Defining IDEA/Special Education
IDEA/Special Education is something that has been around for many years. Special education is a form of education designed to ease curriculum for better understanding for a student with a disability. Even though, a lot of people know what special education is, a lot do not know what IDEA stands for. IDEA which stands for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a law that was created in 1975. This law was passed to ensure a free appropriate education for any eligible child. This includes special education and any other special services needed.
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| Girl with Down Syndrome happily being included in a classroom with other students. |
My experience
My experience with IDEA/Special Education is very significant in my life. In high school, I was given the opportunity to volunteer as a peer tutor in one of the special education classrooms in the school. At first, I did not know what to expect but I quickly realized my purpose in advocating for students with disabilities. This experience is one of the main reasons that I chose to become a Special Education teacher. The feeling of seeing a child reach a certain Individualized Education Program (IEP) goal is one of the best feelings in the world. The ability for a child to reach an IEP goal would not be possible without IDEA. IDEA allows children no matter their disability a chance to earn an education and develop new skills. IDEA also allows an opportunity for inclusion. Being included can help the child have more confidence in themselves and allow other students a chance to learn more about disabilities. Before, this law children with disabilities were seen as a punishment to the parents but, now children with disabilities are seen as an inspiration. IDEA not only opens gates for greater opportunities for education it also allows the children to show their own unique abilities!
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