Special Education in Classrooms Across America Essay

In classrooms across America, teachers must provide instruction that is culturally, linguistically appropriate as well as based on core standards. Special education gives children instruction based upon their unique needs based on a documented disability. Student disabilities often involve mental, physical, emotional and behavioral issues that makes instruction a challenge. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. (Building the legacy: IDEA 2004) This law provides guidelines for the educational system to identify, assess and†¦show more content†¦This can make education in a general classroom challenging. For example, boys have a reputation for being disruptive or playing too rough subsequentially, this can challenge the classroom management skills of even the mo st experienced teacher. According to the U.S. Department of Education 75% of student with disabilities are boys. (Truth in labeling, 2007) This is a disproportional number of boys vs. girls in special education with a higher than average number being African American males. In general, boys are more active and tend to move around more class and many struggle to focus during classroom activities. Gollnick and Chinn report a disproportionate placement of African American males in classes for student with emotional disturbances or labeled as mental retarded (p. 163). This is troubling in that this type of labeling can stigmatize a student unfairly and cause a student to be inappropriately placed in special education classes. The number of people who are affected by mental retardation (also known as intellectual disability) is statistically low; according to CDC it is about -1.5%. (Developmental disabilities, 2001) Low cognitive ability may be due to premature birth, brain injury before, during childbirth, some children have mild symptoms and or develop slower than their peers. It is important to investigate the child and their family situation as a part of the decision-making process in determining specialShow MoreRelatedStudent Demographics Of Richmond County Schools1273 Words   |  6 Pagescity in Georgia with a population of about 200,000. The school district includes 56 schools that serves 32, 426 students grades Pre-K through 12. There are 33 Elementary schools, 9 Middle schools, 8 Comprehensive high schools, 4 Magnet schools, 1 Special school and 1 Charter school. 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