Wednesday, February 10, 2010
527 Week #3
I have really enjoyed all of the discussions and the two videos this week. I think they brought up some important ideas and philosophies. I really like the idea of viewing our schools as a system ultimately within a system . It seems so much of what we do in our schools is compartmentalized. The issue of compartmentalization is something our department is dealing with right now. There are differing views between the regular education teachers and special education teachers in the amount and type of modifications that students need and are receiving. Neither one of the two sides see themselves as working together in a system but rather as an isolated unit geared solely for student success. To break this issue down more simply the question is how do modifications help special education students function in the system of our school? More importantly how will these modifications affect the students success once outside the shelter of the school environment? To answer these questions effectively one must consider what the students plan on doing after graduation. If they plan on going to college at a competitive four year school then the modifications should be geared to help them have the most success in that environment/system. If they plan on going to a trade school or Tec College then the modification should be designed for that type of system. I really like the idea of viewing things as a system in which we are only on small part. I give each of my students one of my favorite quotes on my syllabus regarding systems. The quote comes from Joseph Campbell and is as follows: "Is the system going to flatten you out and deny you your humanity, or are you going to be able to make use of the system to the attainment of human purposes?"
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2 comments:
Your comments about compartmentalization seem true. At our schools it sometimes seems like the opinions or views of the special needs educators are at odds with those of the regular education staff. That might be the case because teachers might somtimes see the special needs services as a panacea for students with special needs. Maybe a more integrated approach would be better.
The systems videos were interesting. They are very applicable to schools, where like you say, there are systems within systems. As you mentioned, the school itself is a system within other systems.
Eric, Nice job discussing the system issue. I so agree for a successful system the special needs and classroom teacher must "be on the same page". I have found it so important to work closely with the many special needs teachers that support my students. After all we are a team designed to help our students succeed.
PS -- I hope you realized that I was giving you a hard time regarding the "age" comment. It is hard to smile over an audio conference:)
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