Lesson 3 Journal - Kassidy Norman

This week we talked about the Cedar Rapids case which was really interesting to me. This case went hand in hand with the six principles of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  This case study defied one of those six principles and it was our job to figure out which one it was. In class the next day we were assigned different positions for example mine was the hearing officer and I had to listen and ask questions in order for me to pick the side that won. It was really interesting to hear the different thoughts and concerns from the two sides of my classmates. I really enjoyed this assignment because we actually put it into action and it was like we were in the situation and we were able to experience the frustration the two sides were going through but especially the parents. It was important for me to experience this because I will try understand what the parents are going through and not just look at my side or the education side of things.

Lesson 3- Amanda N.

This week we learned about the six important principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Part of our class activity was to read a Case that was taken to court because it violated one or more of the six principles. We were then assigned to play roles as either representing the family side or the school board side and one of us as the head judge. It was a challenge for me this week because I feel like I need to put in some more effort to understand what we are talking about in class and I am trying to improve. The six principles of IDEA are important and critical parts and every school and teacher should keep these in mind when teaching students with special needs.

Lesson 3 Journal - Sarah Holgado

This week we discussed the legislation affecting students with disabilities. Part of our assignment was to read the Cedar Rapids case. As I was reading this, I was blown away at how much effort it took for the student's family to fight what they believed was right for their child. I felt overwhelmed just thinking about going through that whole process. As we were playing the different roles in Wednesday's class, I realized how difficult it must have been for both parties - but it was especially challenging playing one of the school district members because personally I was rooting for the student's family! As a future special educator, I will keep this lesson in mind by recognizing and trying to understand the family's concerns for their child. I will have to advocate for the student by for myself as well and what I believe is best for my students.

Lesson 2 Journal

This week, we watched a few videos of Serbian adults with disabilities and their life at an institution in Serbia. When a disabled child is born, the parents have to decide between keeping their child at home while paying for medical bills or sending them away to an institution with other disabled children through adult years. The video showed what it is like living that setting... it was a bit horrifying watching what they have to go through. Many of the children and adults are kept inside cribs or strapped down to their beds for hours and they hardly ever make any moves. My reaction to seeing the scene was overwhelming because it looks like they are being tortured and I think it is absolutely unfair to do that to a person with special needs. At the same time, I do understand that this in a foreign country and not everyone can afford to take care of their disabled child. Individuals with special needs deserve some sort of care that treats them well and takes care of them and it should be provided by people who care about them.

Since I plan on teaching Special ed, I want to be the kind of teacher who is encouraging students and someone who genuinely cares about students' individual needs. One quality I have noticed in special needs student is that they have their own talents using their abilities and they have a passion for it. They also have a special spirit I feel the more I am around them. Then, I know part of my job will be to encourage other students to interact with special needs students despite their disabilities because they can learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses.