Class+6+Friday+January+25+Keri+Stewart

Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Video ~ Inclusion in New York: An Inside View Read Chapter 6 in text
 * Discussions for today:**
 * Prepare for next class:**


 * Individualized Education Plan (IEP)**


 * The ABC's of Individual Planning

Definition:** ~ An IEP is a global term referring to a written document developed and implemented by a team, outlining a plan to address the individual learning needs of a student.

~ collaborative ~ comprised of seven* essential components ~ a global term referring to a variety of written formats ~ a "work in progress" reviewed at intervals throughout the year
 * An IEP is:**


 * Seven Essential Componants**
 * 1) Identification and background information
 * 2) Current levels of performance
 * 3) Student specific outcomes
 * 4) Performance objectives
 * 5) Methods, materials, and strategies
 * 6) Names of team members who will implement the IEP and the settings where it will be implemented.
 * 7) Plans and timelines for evaluation and review. (The current level of preformance to student specific outcomes. What are the steps to get there?)

~ A description of everything that is taught ~ Restricted to curriculum issues and concerns ~ Just for students with severe disabilities ~ Limited to classroom resources
 * An IEP is __NOT:__**

~ If it is determined that differentiated instruction and adaptations will be insufficient to assist the pupil in meeting the expected learning outcomes.
 * Who Needs and IEP?**

~ That the IEP is prepared with the assistance of the pupils teacher ~ It takes into account the pupils behaviour or health care needs, If any. ~ That the pupils parents, and the pupil is appropriate, are given the opportunity to participate in the planning.
 * The principal must ensure:**

1. Gathering and Sharing Information 2. Setting direction 3. Developing and writing the IEP 4. Implementing and reviewing the IEP
 * IEP Development and Implementation Process**

"Inclusion in New York: An Inside View"
 * Video Clip:

Clip #1** This clip was discussing the topic of inclusion in the classroom and was focused specifically on a classroom in New York. This clip showed different educators being interviewed specifically talking about their involvement in inclusion. The overall impression that this clip left on the viewer was that inclusion was a positive thing and it allowed for many benefits on the student with special needs as well as the teachers and other students within the classroom. It creates opportunities for eduators to work together and plan units or programs. It allows for special education teachers (becuase in the United States you get a seperate degree to work specifically with students with special needs) to participate in the "normal" classroom setting. The clip also goes on to discuss the positive benefits for the students with special needs and the "regular" students. Saying that there are both socially as well as academic advantages to be had. One interesting thing that this clip pointed out was that inclusion was a step-by-step process and that change takes time. In other words, teachers need to try different things to see what works for them in their specific situations.

This clip also states that inclusion has overall benefits for everyone whom is involved. It suggests that inclusion offers an opportunity for all students to succeed even if they are learning things at an adapted level. It allows for students with disabilities to relate to their community (something that they may not have had the chance to do otherwise) such as learn the names of their neighbours, community stores, meet new peers. This is interesting becuase the kids are learning valuable things that are not only academic. One other thing that inclusion allows children to build is their self-esteem. Teacher involvement in inclusion was also something that was mentioned in this clip. I found this interesting becuase it said that teachers need to adapt assignments and activities to the inclusion curriculum. This could be as simple as following directions or getting students to participate. The curriculum is already adapted to the different learning needs of "regular" students so it is not that much harder to adapt to students with special needs. An example they give for this is student biographies. In this casse the class had done biography bookelts on themselves complete with pictures and information pages. This assignemnt could easily be adapted for studetns with special needs. It also allows for that student to present their work to the class (building their self-esteem and pride in their work) and allowing for their classmates to better get to know them.
 * Clip #2**