For my practicum, I had the opportunity to attend Gray Academy School and observe a number of different physical education classes most often grade six classes, where children with varying degrees of cognitive disabilities were mainstreamed into the regular physical education class. Through my practicum, a few trends became apparent to me both positive and also some negative ones that I think the school could work on for improving the overall well being of everyone involved in the physical education classes. Throughout this paper, a brief history will be given on Gray Academy as well a discussion about the facility and equipment that is available for the students. Additionally, a critical analysis will be provided describing in depth what is going on and comparing what is being done in the school with the best practices that should be going on when working with students with any form of a disability.
Gray Academy is a private Jewish school that has taken on different names since 1902, but in 1997 Gray Academy opened at the Asper Jewish community campus amalgamating four different Jewish schools into one. The leadership of the physical education department is under the guidance from the Athletic council chair who has been a teacher at Gray Academy for the last 20 years, and the department head who has been at Gray Academy the last eight years. In speaking to both of them about the physical education departments mission and values specifically they explained to me that they
Rick Reilly, columnist for Sports Illustrated, writes about a teenage boy, Ben, who suffers from cerebral palsy in the article “Worth the Wait.” In the text, Reilly explains the events Ben overcame during cross country races he competed in for his local high school, Hanna High. It’s hard to imagine running with a disease that seizes up your body, leaving it hard to walk, let alone run. Ben achieved his goal of finishing every single race he was a part of by trying his best every minute of every
These oversights by the Department further showed the neglect and corruption within the Physical Education Department, especially towards
The school works most directly with individuals, aged 8-21who have Autism or emotional or behavioral disorders while also providing services for individuals with brain injuries, cerebral palsy, neurological conditions, and also rare genetic and metabolic conditions that often lead to physical or developmental disabilities (Crotched Mountain, n.d.). Due to the potential of comorbid diagnoses with many of these specific conditions, the staff is also equipped for several other conditions including anxiety disorders, seizure disorders, ADD or ADHD, sensory impairments, speech and language conditions, as well as spinal cord impairments. The rehab hospital specializes in working with several conditions that fall under the broad category of brain injuries as well as several rehabs including stroke, spinal cord, pediatric, orthopedic, and cognitive. Crotched also provides ventilator management and various outpatient treatments. Judging by the amount of information available on these services from the agency’s website, it seems three specific conditions most frequently involving therapeutic recreation in the course of treatment include brain injuries, Autism, and Cerebral Palsy (Crotched Mountain, n.d.).
Three laws that have shaped and resolved the rights and services available to the students with disabilities will be discussed in this section. Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Individuals with Disabilities Act( IDEA )and The Americans Disabilities Act( ADA). The IDEA is the major federal statute providing educational rights to students with disabilities. Even so, two other statutes, Section 504 of the rehabilitation Act and ADA which was modified recently (ADA,2006,2008), also have implication for the disciplinary process when it involves students with disabilities ( Russo & Osborne, 2009). Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is the first federal civil rights law protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
The video “Beyond F.A.T. City: Look Back, Look Ahead-Conversation about Special Education”is an excellent source to utilize for special education teachers, parents, and general teachers alike. Richard D. Lavoie has a direct approach on helping children with disabilities succeed. The in-depth discussion opens the eyes of teachers and parents regarding what is fair in the classroom, how to bring the concepts of fairness to the home environment, and the importance of not assuming things about individuals. Richard D. Lavoie defines fairness in the classroom as everyone gets what he or she needs (Beyond, 2005). Many children believe that fairness means that everything is equal, however, that is not the case, especially in an educational setting.
Athletics are not only encouraged at the Devon school, they are also required. This is understood when Gene takes the job as an assistant which usually goes to disabled people. He said, “Jobs like mine were usually taken by boys with some physical disability, since everyone had to take part in sports and this was all the disabled boys could do” (69). This shows how important sports are to this school. A lot of this encouragement of sports comes from WWII which was in session during this time.
Do you ever wonder what classifies a sport as a sport? Why do some hobbies and pastimes make the cut while all those others, which some people say may be a sport, like cheerleading, do not? Is it the number of players involved, the arena it’s held in or the equipment used? Well, I think it’s all three of these and more that ensure the title of it being a sport.
Throughout the semester, I have gained a better understanding of adapted physical education and sport programs. These programs provide children and adults with an opportunity to participate in sports they may not have thought were possible. The modifications to sport and exercise allows individuals with a range of disabilities to engage in activity. The disabilities can range from a mild learning disability to a permanent condition caused from a serious accident. While observing numerous individuals with disabilities, I was able to obtain a better understanding of the challenges that came with physical activity.
One of the key to the successful teaching of physical education is the use of a broad range of approaches and methodologies. As it is acknowledged that schools, classes and teachers will vary, some methods will suit particular circumstances better than others, and the nature of the strands themselves necessitates the use of a variety of teaching methods. There is a need to examine the teaching methods which will best enhance the achievement of the objectives, taking factors such as the content and context of the lesson into account, as well as the needs of the learner. Teaching means sharing, guiding, changing behavior, impressing, disciplining, counseling, directing and inspiring. Good teaching is a process of producing end products of
The first observation was conducted on August 30th at 9:00 a.m., while the student was participating in the special education resource room. The observation took place for a total of 25 minutes. For the duration of the observation the student was seated at a small table working one-on-one with the special education teacher. Along with the student being observed and the special education teacher, two other students, as well as, two paraprofessionals were in the special education resource room during the observation time. One student and paraprofessional were working one-on-one at a small table, while the other student was sitting in a bean bag chair reading a book.
Conclusion In conclusion, after determining my own philosophy of special education I am better equipped to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Informed by this course, laws related to special education, and own beliefs, I have created an ideal classroom plan. I am also more aware of comfort level and fears in regard to special education.
2.1 Assessment What does physical activity mean to you? To me physical activity is doing anything that involves moving the body eg. walking, jumping ,playing sports. I feel that it is very important to be physically active as it helps with your health and stress levels,looks and many more benefits.
It has been a topic, often discussed about amongst students and school all across America. “ Should P.E be mandatory?” students and teachers often debate on whether to make physical education mandatory. Although many students claim that P.E is a fun way to exercise, some students think otherwise. A high number of students say that P.E is a waste of time, and is more torture than it is education.
Physical education would start in just about 1820 when schools focused on gymnastics, hygiene training and care and development of the human body. By the year 1950, over 400 institutes had introduced majors in physical education. Colleges were encouraged to focus on intramural sports particularly track, field and football. But now, in the 21st Century schools are starting to rethink if they should have it in their curriculum. In our era right now children are becoming more obese and overweight than ever due to all of the electronic distractions in today 's society.
Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress. Working together is success” (Brainy Quote). From here, the concept of inclusive education, including students with and without learning disabilities as peers in the same classroom, originated. The aim of this type of education is to get students with learning disabilities involved in the society. Teachers and fellow students will also provide help for students with disabilities; in this way, students with learning disabilities will be motivated to study as they feel that they are a part of a group instead of being isolated in special places.