Classroom Observation Kathleen Garcia 12/05/15 EDCC 330 Dr. Cosier

Where Did I go?  Bethesda Elementary School  Special Education Program  Jill Cahill: Head of special education

Self-Contained Classroom  Cata:  Rett Syndrome  3 rd Grade  Been there since Kindergarten  Yes= Looks up  No= Looks down

Self-Contained Classroom Cont.  Tools Used:  Tobii Device:  Step by step recording device  Partner Assistance scanning:  Yes or no response  Ex: Cata means yes when she looks up  Tips: Keep hands busy with blocks or straws

Lesson #1:  Spelling Words:  Works on one words for one week  Technique:  Writes letters on little board  Students chooses the letters for the words  Ex: word was “flag”, Cata spelled “fleg”  Teacher writes Cata’s answers on sheet

Lesson #2:  Math: Money  Start with money song  Has problems on big board and little board  Teacher gives students 3 answer choices  Lasted about 10 minutes

Roles Students Have:  Students have jobs:  One student has to go into Cata’s bag and get her snacks first thing in the morning  Other jobs such as setting things away, cleaning up, pushing chairs in  Also jobs around the school  *Kids love to be included*

General Inclusion:  Cata and Jahamal spend about 2-3 hours a day in this classroom  Jahamal has his friend Abby who helps him  When on the carpet, Jahamal has a cushion seat to have him be more comfortable  Paraeducator never leaves them  Before students come in this classroom, they have gone over the material in self-contained classroom

General Inclusion Cont.  Students are included throughout everything with a help of a partner  Once students walk into general inclusion classroom, they automatically get included in the lesson the other students are doing  They have there own desks waiting for them (Makes them feel included)

Teacher Interview:  Philosophy of Educating regarding your students with disabilities:  Students have an opportunity to learn with peers in inclusive setting  With correct modifications, students with disabilities can always learn from peers through academics, behaviors, and socially  All students can learn if one meets their individual needs

Teacher Interview Cont.  Different teaching approaches you use:  Most lessons have pictures or props to allow them to see better, touch, and interact  Lessons need to be taught multiple times  Songs are used when beginning to learn, during breaks for movement, or when completing their jobs  Tries to have students become as independent as possible

Teaching Interview Cont.  Strengths and Weakness of different teaching approaches:  TIME: never enough time to modify materials, work on IEP goals and objectives  Getting to know students to find what works best for them

Teaching Interview Cont.  What would you tell a college student who is aiming to becoming a special education teacher one day?:  Get into the classroom NOW  This job is NOT easy  Have an open mind every day and know some days will be amazing and others will be horrible  In the end, happiness and success of students is all that matters!