Lesson 4- Amanda N.

This week we learned a lot about the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the different steps of the pre referral process determining if a student qualifies for special education. The first step in the process begins with initial concern regarding the student's academic progress noticed by either a teacher, parent or member of the school staff. Then, the teacher talks with other teachers and the parent to gather important information where the student may be struggling. The pre referral team takes a closer look at the student's background, attendance, and observe what the student does in class. Next, the team shares information and they discuss different strategies and interventions in attempt to help the student's weakness. This is what leads to discussion and possible strategies as the next step. Then, implementation and monitoring of strategies is when the team tests the suggested strategies to see if it makes any difference. If it doesn't, then they move on to evaluation and decision making. We also had to submit our individual plan for our higher wider deeper project. Something I want to learn more about is how to teach a student with a speech impairment and I would like to interview with a special education teacher, and either a speech pathologist or a parent. I also mostly want to know what assistive technology services/devices are useful and what modifications or accommodations should be made for the student.