Philosophy Of Special Education Examples – Understanding how to help and educate kids with disabilities fully is central to the special education philosophy. It involves being aware of each student’s requirements and developing an inclusive learning environment that satisfies them. There are numerous special education philosophies, each with its own principles and procedures, such as the method of Differentiated Instruction.
We’ll look at some of these concepts in this blog and consider how to use them in the classroom. You’ll understand how we might help special education children, from the conventional approach of “pull-out” services to the more contemporary approach of “inclusion” classes, informed by Universal Design for Learning principles. So let’s examine the various special education philosophies to see how they may contribute to making the classroom a more welcoming and interesting for all children, a concept explored in depth by the National Center on Universal Design for Learning.
What Is A Special Education Philosophy?
The philosophy of special education is a set of ideas and precepts that directs the instruction of children with disabilities. It is a comprehensive strategy that outlines the special education field’s aims and objectives and the approaches taken to accomplish them. The nature of disabilities, the role of the teacher, the goal of education, and the rights of students with disabilities can all be part of a special education philosophy. It can also involve certain teaching techniques, evaluation methodologies, and inclusion and cooperation initiatives. For more information about special education in general, the U.S. Department of Education offers a wealth of resources.
What Are Philosophy Of Special Education Examples?
There are several examples of teaching philosophy special education, including:
- The traditional pull-out model strongly emphasizes giving children with disabilities specialized training away from their counterparts without disabilities.
- The inclusion model: This educational approach strongly emphasizes teaching students with disabilities in regular education settings and offering support services.
- The person-centered model: This educational concept strongly emphasizes using person-centered planning and tailored instruction to address each student’s specific requirements.
- The social-constructivist model: This school of thought strongly emphasizes using cooperative and collaborative learning techniques and social contact in the learning process.
- The neurodiversity model: This way of thinking stresses accommodating and supporting students with impairments and acknowledging neurological variations as a natural and valuable part of human diversity.
While each approach to special education has its principles and methods, they all work to promote the most efficient and inclusive approach to educating students with disabilities.
Philosophy Of Special Education Types
There are several different types of philosophy of special education, each with its own set of beliefs and practices. Some of the most common types include:
- The medical model: is a way of thinking that sees disabilities as illnesses that need to be treated or cured. It strongly emphasizes the use of testing and evaluation to determine the deficiencies and impairments of pupils and the application of specialized training to remediate such deficiencies. Instead of emphasizing the student’s talents and skills, this method frequently focuses on what is “wrong” with the student and how to remedy it.
- The rehabilitation model: According to this way of thinking, disabilities are just obstacles that may be overcome with therapy and rehabilitation. It strongly emphasizes using specialized education and therapy to assist pupils in acquiring societally relevant abilities. Instead of encouraging pupils to reach their full potential, this method frequently focuses on helping them adapt to society’s standards.
- The Social Model: According to this theory, prejudice and societal impediments are to blame for disability. It highlights the necessity of removing these obstacles and building a more inclusive society. Instead of attempting to “cure” what is “wrong” with the kid, this approach typically focuses on encouraging individuals with disabilities to advocate for themselves and fully engage in society.
- The Inclusion Model is a way of thinking that strongly emphasizes educating children with disabilities in regular education settings and offering them support resources. Based on the idea that all students, including those with disabilities, ought to have access to the same curriculum and learning and socialization opportunities, this strategy was developed. It strongly emphasizes developing inclusive learning environments where all children are valued and respected and have access to the same curriculum, learning opportunities, and socialization experiences.
- The Ecological Model: According to this way of thinking, students’ limitations result from their interactions with their surroundings. It emphasizes the significance of considering how the student, family, school, and community interact to comprehend the student’s needs and offer suitable support. To build an inclusive and supportive learning environment, this method typically focuses on knowing the student’s distinctive skills and abilities and the barriers and supports in the student’s surroundings.
- The theory of multiple intelligences (MI): highlights that people differ in their aptitudes for various tasks, including linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic intelligence. According to this method, children should be taught in ways that play to their strengths and aptitudes rather than being pressured to follow a rigid curriculum.
Each of these philosophies has distinctive beliefs and ways of doing things and may differ in their priorities and methods. To suit the requirements of their pupils, special education teachers might either choose to adhere to a particular ideology or take a more eclectic approach.
About Us:
Jennifer Hanson is a dedicated and seasoned writer specializing in the field of special education. With a passion for advocating for the rights and needs of children with diverse learning abilities, Jennifer uses her pen to educate, inspire, and empower both educators and parents alike.