SPD550 Grand Canyon University Special Education Teaching Project

Assignment 1 A special education teacher in a resource setting has a very difficult job, meeting the needs of a variety of students and covering a multitude of subject matters in a single class period. Being able to properly structure your class and effectively manage class time will help you meet the needs of all students and not become overwhelmed. Adding a number of strategies and accommodations to your teaching repertoire will also increase your efficacy in the classroom.
For this assignment, take on the role of a first-year special education teacher who has been assigned to the resource room to work with students who are working at the ninth grade level for both English and math. You have about 10 students during this class period and an aide to assist you. Students meet with you for 50 minutes each day to get help with homework, finish their classwork, study for tests, and get extra support in each subject area. You will need to structure the class so that student needs in both subject areas will have time to be addressed.
Use the “Class Profile” to obtain specific information about the needs of your students.
Part 1: Teacher Inquiries
In 250 words compose a response for the following:
Questions you would have about your teaching assignment before it begins, including any requests for additional information.
Questions you would have for fellow teachers and administration.
Information you would like to have before the end of the first week of school.
Provide a rationale for each inquiry. Cite both the “Class Profile” and an additional minimum of two outside scholarly resources in your responses.
Part 2: Classroom Environment
In 500 words compose a response for the following:
Provide a minimum of three possible ways to structure the classroom setting.
Provide a minimum of two possible ways to structure a class period.
Provide a minimum of three instructional strategies, to include accommodations and/or assistive technology, to meet the curricular content needs of your students in both the English language arts and math classes.
Provide two collaboration strategies to use when working with the classroom aide assisting you in meeting the needs of the students in the resource room setting.
Provide support for your responses, citing both the “Class Profile” and an additional minimum of two outside scholarly resources.
While APA format is not required for the body of the assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and in-text citations and references should be presented using APA documentation guidelines
Assignment 2 Meet with a certified special educator who co-teaches in an inclusive classroom at a school of your choice; ideally the school is at the grade range in which you would like to teach (e.g., elementary, middle, secondary). Co-teaching in this instance would include a special education teacher working with a general education teacher, paraeducator, instructional assistant, or related services professional/support staff.
Prior to observing the teacher, ask the following questions:
How often do you meet with your co-teacher for planning purposes and collaboration? Do you share a planning period or meet outside of school hours?
What partnership arrangement did you make with your co-teacher before you began your co-teaching relationship?
Did you choose the colleague you work with, or was this teaching arrangement assigned to you without your input?
How did you prepare for being a co-teacher? Do you enjoy it? Why or why not?
What challenges should all special educators be prepared to overcome in inclusive co-teaching classrooms? What are the benefits of a co-teaching relationship?
What have your personal experiences as a co-teacher shown you related to student success?
After your conversation with the teacher, spend the remainder of your field experience hours observing and assisting the teacher as he or she teaches, assesses students, and plans for future lessons. Keep notes on the co-teacher’s role in the classroom as well as the professional relationship between the two teachers.
Summarize your observations and conversation in 250 words, citing specific things you noted. Be sure to reflect upon what you thought you might see and what you actually saw. How did your field experience change your views about the role of a co-teacher in an inclusive classroom? Did you note any challenges? Any successes? Compare your observations to what research has shown about important elements of co-teaching relationships. In addition, explain how you will use your findings in your future professional practice.
Support your findings with a minimum of three scholarly resources.
APA format is required, and solid academic writing is expected.
Assignment 3 essential part of being a special educator is writing and implementing IEPs and lesson plans associated with goals on IEPs. Due to legal requirements, special educat