One of the main course standards of EDU 222: Introduction to the Exceptional Learner is within Arizona State Professional

Teacher Standard 9: Demonstrates knowledge of disabilities and their educational implications. Upon completing practicum hours and the course, I wrote this reflection about my altered views of people with disabilities and my ability to educate them. My answers were based on experiences in regular and self-contained classrooms, an IEP review meeting, and in-class discussions, learning, and multimedia presentations. This set of documents shows reflective practice on experiences and demonstrates my level of knowledge of working with students with disabilities at that time. The first document, Special Education Observation, is a report of an observation in a selfcontained environment, in which I spent time documenting the activities of the class, and some of the student behaviors I witnessed. I was amazed by the teachers composure, patience, and understanding with the students. From having now taught in my own classroom and experiencing students with disabilities on a daily basis (although not to the extent of the self-contained classroom), I understand what a challenge it can be. It is a constant test of yourself and your teaching ability to ensure that each student is successful. Modifications to procedures, lesson differentiation, and an understanding of each individual child and their needs are necessary to ensure this success. Another document that records my developing understanding of working with children with special needs is the IEP Observation. In this instance, I attended an IEP review meeting for a student in my mentors classroom. I had the opportunity to observe and work with the student and class 2 days a week for a nine week quarter. I feel that having interned in the classroom assisted in my understanding and perception of the meeting, since I had the opportunity to get to know the student. I appreciated being able to attend and observe each of the team members input. Additionally, I was able to witness the parent communication in a meeting, which benefitted me when I had to attend meetings of my own. My mentors input, such as discussing the students reading level, and the use of specific examples from class, gave me a strong example of what I should expect to input when attending IEP reviews. Lastly, the Course Reflection document provided me with an opportunity to reconsider all that I had learned from our class and my experiences that quarter. It allowed me to consider the assumptions I had previously held about individuals with disabilities, and to explore my new attitude regarding these students. I also considered how I would use the learning to inform future practice. I concluded that my biggest impact on such students would be in differentiating the learning environment. This is an important practice because it helps all students. By varying groupings and offering choices to show learning, you invite students to more enthusiastically engage in their learning. The overall experience of this course and internship has helped to shape my philosophy and practice of teaching in a diverse classroom.