EDSD 7075 Walden University Evolution of Special Education Discussion
Special education has evolved from its original concerns based on the Civil Rights movement, with cases such as Brown v. Board of Education back in 1954 to embrace an inclusive educational system for all students, despite their exceptionalities. Although disproportionality continues to be an issue, special education has tackled concerns of unequal opportunities within the general education setting, assessment, and overall academic achievement, as well as referral/eligibility and policy changes. For this Assignment, you will reflect on the evolution of the field of special education, reflect on Walden’s mission of social change and how it applies to Special Education, describe how you will stay current in the field, and explain how you will ensure students with exceptionalities will be contributing members of society. To Prepare: Review Chapter 52 in the Florian text, reflecting on how special education has evolved as a result of federal reforms. Review the Leko et al. article identifying aspects of personnel needed to prepare for the future of special education. Consider evidence from the research to support your plan. Review the teacher’s guide for involving students and parents in transition planning in the Cavendish et al. article. Review the Hirano et al. article, reflecting on the conceptual model for parental involvement and transition planning. Professional and Theoretical Knowledge Create a 2- to 3-page paper that includes the following components: A reflection on the evolution of the field of special education by describing where it is currently at and where it is heading. A reflection on how Walden’s mission of social change relates to and has an impact on you as a special educator. A description of how you will stay current on key topics, laws, and practices in the field of special education. An explanation of how you will ensure students with exceptionalities will be contributing members of society. Include at least one reference to college and career readiness skills and discuss how transition plans can support your ideas. Learning Resources Required Readings Florian, L. (Ed.). (2014). The SAGE handbook of special education (2nd ed.). London, England: Sage Publications Ltd. Chapter 49, “What Do Classroom Teachers Need to Know About Meeting Special Education Needs?” (pp. 841–858) Chapter 50, “The Professional Knowledge of Inclusive Special Educators” (pp. 859–872) Chapter 52, “Changing Perspectives of Special Education in the Evolving Context of Standards-Based Reforms in the US and England” (pp. 889–914) Cavendish, W., Connor, D. J., & Rediker, E. (2016). Engaging students and parents in transition-focused individualized education programs. Intervention in School and Clinic, DOI:1053451216659469. Leko, M.M., Brownell, M.T., Sindelar, P.T., & Kiely, M.T. (2015). Envisioning the future of special education personnel preparation in a standards-based era. Exceptional Children, 82(1), 25-43. doi: 10.1177/0014402915598782 Hirano, K. A., & Rowe, D. A. (2016). A conceptual model for parent involvement in secondary special education. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 27(1), 43-53. doi: 10.1177/1044207315583901