Benchmark Philosophy of Special Education
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Grand Canyon University *
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SPD 501
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Philosophy
Date
Jan 9, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by SuperHumanWater20104
Philosophy of Special Education
Cierra Johnson
College Name, Grand Canyon University
501: Foundations in Special Education
Kimber Underdown
November 8, 2023
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Philosophy of Special Education Many search their whole lives for purposes, for goals, for pathways, never really knowing what
direction life will take them in and what the future holds for them. While everyone’s purpose in
life might be different, a lot of scholars share the same purpose in their education, and some are
different, but the goal when educating is to ensure students learned. The question remains
however what the purpose of education is, why do students need to learn, and what will they
stand to gain from what they are being taught. Throughout the history of education, changes have
been made to shape the way students learn and alter the ways teachers teach, it is important to
take from that the way we continue to shape the students throughout. Learning details, the
purpose of education, the vision of special needs, and the ethical framework of professionalism,
including lifelong learning curves, cultural, ethnic, gender, and differences that are conducive
with the philosophy of special education. The Purpose of Education
For many the purpose of education is for students to acquire knowledge and a skill set that will be conducive to society. Personally, the purpose of education aligns with this however, the purpose instilled in students taught by myself is future focused, meaning teaching students how to reach their goals in education so they can reach their goals outside of education. Reaching their goals outside of education is essential to how they are being taught in the learning environment. Students are supposed to be treated with a dignity and respect that is sometimes lacked. Students are supposed to feel motivated throughout their learning experiences to be successful in their future classes and throughout their journey. Education is future focused and philosophical in that it reflects how student’s futures will look in society (Tesar et al., 2022). The purpose of education teaches students the meaning of fulfilled rich lives (Tesar et al., 2022). With
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the right teacher, understanding the standards special education students need to be taught at is the key to positive instruction and successful philosophical futures for these students. Meeting the needs of students…
It is no secret that diversity exist more than ever in education. It is important to lead special education classes with standards that are inclusive to how each individual student learns. Using differentiated instructional planning helps aid that individual learning for students (Lawrence-
Brown, 2004). Sometimes, students may find work challenging, or even too easy at times, this is why differentiated instruction exists, because students need curriculum-based activities that they can do in times of challenges and ease. Some strategies that are essential when it comes to implementing differentiated learning is to make multilevel instruction decisions, provide additional support for those struggling, provide appropriate education for students who are gifted
or have disabilities of any kind, recognizing when students need individualized lessons rather than whole class instruction (Lawrence-Brown, 2004). While implementing standard based learning, it is also important to analyze how students are doing, through assessments, observations, lessons, this will help create a plan for what students need to be successful. In creating these resourceful environments, educators must remember they too have ethical frameworks and standards they must uphold to ensure the quality of student education. Professional Standards
It is easy to grow frustrated through challenges as an educator. Sometimes educating and seeing
no results tends to create a level of doubt. However, as educators, it is important to understand
values, values that contribute to having the mindset that every student can be taught. Educators
may not always have the answers, but professional ethics and guidelines says that advocating for
resources is a part of improving learning (Council for Exceptional Children, 2023). Not only
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advocating, but educators are to use this professional knowledge and skill sets to operate a
positive, safe classroom where all students benefit from learning. To do so, educators must be
informed, knowledgeable, respectful to all students, protective of all students, while building
rapport (Council for Exceptional Children, 2023) with students to help contribute to the success
of their education. These concepts however take respecting students and their differences,
without the respect of the students and the nonbiased outlook, educating becomes more difficult
as students will not feel comfortable being a part of the learning environment. Cultures and Professional Communities
Everyone has something about them that makes them different. These differences can be
mentally, physically, but also could be that others share different cultures, ethnic backgrounds,
values, traditions, and gender. Nevertheless, in a world where special education students and
even some general education students have learning differences, it is the educator’s responsibility
to be knowledgeable about these things and find ways to make everyone feel inclusive despite
the differences. Deeping the understanding of students differences, means getting to know
students better, connecting with student’s families, be respectful of students and their cultures,
lead with a nonbiased approach, personal biases have no place in education. By being culturally responsible, it means empowering students, in doing so, learning students
breaks barriers for them and helps them be expressive (Gulati & Singhal, 2020). The more
educators know and learn students, the better students respond in the classroom. All in all “by
valuing each student’s culture, we contribute to their self-concept, which in turn influences their
academic success (Gulati & Singhal, 2020 para9). Having activities and communities where
teachers can thrive is a part of creating environments that students benefit from. These
Professional learning communities includes collaborating with other teachers, reflecting on one’s
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career, sharing ideas that contribute to the classroom, and building relationships with staff,
administration, families, and teachers to enhance future goals for students (Serviss, 2022).
Together, professional learning communities can make so many changes when it comes to
helping students and involving families. It also makes educators better professionally. Conclusion
In conclusion, education will keep growing, and the diversity in which students attend school will only be heightened. Staying knowledgeable of differences is something that is helpful
to a whole community of students who come in gifted, and overall different. Knowing how to advocate for students is essential, students have rights, resources, and access to a quality education, sometimes it just takes speaking up for them and what is right for them. To be the professional that students deserve, educators must remember ethical and professional standards they must uphold so students are in a learning environment they can actually learn from. Lastly, respecting student’s cultures, ethnicity, gender, and differences, along with building a community
and building rapport is the most important part of breaking barriers students come in with. Being observant, knowing when to adapt to how students learn with help students reach their individual
goals.
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References
Council for Exceptional Children; special education professional ethical principles (
https://exceptionalchildren.org
). 2023. Gulati, S. & Singhal, M. (August 2020). Five essential strategies to embrace culturally responsive teaching. Retrieved https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/equality-inclusion-
and-diversity/five-essential-strategies-to-embrace-culturally-responsive-teaching/.
Lawrence-Brown, D. (2004). Differentiated Instruction: Inclusive Strategies for Standards-Based
Learning That Benefit the Whole Class. American Secondary Education
, 32
(3), 34–62.
Serviss, J. (May 2022). Four benefits of an active professional learning community. Retrieved https://iste.org/blog/4-benefits-of-an-active-professional-learning-community.
Tesar, M., Hytten, K., Hoskins, T. K., Rosiek, J., Jackson, A. Y., Hand, M., Roberts, P., Opiniano,
G. A., Matapo, J., St. Pierre, E. A., Azada-Palacios, R., Kuby, C. R., Jones, A., Mazzei, L.
A., Maruyama, Y., O’Donnell, A., Dixon-Román, E., Chengbing, W., Huang, Z., & Chen,
L. (2022). Philosophy of education in a new key: Future of philosophy of education. Educational Philosophy & Theory
, 54
(8), 1234–1255. https://doi-
org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/00131857.2021.1946792
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