Guiding Questions

Which of the disabilities included in IDEA could be considered invisible? What might be
the impact of having a disability that was invisible as compared to one that is visible?

An invisible disability included in IDEA would be a cognitive disability that affects the
students ability to express knowledge, difficulty with memory, perception and basic
knowledge skills. This is seen in children with learning disabilities who develop academic
skills at a slower rate. The impact of this type of disability often times, can go undiagnosed
for many years. Large classroom sizes and overwhelmed educators can have certain children
with learning disabilities fall through the cracks. Children that exhibit average to below
abilities struggle to keep up. A typical student that can get a worksheet done in 20 minutes,
might take a child with a learning disability 40 minutes, or perhaps they can only complete
half of the assignment.
When a child has a visible disability, especially children with a physical disability, more
attention is placed upon the child. Special needs whether it be a wheelchair, communicative
devices, or other types of assistance are met accordingly. Often IEPs are automatically put
in place and all types of testing occur. When it is a visible disability it is much easier to
take the necessary steps in order to meet a childs specific needs. Learning disabilities are
much harder to diagnosis.

List and briefly define the continuum of special education placement options. What are the
advantages and disadvantages?
General education classroom this is a setting where students attend for up to 80% of the
school day and the general education teacher makes some modifications to the childs
instruction and curriculum. General education teachers already provide this by differentiated
instruction. The advantage is that students are with their peers. The disadvantage is that they
fall further and further behind because that cant keep up with instruction.
Resource classrooms provide students with small class size in which a resource teacher will
assist in academic instruction for approximately 40% to 79% of the school day. The
advantage is that a struggling learner can feel successful in a small class setting and build
self-confidence. The disadvantage is that as students get older they start to notice they are
different and this is where labels and self-esteem issues can come into play.
Separate classroom which is also often called self-contained. Students are usually placed in
these classrooms and receive some general education programs such as specials like Music,
Art, P.E., but for most of the day they are in a separate small class with a teacher and
sometimes a paraprofessional. This is very successful program for students with high
functioning autism. It allows them the safe haven of a small classroom setting, with students
that have similar needs. It is especially helpful when they are frustrated and need an
understanding learning environment. The disadvantage is that they are not getting the full
socialization with their peers.
Separate schools are publicly or privately operated schools that have programs specifically
designed for students with special needs. Advantage is that these programs can cater to
specific learning needs. The disadvantage is that children are not with general education
students, learning and modeling important socializing skills.
Residential programs are in public or private facilities that receive 24 hour care. This is the
most restrictive environment and is usually only needed for severe disabilities. This type of
setting is advantageous if a child can benefit from round the clock care. The disadvantage is
that they would not be able to have the experience of regular interactions with their peers.

How might general education teachers encourage a multicultural education in their
classrooms and schools? Support your response with specific examples.
Teachers have to be careful when it comes to multicultural education as they need to follow
the guidelines and policies within the school system. They need to understand that if they are
teaching within the public school setting they will experience a vast cultural, social, ethnic
and religious diverse population. It is so important to have an understanding of not only
ethnic cultures but religious ones as well. The first and most important step for a teacher to
take is to educate themselves on cultural differences as well as cultural issues. Sometimes its
human nature to evaluate a situation based upon our own perspective. If we are
knowledgeable about cultural differences it will allow educators to acquire a better
understanding of their students. It will also enable them to not personalize certain behaviors.
It is human nature to formulate strong opinions of what we as Americans believe. We are
raised with a certain belief system that defines who we are. An argument I often hear is that a
child who is receiving services is not a US citizen and yet their parents are difficult and
sometimes demanding of their expectations. My response is wouldnt you be? Wouldnt
you want expect the best for your child? In these types of situations we must force ourselves
to look beyond our political beliefs and evaluate the child because we care what is best for
them, regardless of their parents immigration status.
In order to encourage multicultural education in the classroom and schools a teacher might
incorporate an International Feast within a Social Studies lesson, encouraging the children to
investigate their nationalities. A lot of schools will host an annual International Fair,
encouraging students to participate. Expectations of behavior needs to start at the top, by
modeling appropriate behavior, taking advantage of teaching moments, and educating
ourselves and our students on the diversity of our country.