challenges of special needs education
SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION ASSIGNMENT 1
OTIENO DALMAS BU/UG/2012/232
QUESTIONS
1.
Outline the challenges of special needs education in Uganda.
2.
Give the possible solutions to each of the challenges
OTIENO [2014]
10/8/2014
Efforts involved in implementation of Special needs education in Uganda today have got challenges that are facing them. These challenges are
Handling the problems of an inclusive classroom. The concept of having classrooms that contain both special needs students and students who are developing typically is becoming a popular one. This type of education poses new challenges for a special education teacher. For example, many students who have no disabilities are unaccustomed to dealing with those who do. Teachers in these classes are charged with eliminating cruelty and insensitivity from among their students and ensuring that those with special needs are treated with respect.
Professional Isolation. The nature of a special education teacher’s work is very different from that of traditional teachers; the result of this is that standard classroom teachers may not view them as colleagues. There may be a professional stigma attached to the work of teaching “slow” students. Special education teachers often work with smaller groups and may focus on skills rather than content, thereby leading to the perception that their work is easier or less important.
Lack of support from parents. Some parents of special needs children are disinterested in the welfare of their children and fail to provide them with adequate care. Alternatively, they may be overly protective. Both can be problematic for the child and for their teacher. Disinterested parents may have no involvement with their child’s education or interaction with their teachers, whereas overprotective parents may have unrealistic expectations from the child and the child’s teachers. Both attitudes can shape children in negative ways. Parental disinterest may make special needs students less
OTIENO DALMAS BU/UG/2012/232
QUESTIONS
1.
Outline the challenges of special needs education in Uganda.
2.
Give the possible solutions to each of the challenges
OTIENO [2014]
10/8/2014
Efforts involved in implementation of Special needs education in Uganda today have got challenges that are facing them. These challenges are
Handling the problems of an inclusive classroom. The concept of having classrooms that contain both special needs students and students who are developing typically is becoming a popular one. This type of education poses new challenges for a special education teacher. For example, many students who have no disabilities are unaccustomed to dealing with those who do. Teachers in these classes are charged with eliminating cruelty and insensitivity from among their students and ensuring that those with special needs are treated with respect.
Professional Isolation. The nature of a special education teacher’s work is very different from that of traditional teachers; the result of this is that standard classroom teachers may not view them as colleagues. There may be a professional stigma attached to the work of teaching “slow” students. Special education teachers often work with smaller groups and may focus on skills rather than content, thereby leading to the perception that their work is easier or less important.
Lack of support from parents. Some parents of special needs children are disinterested in the welfare of their children and fail to provide them with adequate care. Alternatively, they may be overly protective. Both can be problematic for the child and for their teacher. Disinterested parents may have no involvement with their child’s education or interaction with their teachers, whereas overprotective parents may have unrealistic expectations from the child and the child’s teachers. Both attitudes can shape children in negative ways. Parental disinterest may make special needs students less
References: Fanning, B., Veale, A., & O 'Connor, D. (2001). Beyond the pale: Asylum seeking children and social exclusion in Ireland Farrell, P. (1997). The integration of children with severe learning difficulties: A review of the recent literature Ferguson, D.L. (2008). International trends in inclusive education: The continuing challenge to teach each one and everyone Gutman, L.M., & Midgley, C. (2000). The role of protective factors in supporting the academic achievement of poor African American students during the middle school transition