Reflection

 

This course has provided me with the confidence to support students in my future classrooms with specialized needs. Not only have I gained insight and knowledge on what to look for and things to consider, I have also had practice in creating and writing an IEPs. I had very limited knowledge on IEPs prior to, and collaborating with my peers who may also have more experience in this regard than me, helped me in seeing diverse perspectives and strategies that support students’ individual needs.

I have learned different ways to differentiate instruction for my students so that they can learn in their best way. I learned that Universal Design for Learning ensures all students have equitable access to the curriculum and that students can still meet the learning expectations and still have choice and voice in their own learning. Not only does this promote engagement, it fosters better success for all students. Multiple modes of expression, engagement, and representation are necessary so all students can participate. Education is not a one-size fits all, it is dynamic and diverse. Embedding my teaching practices within these principles, will ensure an inclusive learning environment where all students feel a sense of belonging. It will not only help students with IEPs, but all students in the classroom. It will also make my job as a teacher easier, as I work with students with IEPs and have to implement different teaching strategies and assessment practices.

With regards to the Standards of Practice, this course helped me fulfill the standards in ongoing professional development, commitment to students and student learning, professional knowledge, and professional practice. I have further knowledge within the special education field and can apply this knowledge to my practice now and for when I do have students with special needs and IEPs. Even though I do not have students with an IEP, I still have students with diverse learning needs and can utilize what I have learned to support them as they need.

As a next step, I would like to continue taking the special education courses and dive more into specialized education because of its growing need in the school. In doing so, I would feel more confident and capable in fulfilling the other standard of leadership, if I continue on into getting my specialist in special education.