Choice Assignment Options

Purpose:

Students will synthesize content knowledge relating to the historical and legal background of special education and current practices of inclusion
Students will demonstrate comprehension of the diversity of students with special needs, service delivery options and the resulting impact for classrooms, home and community.
Students will reflect on their attitudes regarding persons with disabilities
Students will begin to identify a personal philosophy of special education and/or inclusion.

Description:

The inclusion paper will provide the student with an opportunity to synthesize and reflect upon content presented through lecture slides, field experiences, activities, movie clips and the course text. The paper will contain five major sections that may be sub-divided according to individual preference. The five major sections include:

1. Trace the background of inclusion – identify the top five historical and/or legal events that had the greatest impact on our current practice. Explain the importance of the event.

2. Discuss the current status of inclusion (what is required by law, current guidelines and structure).

3. Reflect on your experiences – How were students with special needs/diversity included in your classrooms when you were in school?

4. Design an inclusion classroom by identifying the level of diversity present, the impact of the diversity on the classroom and how you might arrange your classroom or activities to accommodate such a level of diversity.

5. Reflection: How does the focus on inclusion affect your viewpoint/philosophy of educating children with special needs?

In sections 1, 2, and 4, you are required to tie you writing back to the course readings and other sources. Appropriate APA style citations are required.

The inclusion papers must be 3-5 pages in length, double-spaced, and letter quality type face (preferably laser type printer).