Chap 9 Learning Reflection

Reflection

Chap. 9

I have looked forward to this lesson with team teaching and UDL.  I need to find a better way to assimilate the knowledge though.  I feel that I have barely scratched the surface.  It really worries me too, that if this is the only introduction that Gen. Ed. teachers have to diversifying instruction how much it will be used in that forum.

The activity to do team teaching was very effective and it was very helpful to identify different kinds to have our minds on that, so that we could evaluate and discern each kind as we had them presented before us.  This whole class is to prepare us for partnerships in caring for these little ones.  I’m still concerned how much SPED is treated, or even perceived, as “secondary” or “subordinate” to Gen. Ed. programs.  It is true, that the curriculum and the setting is the “ultimate LRE”, but how and when will we establish true partnership within our settings.  I think RtI and MDT’s, done in harmony and with real intent to deliver the “world class education” that was intended, have been able to establish successful partnerships, but these all to often seem to be either temporary or waning once the “objective” is done.  How can we make these collaborations or partnerships seem more permanent or sustained?  Is it how we treat them as periphery or additional, like a service and not as “core curriculum”? I’m trying to figure out how to “bury our weapons of war” (Al. 25:14) or contention and to help us unify in purpose.  I keep thinking how the “word of God” was more powerful than the sword (Al. 31:5) and that this is the answer, and bringing Heavenly Father back into the schools.  It may be difficult, but it is possible, as Christ showed us the way, through love, compassion, service, integrity, work, and example, the Spirit will be there.

Things have been better in our group.  Our one member seems to feel more comfortable to share and I think that helped her in presentation this week.  I think she did very well.  The other two have just continued to be supportive.

In thinking of ways to make things better, I'm trying to figure out the difference.   I think Bro. Christopherson in his Assistive Technology class had some amazing insights (he likes to use

IRIS and could either be http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/udl/cresource/q1/p01/ or http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/udl/).  I agree with him that IRIS is a powerful tool that shows how this is powerful and how we can assess/use this in the classroom.  The trouble, is that IRIS can be overwhelming.  If you are unsure of how to navigate, it was not uncommon to spend 4 hours in a lesson, with all of the links and useful information.  It's just important to know what you're looking for and I later learned that the navigation tool (on the left of page) was a powerful shortcut, once I learned to use it.  Hope this helps future classes.  These really are great, pertinent classes which prepare us for the classroom.

We appreciate all you do!

 Happy Thanksgiving!  It is hard to imagine that the semester is almost over.

Sincerely,

Liz

Lesson 10 Reflection

Abuse, like most others, is a necessary but very uncomfortable topic.

This week was very helpful, to me and many in the class in outlining and detailing some signs, do's and don't's, and how/when to report-that we are of those-legally set as a defense to "protect the children". (Oaks-also quoting Holland, https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/protect-the-children?lang=eng)

The text was very helpful, yet I find at times, difficult to get through.  It is useful information and a wonderful reference guide-which does not lend itself to being an "easy read".

My group, being much smaller, I think more are allowed the chance to speak (that and I'm making a conscious effort to make sure that I am allowing the flow within the conversation, adding comments only when it was of benefit and seemed particularly applicable (even though, we are having a time where one member, we do not know if she's feeling particularly involved.  We try to ask her opinion, but I think we need to be more proactive in this regard.  Perhaps she felt we were all a little outspoken for her.  I can look at ways to involve her and have her know that her opinion's valued in our group.

Orthopedic Impairment

History: I lost the use of both legs for about 3 days, and once the swelling went down, I had about 30% use of my right leg, and it began to shrivel (curl up).  My left leg I was able to get responsive (80% approx.) to gain limited mobility.  Getting around was still problematic and/or difficult.  Many people either did not know how to treat me, or what to say.   Some, because they could not “see” the problem accused me of “faking it” and some had unrealistic expectations. During these times, it is so crucial to be grounded in oneself and especially one’s testimony.

My home teachers gave a blessing, which I still cling to this day (over 20 yrs.) that “it would be as if the surgery never happened.”  The mercy involved, that he knew both my heart and my intentions.   I had, and still have, consequences of those choices, but was given a new lease on life if I prepared each day, as I should and in taking care of this temple of which I have been blessed.

I think that is often misunderstood in the minds of many people do not realize either the pain involved or the amount of time that is involved, both in healing and in reeducation (the person and the muscles/body to adapt-and some give up).  The pain can have one either drugged up or exhausted from the pain.

I’m glad we are having the opportunities to look through another’s eyes, because there is much that can change.  Many people have accused me of not understanding “what it’s like…” and then when I explain, there is an instant and lasting camaraderie because we have been through something difficult that few people experience.   I like to think that if I can do it, then they can do it also and I have had a few friends tell me so.  Things are possible and it’s a great life and a wonderful world.  Don’t give up on the ride just because, or when, it has a few bumps.  Stick to your resolution (of what you know to be true and right), and endure to the end. (1 Ne 22:31)

I also like to consider the prophetic counsel to “wear out one’s life, like a pair of shoes” to be worthy, ready, and of use to Him in this, His kingdom here upon the earth. (I think it was Pres. Spencer W. Kimball, but I could not find the reference).

Learning Reflection from Lesson 8

Abuse, Neglect and 504:
I found it very difficult to express myself this week as there are some things which hit me very close.  It is not a matter of either making or finding excuses, but rather how to appropriately express myself in a way that will be helpful.

I have known unemployment and sickness with a child as a single mother, having no idea (other than hope, faith, and hard work) how on earth we were going to make it from one week/month to the next.  I never before considered how much the Church's welfare program is not only fair, where we work for what we get, but is also the point in which it keeps people honest alleviating some of the "temptations" which some people feel in a fit of desperation.  This way we can keep our integrity and also serve our families. 

The information on neglect and abuse will be very helpful and was very informative. So many, gladly, are unfamiliar with the actual sights of abuse.  I hope, but I understand that they may have to, but I do hope that they will not have to use this.  We need to be prepared to defend and protect the children.  We need the knowledge as well as tools in order to do this. This class is very helpful in that.

One of my favorite parts, surprising to me, was the Whitney Elementary School in Las Vegas.  Principle Gahn reminded me again, that it is normal everyday people doing extraordinary things which and can make a difference.  Just don't let people doubt you or pull you down when you are doing those things the Lord would have you accomplish.  In doing His work, you will be successful, but it is not without trial (Ether 12:6 & 27).

I like our new group and feel that we are talking.  I feel that we need to support the gal who sits next to me.  I do not think or remember having her speak up much, but she had some great ideas Fri., which were brought up later by another group (giving the girl a partner in class to help her stay on task and focused).   I know it is new to all of us, but I need to work harder on names too and to be sure that I remember them.