Benchmark Special Education Foundations and Framework

SPE-330

January 15, 2017

Holly Chidester

                                              Benchmark Special Education Foundations and Framework

                                                         Case study #3

                        The classroom environment is important in promoting learning. Every Teacher must ensure that the classroom setting provides an enabling atmosphere from which learning can take place. A student like Micah who is in the 11th grade and has learning disabilities in the areas of written expression and reading comprehension may be highly challenging. Given that he is involved in extracurricular activities in school and is very social proves that Micah has the ability to learn just like the rest of the students. However, his special needs may require more than just the normal learning environment. Clearly, Micah seems to like most students of his age however, does not like to stand out from his peers and receiving unnecessary attention is quite disturbing for him. This makes him feel different from the others in his classes.

                 According to Stevens and Schulte (2016), a number of factors would determine the most appropriate classroom setting that would best fit Micah. His personalities, the available resources, the social relationship among others stand out as some of the most important elements to consider when making this selection. In fact, it would be important to provide Micah with every support he needs. Most significantly, including him in the classroom/general education setting, an intensive reading class along with resource time is needed for academic support as needed to maintain grade level skills. This will enable him get all the support he needs and the opportunity for reinforcement of daily curriculum to achieve the success for his educational needs.

Heidinger (2009) mentions that most learners with special needs find it hard to fit in the social groups around them despite the efforts put because of the stigma that comes with such disabilities. Micah is a child whose commitment to overcome the problem is admirable. It would be important for the teachers to identify this problem long before Micah suffers more and provides the necessary assistance. An effective classroom setting would help Micah fight the challenges he is going through especially if the social surrounding is unfavorable. As such, the best classroom setting that would be most appropriate for Micah is that which is sensitive to his special needs (O'Connor, Fulmer, Harty & Bell, 2005).

                 With the advancing technology we have today, it would be essential to utilize the sophisticated and modern learning systems in Micah’s classroom. The teachers handling Micah should be able to deploy the computer-aided techniques to help Micah with his reading and spelling problems. Integrating technology is essential given that it helps keep students more engaged in the curriculum. Students with special needs such as Micah are taught and are able to go at their own pace while learning. what is necessary is “using the computer to enhance lectures, create and give presentations, and take students on virtual field trips” (Heidinger 2009). It does not only make learning easy but also fun. The problems Micah is facing become less intense when technology is involved. Micah is at a point where he can easily give up on learning if certain critical measures are not taken into consideration.