Discuss the unique challenges faced by students with exceptionalities in the grade level (2nd grade) band you currently teach or are most interested in teaching. Describe how the overlapping concepts in the Professional Dispositions of Learners, Christian worldview, and CCCE College of Education Academic Program Competencies support educators in having a positive effect on these students.
2.Discuss how an educator’s knowledge of a student’s IDEA disability category, also known as a label, and classification as “exceptional” affects the student’s educational experiences in an inclusive classroom. Reflect on both the potential benefits and disadvantages of knowing students’ labels. Support your ideas with real-world examples.
The Professional Dispositions of Learners, a Christian worldview, and the CCCE College of Education Academic Program Competencies provide a supportive framework for educators to have a positive effect on these students.
Professional Dispositions: These dispositions, such as empathy, fairness, and professionalism, guide an educator to treat every student with dignity and respect. For a 2nd grader with an exceptionality, this means seeing the child's potential, not just their limitations. An educator with a strong disposition for empathy will be more patient and understanding when a student with an exceptionality struggles with a task.
Christian Worldview: This perspective views every individual as being created in God's image, possessing inherent worth and dignity. This foundational belief provides a powerful motivation for educators to advocate for and serve students with exceptionalities. It encourages a focus on love, grace, and unconditional acceptance, which are crucial for a young child who may feel isolated or different.
CCCE Competencies: These competencies, which include knowledge of diverse learners and effective instructional strategies, equip educators with the practical tools needed to address the needs of students with exceptionalities. An educator can use this knowledge to implement differentiated instruction, provide appropriate accommodations, and collaborate with specialists and parents to create a supportive learning environment.
Sample Answer
Students with exceptionalities in the 2nd grade band face unique challenges due to their developmental stage. At this age, a child's foundational academic skills and social-emotional skills are rapidly developing. Exceptional students may struggle with these core tasks, leading to academic and social-emotional gaps. For example, a student with a learning disability like dyslexia may find it difficult to sound out words, making it harder to develop fluency and comprehension. A student with an emotional exceptionality may struggle to regulate their emotions, which can disrupt their learning and their ability to form positive relationships with peers.