Current Education Issues and Policies Reflection
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Current Education Issues and Policies Reflection
I interviewed a special education department chair, and a special education lead teacher on current issues and policies affecting special education. The interview revealed that the professionals remain informed about current special education issues and policies by active engagement in special needs advocacy communities, reading special education newsletters and blogs, and attending professional conferences and board meetings regularly. The professionals attend school board meetings, which mainly entail resolving day-to-day challenges facing the current school administration based on special educational needs and concerns. The special education department chair and special education lead teacher also have an affiliation with professional organizations outside the school district, such as the National Organization on Disability. The professional organizations help provide relevant insight and resources for addressing some challenges within contemporary special needs education.
Individuals in leadership positions must know how to effectively relay the current special education issues and policies to school employees. The interviewed professionals highlighted that they communicate with school members such as employees through official memos and e-mails. Memos deliver information to all organizational members, while e-mails may be used to address individuals. Nevertheless, challenges exist in keeping all employees up-to-date regarding current special education issues and challenges. Some challenges entail not becoming aware of all new challenges or policies, which may hinder an updated approach to resolving them within the special education institution. Not following current special education policies has many ramifications, including legal implications for policy violation and failure to deliver high-quality special education services according to the current educational standards.
The interviewees also offered special advice about becoming better in their position. They noted that the special education system is challenging, and it is important for one to remain actively interested in learning about new special education issues and policies. Besides, special education professionals must apply research-based interventions to solve special education concerns. Finally, the professional advice they provided for future special education teachers is to use their position to help special education children achieve their learning goals and objectives effectively.
The interview findings influence my future career in the field by preparing me for associated challenges and issues. Different leadership roles have some similar and unique concerns. The special education department chair and special education lead teacher assist special learners with fulfilling learning outcomes. However, the special education department chair serves as head of the department, assisting department members on curriculum, instructional strategies, and data usage in determining learners’ needs. On the other hand, the special education lead teacher interacts with the learners in the classroom, providing them with support and instructions to facilitate their participation in learning. The lead teachers are also tasked with assessing learners’ abilities and behavior patterns and keeping a record of learners’ progress.