#UrbanEdChat Archive
#UrbanEd chat is a twitter chat for educators. Topics relevant to the subject of urban education will be discussed, but all educators are encouraged to join the conversation. The chats will be moderated by Ben and Neil, founders of Engaging Educators and elementary school teachers in Detroit, MI.
Thursday August 18, 2016
Welcome to the ! Tonight's topic is Special Education.
Welcome to . I would like to welcome you. I am Monica, a Special Education teacher and a data specialist in Houston!
Please introduce yourself, what grade you teach or position, and your location!
Hi! I'm Thomas- 3rd grade in NC!
Gerald High School Curriculum AP in Houston, Tx
Welcome to ! I am glad that you are here!
looking forward to a great discussion tonight!
Thank you! I'm super nervous for my first chat being a moderator!
Exciting! Love the team effort!
Bob Abrams, HS AP, moderator. Happy to be here tonight
I'm excited to have my family hosting the chat tonight this iTech from tx is proud
Me, too! Excited to hear different voices from the wonderful city of Houston, Tx!
Before we start find somebody new to follow to grow your PLN
Thank you for inviting me here. I am proud to be a family member!
Let's welcome our guest host
follows a Q & A Format. Q1/A1 Q2/A2
I am honored to be here! Glad that I took a cat nap after coming home. Refresh and ready to moderate ! https://t.co/5tD1sXPGFv
Let's welcome our guest host
First Question coming up in 1 min
Q1: Identify one thing that you know about Special Education programs in general.
A1: Special Ed = the alphabet soup of education, filled with specialized words that it takes time for someone to learn them
Question 1 https://t.co/SfZTZIGrx5
Q1: Identify one thing that you know about Special Education programs in general.
A1 SPED programs help Ss succeed and transition in classrooms and in the real world
Hi! I made it in. Computer issues. Thanks for the response.
A1 SpEd is an opportunity to assist Ss who learn "differently" & provide them w/ level playing field to achieve w/ their peers.
Special Ed programs turn student's disabilities into possibilities! ๐๐ผ https://t.co/Fv7LhSdNAQ
Q1: Identify one thing that you know about Special Education programs in general.
Hello! I am Jessica and I teach a grade 2/3 split in Regina, SK. Canada.
A1: Too many acronyms! One same goal! Making sure everybody learns
Welcome to ! Glad that you are here joining us!
A1: One thing I know about special education programs in general is that the teachers within them work passionately!
Great answer! https://t.co/FKb90ClsPf
A1 SpEd is an opportunity to assist Ss who learn "differently" & provide them w/ level playing field to achieve w/ their peers.
Yes! You should have seen my face when I first saw the alphabet soup of Special Ed. But I love doing what I do.
Q2: Explain a misconception that you or someone else have about Special Education in general. What made you or someone changed?
A1: SPED helps Ss with disabilities to be successful in school
Thanks. My sped colleagues teach me everyday!
Love this! Teachers work hard for all of our students!
Question 2 https://t.co/eSg5OBrVPb
Q2: Explain a misconception that you or someone else have about Special Education in general. What made you or someone changed?
Be proactive and not reactive! https://t.co/2otBbYW1yu
Early identification is key to a student's success in his future education.
A2: Student-first language (e.g. student with a learning disability vs learning disabled student); affect studentโs thinking
A2 misconceptions: Ss in SpEd are not bright nor can they be in honors/AP classes. <-- Totally false!
A2:Misconception: Special Ed Ss are slow learners. I believe with the right tools/instruction/differentiation anybody can learn
A2 most people think SPED is for a certain group or that it's clearly defined. It's not the case
Yes! We have a student who could not read but is an auditory learner and could spit out Science facts! https://t.co/zxPPtEMgfV
A2 misconceptions: Ss in SpEd are not bright nor can they be in honors/AP classes. <-- Totally false!
Q3: What is one of the main challenges when dealing with a program so diverse as this? Why?
Question 3 https://t.co/Dh0Tg6SiHG
Q3: What is one of the main challenges when dealing with a program so diverse as this? Why?
A2: I have read about the misconception that separate is better. Research is that inclusive classrooms are the best way.
A1: Special Ed programs provide a cushion for students that need a more individualized learning experience
Yes! https://t.co/xL04CNhPUl
A2: I have read about the misconception that separate is better. Research is that inclusive classrooms are the best way.
A2: a lot of people think it's only for "slow" learners. They are not "slow"- they require a more personalized learning enviro
A3: Stakeholders understanding students may not make passing standards, but can show growth (need to digging deeper in data)
A3: The different disabilities and not enough training for gen ed Ts
A3: Consistency with interventions and differentiation
A3: Because I was a GT student, I focus more on that population than the other end of SPED Ss.
A2: also many believe there is only one side to special Ed programs; this is untrue. You may have mods to help improve tests
A3: I think one of the main challenges is that there are many complexities. Ts have the important job of multi-tasking.
Q4: How prepared you were in handling demands of Special Ed your 1st year? Are you still prepared going into this year?
A3: the legality of it all. The paperwork often consumes the time that should be devoted to teaching
A3: many EC teachers spend time in meetings or finishing up paperwork instead of lesson planning
A4: NOT prepared at all during my first day on job, but I slowly grew. We have to continue to learn, esp. SpEd being fluid.
