and Strategies

I would like to specifically teach general education, but I would also be content as an art teacher.
I have always loved art and studied it through all of high school. I even have that I specialized in
graphic arts on my diploma. For the purpose of the next question I will choose English. Lets say
that this is a vocabulary assignment. I would first introduce the words to the student, then I
would tell the student what each word means. I would then verbally assess the student to see if
they understand these words. Then I would give the student an activity to complete regardless of
their answers for the verbal assessment. If the student got them correct on paper, but not
verbally, I would know that they know the material, but are having a hard time expressing it
verbally and I would know what needs to be worked on. I would use all assignments and
activities to monitor progress as well as the occasional test. I would observe their answers and I
would use the data to decide what needs work. That would depend on the individual. I cant give
a straight answer for that at all. A 5th grade student could be at a 1st grade level, or maybe a 3rd
grade level. It all depends on the students progress and what level they would be at currently.

Human Diversity
It is so important to understand that everyone is different. Many people dont understand this and
for that reason they come off as rude. Understanding the differences in people is one of the
greatest wisdoms there is. Although we are all not that different from each other, we all have
complex ways of thinking, our own struggles, and our own experiences that make us individuals.
Its important to understand our similarities as well as our differences. That is what makes a wise
and intelligent person. Being able to understand that although we are different, we are all still
human and we all deserve the same rights and privileges as everyone else, but understanding that
the differences put us into a salad bowl scenario. We are all together, we are all vegetables, but
we are all unique in our own way. Sorry, Im not paying that much money for a test after I just
paid for the PRAXIS. I feel as though Im pretty competent at treating people how they should
be treated. I have learned more about sensitivity of terms however, I have learned that in schools
they call it the resource room and not the special education room. I felt bad. I feel as though
my lack of information can make me insensitive at times, but as a person I dont feel as though
anyone is lesser to me for any reason. I feel that those who look down on others are actually the
ones at the bottom. No matter how much power someone like that has, there will be people who
hate them for their lack of kindness and insensitive behavior. To me, the best way to live in this
world is through kindness, because if you are kind to others you are doing the right thing, even if
they are not kind to you. I can apply this by being kind to all of my students, punishing them
when it is appropriate, and teaching them to fit their needs. There must always be kindness in the
classroom because I hope that they will take that kindness, along with the knowledge I share,
with them for the rest of their lives.