Special education over the past 30 years
Special education is meant for students with exceptional needs. It is a form of education provided by public school systems and other institutions which targets people with disabilities, mostly ranging from the age of three to twenty-one. Some of the students who are given extra care outside regular class work include those with mental, physical, and emotional problems. Notably, if you have a passion for teaching disability education, some colleges offer a course in this sector.
A brief history of special education over the past 30 years
In the year of 1970, the court gave states the responsibility of providing specialized education resources and facilities for the learners in need of them. Also, in 1975, the education for all hand capped children act (EHA) enforced that children with disabilities should have the right to free and appropriate education.EHA in 1997 underwent revision and changed to individuals with disabilities education act (IDEA), which aimed at providing extensive research on how to teach children with disabilities. Additionally, in 2001 and 2004, no child left behind act (NCLB) offered accountability to schools with kids that need special attention in terms of advanced technology assistance.
Tips on teaching in a special education school
Be patient
Living or working with students who have disabilities requires you to have a lot of patience. Keep in mind that this learner will take more time to carry out tasks inside and outside the class; hence understanding their challenges is vital. Therefore, be calm while dealing with them and encourage them when they are frustrated since they do have difficulties finishing up their class projects. Also, a kid in need of disability education needs a cheerful environment for studying; hence when you are close, they develop a sense of humor. Notably, dedicate your time to comprehend each student progress.
Creativity is key
Every student has a different style of learning. As a good special education teacher, you must think outside the box. Try to simplify complicated concepts by coming up with short songs and acronyms that fit the specific lessons. Use interesting yet familiar words that the kids will easily understand. Your education creativity inspires the students to become more innovative in class as well as in the future. Hence, come up with new teaching techniques that will help the child with disabilities to develop skills in other areas.
Develop the ability to adapt
Always remember that every day an education institute with students who have special education needs is different. You cannot predict what will happen even with a full plan and long experience. Hence, you need to be flexible when you are in a special education school. Note that these children can have meltdowns, outbursts, and other disruptions that can cause you to end the lesson for the day. Therefore, gain the educational skills to maintain order in the class and be ready for any situation that might arise. Adaptability is crucial for the students with challenges, and they can learn it best from their teacher.
In conclusion, everyone should get enlightened on how to treat students in a special education system. Starting from the parents, siblings, the surrounding community, teachers, and the state. To relate with them, you are required to love and accept their challenges. Understand them as people with unique needs who have to be attended with caution. Remember that every kid is gifted only that they come a close their packages at different timings.