Lessons 4 and 5

I have learned that special education law can be messy. This became abundantly clear when discussing the Cedar Rapids case. At first, I sided with the parents without question. As the hearing progressed however, I could better understand the school district's side. We discussed it as a group, and while we agreed that it may not have technically been right to have the school district pay for the nurse, there was no other way to support IDEA, especially LRE without it. It seemed that most of the people I talked to in class had a similar viewpoint. The next day I discussed it on the phone with my mother, and she stood by the school district. I think it is important for me as a future teacher to see and understand both sides of a dispute that may occur within my school district someday. I have really enjoyed learning about the principles of IDEA and referrals for special education and considering their application.

Last Friday was my group presentation on speech and language impairments. Really focusing on a disability helped me to understand that there are so many variables in working with students with disabilities. There is a part of me that just wants a straight answer on the best way to help them learn despite it. I learned it does not work like that. You need to gain understanding on the student's exact disability and what strategies will work best for him. A key insight I pulled from my preparation was that of collaboration with special education teachers and other professionals. With speech and language impairments, much of the improvement comes through working with a speech and language pathologist. As a teacher, it will be my responsibility to work with the pathologist to create continuity between therapy and the classroom and use strategies that the pathologist recommends for the student.