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ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Allocate at least 3 hours in the field to support this field experience.
Collaborate with a school leader (e.g., principal, assistant principal, dean of students, teacher leader) about their school’s learning environment and how he or she promotes a learning environment that is conducive for students with disabilities.
Your discussion should address the following prompts:
How does the leader promote an inclusive environment for students of all abilities?
How does the leader ensure all staff are up-to-date in training associated with disabilities on their campus?
What additional training or support does the administration offer faculty and staff who demonstrate an increased need for promoting a learning environment that is conducive for students with disabilities?
How do you, as a leader, stay up-to-date with regulations regarding disabilities for the students on your campus?
What type of services do you provide on your campus?
What types of disabilities are present on your campus?
How do you factor these services into your budget?
What do you do to promote collaboration between the special education staff to encourage support among all staff members?
Include two original questions to obtain further information about areas of interest you may have.
Use any remaining field experience hours to ask the school leader for examples of tests, test results, and IEPs that you can review, maintaining school/district and GCU confidentiality practices.
In 500-750 words, summarize and reflect upon your collaborations and explain how you will use your findings in your future professional practice.
HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)
In my field experience, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a school leader, the principal, to learn about their school’s learning environment and how they promote an inclusive environment for students of all abilities, particularly those with disabilities. Our discussion focused on the following prompts:
First, I learned that the school leader actively promotes an inclusive environment by ensuring that all students feel valued, respected, and welcomed. They recognize that diversity is essential, and they aim to create a culture of acceptance and belonging for all students. This inclusive approach is evident in the school’s policies, practices, and physical environment.
Second, the school leader ensures that all staff members are up-to-date in training associated with disabilities on their campus. They provide professional development opportunities for all faculty and staff, which covers topics such as disability awareness, assistive technology, and strategies for promoting a positive learning environment for students with disabilities.
Third, the administration offers additional training and support for faculty and staff who demonstrate an increased need for promoting a learning environment that is conducive for students with disabilities. This additional support includes one-on-one coaching, mentoring, and access to specialized resources.
Fourth, the school leader stays up-to-date with regulations regarding disabilities for the students on their campus by attending relevant conferences, workshops, and training sessions. They also collaborate with other school leaders to share best practices and stay informed about new research and policies.
Fifth, the school provides a range of services on their campus to support students with disabilities, including counseling, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. They also provide accommodations and modifications, such as extended time on tests, preferential seating, and the use of assistive technology.
Sixth, the school serves students with a wide range of disabilities, including specific learning disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, and physical disabilities. The school leader stressed the importance of recognizing that every student with a disability is unique and may require different types of support.
Seventh, the school leader factors the cost of services for students with disabilities into their budget, recognizing that these services are essential and non-negotiable.
Finally, to promote collaboration between the special education staff and encourage support among all staff members, the school leader emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration. They encourage all staff members to work together to ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed academically and socially.
In conclusion, this experience has highlighted the importance of promoting an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. As a future professional, I plan to use the knowledge and insights gained during this experience to create an inclusive classroom that supports students of all abilities. I will focus on developing a culture of acceptance and belonging, promoting professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, and ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed.
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