Program Development

Estimated 8 Hours to Complete Module

Program Development is a comprehensive and challenging task. In the ever-changing field of special education, educators are required to make changes frequently. Philosophical views, fiscal responsibilities, personnel shifts, and legal issues oftentimes influence decisions made regarding these changes. A continuum of services should address the needs of all students with disabilities.

1. (1 hr) Ask three people around your school how they would define the term inclusion. Locate a formal definition of inclusion. Compare these to your own personal definition of inclusion and upload your comparison to your online portfolio.

2. (.75 hr) Complete the Readiness for Inclusion learning object.

a. List at least 3 actions you and/or personnel in your school can do or take to improve the climate for inclusive special education.

b. Print and save completed module to your portfolio.

3. (1 hr) Choose one of the following articles to read.

a. Strategies and Resources to Evaluate the Impact of Inclusion Programs on Students by Spencer J. Salend

b. Bright Futures for Exceptional Learners: An Action Agenda to Achieve Quality Conditions for Teaching and Learning by the Commission on the Conditions for Special Education Teaching and Learning

Include the following in a brief reflection:

i. One new thing you learned from the article.

ii. Two questions you have regarding the article.

iii. Briefly comment on the relevance of the article on your classroom.

iv. Upload your reflection to your online portfolio.

4. (.75 hr) Complete the Responsible/Irresponsible Inclusion learning object.

a. Print and save your summary to your online portfolio.

b. Ask a colleague in your building to complete the module and compare your results.

5. (1.5 hrs) Individually complete the Redefining Personnel Roles learning object.

a. Select your primary role to begin.

b. Next, complete the other roles.

c. Save your completed product to your portfolio.

d. Now, ask the personnel in two of the roles at your school to complete the survey as well.

e. Compare their results with yours.

f. Write a short reflection about the results and upload it to your online portfolio.

6. (1 hr) Go to the Collaborative Consultation training module.

a. Click on the Force Field Analysis learning object.

b. View the PowerPoint.

c. Complete Force Field Analysis parts one and two.

i. NOTE: Be sure to save part one in your portfolio before going on to part two.

d. You may want to refer to the information that you learned while completing the redefining personnel roles module to help you create your action plan.

e. Save your completed learning objects to your portfolio.

7. (.5 hr) Complete the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and Continuum of Supports and Services module and save the final product to your online portfolio.

8. (1 hr) Enter the Program Planning learning object.

a. Explore the examples provided.

b. Create your own program plan.

i. Due to the depth necessary for this activity, it is suggested that you initially download the MS word version to complete and then input it at one time.

c. Save your plan to your online portfolio.

9. (.5 hr) Complete the Time for Collaboration learning object.

a. Go to the forum and engage in a discussion about your list.

10. (1 hr) Enter the Paraeducators as Part of the Team learning object.

a. Complete the Work Style activity within the learning object.

i. Have your paraeducator also complete this section.

ii. Compare your results.

b. Complete two of the available case studies. You may utilize the problem solving worksheet, but it is not required.

c. Sit down with your paraeducator and complete a schedule. Write a brief reflection about the process and how your paraeducator felt about the above activities. Upload this to your online portfolio.

11. Evaluation:

a. Complete the included evaluation form for the Program Development training module.