You would need to rely on each other at and outside of your campus if you have questions. Always ask. https://t.co/MrlhSHTShg
I think people are intimidated by accommodations and the legal aspects. If u follow their IEP and Mods u be fine. https://t.co/jTUqZQjDSk
A4: my first year was a nightmare. Had no clue! But I do have a better hang of it.
Keep it up guys! Really enjoying the discussion.
A4: I don't work in a special education program. I have had students integrate in my room. Prepare by learning from others.
Q5: How do you think teacher education programs should be preparing ALL teachers to take on the task of Special Education?
A5: Since majority of students will be in Inclusion settings, build a STRONG support system of SpEd staff + intervention tools
A4: I wasn't prepared my 1st yr. I find myself getting better. But there is room for growth.
A5: I believe in real-life experiences. Literature is important, but nothing like getting your feet wet! Priceless learning.
A5: More hands-on learning with real students!
Late but here. Marella 2nd grade math and SS. Chicago
Never too late to join ! Welcome!
A5: There isn't enough time in the world for that preparation. Each case is different.
Q6: How can the individual campuses and the district support the Special Education program (e.g. partnerships, etc.)?
A6: Allow time for collaboration for stakeholders in SpEd programs/depts all over; and provide ONGOING support and tools
A5: By understanding that not all students r the same- student learning should be individualized with a growth mindset outlook
A6 Work on increasing inclusion, understanding Ss w/ IEPs when is comes to discipline, create meaningful learning exp's for all
Promote the inclusion model, and provide quality PD for T's. Also welcome P's, keep open communication https://t.co/sKayxkgDaZ
Q6: How can the individual campuses and the district support the Special Education program (e.g. partnerships, etc.)?
Marcus. University of Illinois at Chicago. Literacies and race. Tardy...๐
Connect to the students' background knowledge! Perfect!
yes! Need to protect common planning time for co-teaching partners, include sped Ts in curriculum development
A6: Properly staff the dept. Make the SPED dept a priority not an after thought.
A7: I think individual campuses can BUILD relationships and create strong partnerships.
Communication is key! Reach out to parents (and students) about what they need throughout the year! https://t.co/hwmz9D3zi6
Promote the inclusion model, and provide quality PD for T's. Also welcome P's, keep open communication https://t.co/sKayxkgDaZ
Q6: How can the individual campuses and the district support the Special Education program (e.g. partnerships, etc.)?
Yes, you are! :) Welcome to ! Look forward in learning from you!
A6: Individual campuses can build partnerships by creating true relationships with special education programs.
Q7: Is increasing the funds available would help to address the challenges in Special Education?
A6: Funding is next to impossible.
A7: Increased funding always helps out programming. Especially with the needs that technology can provide for.
A7: Evaluation + effectiveness of projects/components are keys to making sure weโre not just throwing money without reason.
Yes, Special Education is at the core of instructional programs and support is needed for it! Love this response.
More money is nice, but utilizing best practices with fidelity and quality PD for T's help S's grow. https://t.co/c61bzIvjsi
Q7: Is increasing the funds available would help to address the challenges in Special Education?
A7: honestly I don't think so. The funding should go toward assistive technology services- laws should be amended not funded
Q8: What suggestions do you give to new teachers who may not have experience with the Special Education program?
A8: Patience. Rely on experienced teachers/leaders to guide on meeting the needs of ALL learners. Ask questions if unsure.
A8: My suggestion is to participate in chats like these ones, build your PLN and to volunteer in any capacity possible.
A8: Ask questions, do your research, lesson plan with a purpose, reflect, OBSERVE, and do your best!
A8: Be open. The special education teachers have the same goal. Success for all learners.
Q9: Any final thoughts that you would like to share about Special Education?
A7: Yes, but in the form of monies that are not attached to the same old strings. More control. https://t.co/eDFn1ehrTM
Q7: Is increasing the funds available would help to address the challenges in Special Education?
Always do your best. Learn from your mistakes. That is what I do. https://t.co/BIvOGThjKh
A8: Ask questions, do your research, lesson plan with a purpose, reflect, OBSERVE, and do your best!
A8: consistency and high expectations.
Thank you for sharing this with ! https://t.co/gmR1ycSYOF
be willing to try new approaches to reach students in different ways.
When T's and admin ensure that ALL students receive the best education then everyone benefits. https://t.co/idyPxG7Doq
Q9: Any final thoughts that you would like to share about Special Education?
A9: Just a shout-out to all the Ts out there that work so hard to celebrate the uniqueness of every student day in and out! ๐
Thank you, and () for providing assistance during the August 18th !
Thank you for joining us for ! A very special thanks to for moderating.
YES! I am excited to learn with the best of the best! https://t.co/lrqNewWGwZ
A9: Just a shout-out to all the Ts out there that work so hard to celebrate the uniqueness of every student day in and out! ๐
Love it! ALL students. We should always strive to grow alongside our students. https://t.co/K5E84G03mW
When T's and admin ensure that ALL students receive the best education then everyone benefits. https://t.co/idyPxG7Doq
Q9: Any final thoughts that you would like to share about Special Education?
Thank you for having me here on ! Great way to start the new school year! https://t.co/brDDwrdbWY
Thank you for joining us for ! A very special thanks to for moderating.
A9: Respect the students. Respect the fact they do have a need and it's up to you to be their saving grace
Much of what Special Education teachers do is good for all students. "Regular" can learn from y'all. https://t.co/udLf99ZJMf
Q9: Any final thoughts that you would like to share about Special Education?
