The purpose of this assignment is to showcase what you have learned as it pertains to the field of special education in the course; specifically in the areas of 1) history and laws, 2) policies, processes and procedures, and 3) your personal philosophy in a comprehensive, professional and organized manner. You will use Google Sites Links to an external site.or a tool/platform of your choice to create your ePortfolio. This is an actual working website that you can enable for others to view and can serve as documentation of your learning and self reflection, referenced for later use and added to over the course of your program, and/or serve as a potential training guide for stakeholders interested to learn more about special education and your philosophy.
Your portfolio will need to contain the following elements and completed in 3 parts. Complete part 3 as an add on to parts 1 and 2.
Part 1: History and Laws (2 pages)
Create a timeline of significant events/court cases (minimum of 5) leading to changes in legislation, policies and/or practices in schools for students with special needs. In 3-5 paragraphs, summarize the key parts/elements of IDEA, ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and ESSA. Provide a rationale for how these laws have promoted positive outcomes for students with special needs. You may reference findings from the Scavenger Hunt, Venn Diagram and Case Briefing weekly activities as you complete this task.
Part 2: Policies, processes and procedures (2 pages)
As a special educator, explain your role in: 1) identification and evaluation process, 2) implementation of IEPs and 3) working with families. Include 3-5 details in each area on specific processes and/or procedures to be followed.
Part 3: Personal philosophy (2 pages)
Create your philosophy of necessary qualities of a special education teacher using an equity and inclusion lens. Reference 3 ethical standards in your response. Develop 3 statements of commitment as to the types of professional development and/or learning experiences you hope to engage in over the next year.
The ePortfolio should address the material using college level writing, critical thought and APA formatting for sources. Be sure to include a title/introduction page, cite sources as appropriate and include a references page for full citations. In addition, you are encouraged to be creative by including graphics, visuals and/or media. Content should be designed to clearly and concisely address the material accurately and with research justification.
