The first day was so exciting! I was so eager to see what the day had in store for us at DISES International Conference 2018: Embracing Inclusive Approaches (Division of International Special Education Services) and it definitely did not disappoint. We all started the day together in the largest conference room listening to a group of amazing African drummers while enjoying our morning coffee. First up was our keynote speaker for the day, Professor Phasha. She was the author of one of the books we read for this class so we were all excited to see what she had to say. Phasha (2018) discussed how in the current special education approach, it doesn't leave room for any African perspectives or aspects. The acknowledgment of ones culture can do so much good and is so necessary within a classroom setting and can help with previously marginalized knowledge. Phasha (2018) also spoke to the importance of a community and how important it is to receive support in all aspects free of discrimination. It is an issue of human rights, it's as simple as that. Phasha (2018) discussed the three pieces of African culture that need to exist in the classroom: humanness, interdependence, and communalism. All factors that would better any child's education, not just those in special education, but in general education as well. Her final words that summed it all up, was that culturally insensitive education creates rejection to education (Phasha 2018). It was a perfect way to start this conference on embracing inclusive approaches.
Among the many speakers I saw this day, one of my favorite was Dr. Brenda Barrio from Washington State. She spoke on incorporating cultural considerations into IEPs. Barrio (2018) started off by reminding us all that in order to get to know your students, their families and the community you have to reflect on your own beliefs and know yourself to the full extent first. When doing this you are better able to identify the family's needs and their values in order to incorporate that in their child's IEP. Barrio (2018) emphasized how important it is to focus on student's strengths when planning as well as getting the student involved in their own plan. Ask the student what is and what isn't working for them in the hopes that it will help them move forward. Give the student the option to change something if it isn't going well. We all know as educators that one size definitely does not fit all. Barrio also provided us with a format that we could use in our own classroom. It was called the Culturally Responsive and Relevant IEP Building or CRRIB. I would love to be able to use because as Barrio (2018) explained, it can help you build off of the student, family and community background and what's important to them, it allows you to have check-ins and look at goals and also helps bridge the gap between special education teachers and general education because everyone is able to understand the framework and overall have a better understanding of what that student needs.
1 Comment
Rebekka
7/29/2018 09:58:21 am
And the CRRIB approach can work for building on strengths and goals for any student. :)
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Study AbroadThis June I have gotten the opportunity to travel to South Africa to observe policies and practices of the education systems. I will be working with students and educators from the U.S. and South Africa on a Changemaker Project. Our hope is to bring awareness to the different types of diverse learners in the U.S., South Africa and all over. Archives
August 2018
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