SPD-501 Philosophy of Special Education
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Grand Canyon University *
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SPD 501
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Arts Humanities
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Dec 6, 2023
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Philosophy of Special Education
Katherine Dewey
Grand Canyon University: SPD 501
Prof. Kimber O. Underdown (Instructor)
January 18, 2020
Philosophy of Special Education
In general, a philosophy of education states that all people have the ability to learn,
including those with disabilities. A special education philosophy would be no different.
According to Oxford Academy, “they should be encouraged to strive for achievement and to
appreciate the importance of growth and development,” (
n.d.
). Students with special needs will
need a wide range of accommodations and modifications to set them up for success in and out of
the classroom. In this essay I will be sharing my personal beliefs about the purpose of education,
the ethical and professional guidelines in education, and appropriate methods of teaching
students with disabilities.
Purpose of Education
When you ask the purpose of education, you will find many different answers. According
to Ken and Kate Robinson, “education should expand our consciousness, capabilities,
sensitivities, and cultural understanding,” (2022). Education goes beyond the role of academics.
Students attend school because they are needing to learn, such as how to read and solve math
problems. That is not all that students will learn in school though. “Learning is the process of
acquiring new skills and understanding,” (Robinson, 2022). Nothing is said in that definition of
subjects or school in general, but we know the best place to learn is at school.
If we were to look at the world we are living in right now, we would see amazing doctors,
teachers, athletes, welders, nurses, and so much more. They all started their journey in education,
beginning
with how to write their name and read a book. Next, they progressed to more
advanced skills. If children
did not attend school, they would not have access to educational
skills that will prepare them for their future. The purpose of education is to expand your
knowledge academically, socially, mentally, and spiritually.
Personal Vision
The goal of every teacher is to ensure each child in their room are given the tools for
success. My goal is no different, as I want to see students maximize their learning experiences
and see their full potential before they leave my classroom. This includes students with
disabilities having access to a standards-based learning classroom. According to CEC, I should
“create safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments so that individuals with
exceptionalities become active and effective learners and develop emotional well-being, positive
social interactions, and self-determination,” (n.d.). I want to make sure I am making a personal
connection with each student that comes through my door, no matter how hard it is. My time
with the students is limited to a school day so, I will want to leave a mark on these students lives.
In my classroom, I plan on showcasing the many different backgrounds and needs of every child.
I will strongly encourage students to be themselves and always share any idea that may come to
their head, even if it seems silly, because they never know how genius it could be. I will provide
modifications and accommodations for students to showcase their talents. Through these
accommodations and modifications, I will support students as they move towards meeting grade
level goals.
Working collaboratively with peers, students, and parents will play a key role in the
child’s academic success. Students with special needs may feel they cannot participate in certain
activities or work because of their disability, but I will show them that is just the opposite. Their
disability is in truth a unique ability.
Learning opportunities will be differentiated so all students
can learn. For students to have a well-rounded education, they will need to collaborate with
students and teachers. "At its best, collaboration in the classroom can help students think more
deeply and creatively about a subject and develop more empathy for others’ perspectives,"
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(Sparks, 2017). These students have certain accommodations and modifications will affect my
teachings, but it is still my job to keep them as involved as any other student. “Beginning special
education professionals understand how exceptionalities may interact with development and
learning and use this knowledge to provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences for
individuals with exceptionalities,” (CEC, n.d.). These students want to be seen as just
themselves, not as an IEP or extra work, so it will be my job to make sure they have just as
meaningful time in my classroom as anyone else.
Ethical Frameworks and Professional Practices
According to NASDTEC’s code of ethics, “increasing students’ access to the curriculum,
activities, and resources in order to provide a quality and equitable educational experience,”
(2021). I will make sure to the best of my ability, that my students have the resources and
materials needed for their success in and out of the classroom. Not only do students need
materials, but they also need a safe place at to learn. “Establishing and maintaining an
environment that promotes the emotional, intellectual, physical, and sexual safety of all
students,” (NASDTEC, 2021) will show students I am here for more than just teaching. Students
will be in my care for over six hours a day, one hundred and eighty days out of the year. I want
students to know I will be there for them academically and emotionally, but not stepping out of
ethical bounds. Above all, an outstanding teacher must operate from a place of love. Students
must feel secure and loved, feel a sense of belonging and connection to an adult. I want to be that
adult for them, for as long as they need me to be.
Resources
Just like any other field of work, it is important to stay updated on professional
development. With the field of education changing every day, I will need to align my teachings
that are culturally and diversely appropriate. It is my oath in education to ensure I am teaching
students using best practices from research and standards -based materials. A wonderful thing
about education is there are many ways to gain knowledge, including professional development
opportunities. Another important resource will always be to include the parents of the children.
They will know their child the best and will be able to work side by side with me to create the
best environment for the student. Lastly, I will use the implementation of technology in the
classroom when and where appropriate.
Learning Activities
Being an educator does not mean that my journey as a student is over, it just means I will
not have to learn in a traditional way. Since the world is turning to technology, I will join
different online educational forums that will expand my knowledge of the curriculum. It is a
considerable way to learn from different educators in other districts on their techniques and
activities. Then I can incorporate these best practices in my classroom. I will also become a
member of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). The CEC has many opportunities to
continue my learning as an educator that will help my personal and academic growth (n.d.). They
provide research and emerging trends in special education. As well as standards that I will be
able to refer to at any time needed to make sure I am upholding them.
Conclusion
“Every person holds their own idea on how education should work,” (Shilvock, 2018),
but one thing for certain is that we all want students to reach their fullest potential regardless of
their disability. All students should have exposure to a standards-based education. There are days
that will be difficult, but I will have my colleagues to support me as I will support them. I know
that at the end of the day teaching is a rewarding career. I already get a sense of great job when I
see a student out and about in the world now, with a giant grin on their face. I look forward to the
day when a former student returns to share their success story with me, knowing I had just a
small part of that.
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References
CEC. (n.d.).
Council for Exceptional Children: The Premier Association for Special Education
Professionals
. Council for Exceptional Children . Retrieved January 18, 2023, from
https://exceptionalchildren.org/
NASDTEC. (2021).
Model Code of Ethics For Educators (MCEE)
. National Association of
State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification . Retrieved January 18, 2023, from
https://www.nasdtec.net/page/MCEE_Doc
Oxford Academy. (n.d.).
Philosophy and What Is Special Education?
Oxford Academy and
Central Schools. Retrieved January 17, 2023, from
https://www.oxac.org/PhilosophyandWhatisSpecialEducation.aspx
Robinson, S. K., & Robinson, K. (2022, March 2).
What Is Education For?
Edutopia. Retrieved
January 17, 2023, from https://www.edutopia.org/article/what-education/
Shilvock, K. (2018). The Purpose of Education: What Should an American 21st Century
Education Value?
Empowering Research of Educators
,
2
(1), 8–14.
https://doi.org/https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?
article=1010&context=ere
Sparks, S. D. (2017, May 16).
Children Must Be Taught to Collaborate, Studies Say
. Education
Week. Retrieved January 17, 2023, from https://www.edweek.org/leadership/children-
must-be-taught-to-collaborate-studies-say/2017/05