October 13, 2009 Sign up for Case Study /Presentation Review Questions 10 Video- The Power of Inclusion 5 Pop Quiz 10 Debate: To Label or Not to Label 30 Ongoing Issues -Chapter 2

The Power of Inclusion An Inclusive school:(pop quiz from video) -equally values all persons -provides equal opportunities for all learners -views each person as a unique individual -emphasizes learning for all students -people work together in a problem solving organization -share responsibility for all students -an inclusive school is one where everyone belongs -learn from and about people with diverse characteristics

Ongoing Issues in Special Education 1.The Paper Chase 2.Inclusion 3.Power of Profile 4.The Problem of the Purse 5.Labels, Categories and Definitions 6. Identification and Placement concerns 7. UDL and DI 8.Assessment and Program 9.Special Education and Research

Ongoing Issues:Chapter 2 1.The Paper Chase Many people involved in Special Ed + need for documentation and accountability=too much paperwork 2. Inclusion or Non-Inclusion While most parents and teachers favour inclusion, there are still some students that might benefit from being partially integrated in separate classes. This is no longer the big debate it used to be, but is still an issue. 3. Power of Profile Strong parent lobby (advocacy) groups such as the LD and Autism Association have had powerful influences on getting government funding and raising the profile of their disability. (“the squeaky wheel”)

Ongoing Issues- Continued 4. The Problem of the Purse As the numbers of “identified” (as exceptional) children grow, there is never enough money to go around and meet all the needs. Budget cutbacks in recent years and economic issues make this a serious onging issue. 5. Labels, Categories and Definitions In Ontario, we have a categorical system for identifying special education students: 5 Major Categories of Exceptionalities: Communications, Intellectual, Behaviour, Physical & Multiple

Ongoing Issues: Continued 6. Identification and Placement concerns There is an over-representation of children from poverty stricken and visible minoriies where parents themselves are not able to strongly advocate for the needs of their children. 7. UDL and DI Universal Design and Differentiated Instruction represent a shift in orientation in planning for teachers, beginning with where the child is at, rather than with the curriuculum and making after the fact modifications. Teachers need training in how to do this.

Ongoing Issues-Continued 8.Assessment and Program Many disciplines may be involved in assessing students and waiting lists for assessments are long, as are the waiting lists for the results of the assessments. Teachers don’t often get and opportunity to communicate face to face with those doing the assessments. 9.Special Education and Research While there is strong emphasis on “evidence based research” in education, and in Special Education,, it is hard to control for the 2 most important variables in the research: students and teachers. They are all unique and different, and hence it makes the conclusions of the research and their generalizability to other settings somewhat questionable.