Observation of Child with IEP #1

First of all let me introduce to you my 4-year old student named John. He has been in my classroom for 2 years although I was hired back in August. When he came to the center he didn't talk other than saying mama, daddy, and a few other basic words. John did not wear clothes at home and they had special locks on the doors at school because he was a "runner." John had no idea of how to interact with others nor did he know how to communicate with his teachers. This school year is has progressed so much! He has been like a sponge! John can now talk 2 or 3 word phrases! Not only does John wear clothes, he is almost fully potty trained. John is capable of counting to 13 and he can identify his name no matter where it is! I was contacting a parent this week and he got out the phone book and found his name in the book. Obviously the person had a different last name but that isn't the point. John concentrates so hard on his work because he is so eager to learn! John now will also take naps! In the past we had to allow him to do different activities to keep him busy just to keep him from screaming and waking the kids up. I chose to do my study on John because I have watched him grow so much and I can't wait to see the progress he makes over the upcoming weeks. This week he was only in school on Friday because he has been sick. If I haven't already mentioned, I am the lead teacher in this particular classroom. I will advise you of his actual IEP goals and diagnosis next week. I first wanted you to meet John through my eyes before meeting him through the eyes with the magnifying glass of a disability. I hope you enjoy learning about John and praise his success as much as I do.

IDEIA of 2004

    To begin with, IDEIA stands for Individuals with Dissabilities Education Imrpovements Act. It was signed into place On December3, 2004 by President Bush.It simply reauthorized the IDEA. IDEIA acknowledged that the amount of paperwork is a burden and streamlined the IEP's as well as other required documentation. It also makes sure that there are highly qualified teachers and increased the amount of accountability of students in the system. It was also put into place to reduce the amount of students that were placed in special education classes due to cultural and linguistic background reasoning. IDEIA ensured discipline for students by providing students with special education needs the right to free and public education. IDEIA also provided funding for professional development for special educators.

     The influence it has had on Special Education is the fact that it is making educators accountable for children with special needs. It is making sure that these children are being taught in the most appropriate environment and it is free for these children just like typical children have a right to free education. I feel like it is in place to protect those with special needs and to make sure they receive adequate education to meet their needs. It keeps children with special needs from "falling through the cracks." I believe that over time, there will be additional re-authorizations to this Act.

The Influence it has had on the general curriculum- In a child's IEP, it is mandatory that  it states how the child’s disability affects their involvement and progress in the general education curriculum. They must also have measurable annual goals.Any child with special needs must be able to have educational programs provided to them to be involved in and make progress with the general curriculum.

References:
http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=IDEA_2004&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=9&ContentID=3533


http://www.autism-community.com/education/idea/

All About Me!!

Hey Everyone! My name is Jennifer Murray. I am 24 years old and live in Mt.Airy, N.C. I enjoy spending time with my beauitful daughter Zoey and Fiance Eddie. Zoey is almost 10 months old. I never knew what life was until I had her. She is by far the best thing that has ever happened to me. I graduated from Lees-McRae College in 2008 with my Bachelor's of Arts in K-6 Elementary Education. Teaching jobs in Surry County are rare and I have been unable to find a K-6 job since I graduated. I finally accepted a position in August for a lead preschool teacher for LifeSpan Circle School. I have decided that God will take me in the direction that he has intended for me to go. I am taking courses so I can have my Preschool add on licensure and it should be finished by next Spring. I look forward to getting to know all of my classmates as well as the teacher. Good luck to everyone and if there is anything I can help anyone with...let me know!
God Bless,
Jen