Special Education Reflection Journal [WLOs: 2, 3] [CLO: 1]

Special Education Reflection Journal

[WLOs: 2, 3] [CLO: 1]

Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum, review Chapters 6 and 7 from the course text, Legal Rights of School Leaders, Teachers and Students.

Introduction

According to Maureen Costello, the director of Teaching Tolerance, we all have implicit biases. These implicit biases are unconscious and involuntary. Fortunately, Costello offers a solution concerning personal bias. She says, “We can mitigate them. We can interrupt them. You can train your mind to catch yourself. It’s like breaking a habit, but the first thing you have to do is become aware of the habit” (Flannery, 2015). Biases regarding student’s ability levels are common in special education and can result in expectations that fail to challenge or support a child’s education. “Special education is the most heavily litigated area of school law. As the rights of students with disabilities have expanded since 1975, parents and their children with disabilities have well-defined legal rights and clearly articulated procedural due-process rights” (McCarthy et al., 2018).

Disability Implicit Association Test

To complete this journal, you will first need to take the Disability Implicit Association Test (IAT)Links to an external site., one of several tests developed to educate the public about hidden implicit biases. On the webpage, read the disclaimer and then select “I wish to proceed” at the bottom of the page. Select the button labeled “Disability IAT” and follow the instructions to take the test. The test takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Write

After you take the test, do not report your results. Instead, use the experience as background information to respond to the following questions in your journal:

• Were you surprised by your results? Why or why not?

• Do you have a professional or personal experience that you think impacted your results?

• What impact do you believe your result has on your instructional and leadership practices?

• How does understanding your own implicit bias better equip you for respectful engagement with diverse populations?

RUBRIC

1. Responds with a thorough reflection that is related to all aspects of the journal prompt. Applies professional, personal, relevant prior knowledge, and/or other real-world experiences in a manner that is rich in thought and provides valuable insight into the topic. Analyzes preconceptions and biases by deconstructing elements of personal assumptions and synthesizes own awareness using new modes of thinking.

2. Effectively communicates ideas or points in a logical and organized manner. Reflections are sophisticated and formulate wholly appropriate and pertinent connections between the journal topic and relevant prior knowledge.

3. Journal contains no errors related to grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.