Special Needs Students and Staff

ISLLC Standard 6: A school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by
understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and
cultural context.

As a building leader, it is imperative to have the knowledge and understanding of the law as it relates to education and schooling, the cultural process that impact schools, as well as global issues and forces affecting teaching and learning. Throughout my internship experience, I have gotten the opportunity to assist with and get a better understanding of how building leaders utilize legal systems to protect student rights and improve student opportunities.

Experience

Student Services

This internship has given me insight and experience in the following areas:

1. I now have a better understanding of how provide education for students with disabilities in fully inclusive settings.

2. I also am now aware of the laws (IDEA, ADA, Section 504) that align with the different policies implemented in my district, which is crucial to becoming a leader.

3. Analyzing the components of an IEP and becoming more familiar with the IEP process has altered my approach to both leadership and special education because in the future I will be required to sit in on IEP meetings, and without having the knowledge that I do now would diminish my effectiveness in being able to assure that my students are receiving a free and appropriate public education.

4. Being able to study and get a better understanding of the Least Restrictive Environment Policy has also been helpful in my current practices because I can now provide information from different perspectives to teachers who believe that students with disabilities should be in a resource room because it may be the best environment for them. So, now that I have a foundation on the policy, I understand and can inform others about how and why students should not be labeled because it hinders their progress.

5. This internship has also provided me with knowledge as to how important parental involvement is with the IEP process. I also understand that when a parent disagrees, they are entitled to due process, which can somewhat serve to remedy the situation.

Research on Louisiana's LRE Policy

Interview with SPED Coordinator

Student Services Log

Artifacts

Reflection

Building Leaders must have knowledge and experience with implementing and following laws and polices that given student education. During my internship experience I had the opportunity to complete the following tasks.

Observed multiple IEP Meetings
Conducted research on Louisiana’s LRE Policy, interviewed SPED Coordinator, and created a presentation on the policy
Collected and assessed student data, examine IEP for compliance, and collaborate with SPED team
Discussed laws and policies concerning Test Read Aloud accommodations with SPED Coordinator
Assisted Testing Coordinator with making sure students’ accommodations were accurate in the system for online state testing.
Collected and assessed student data to assist teacher determine which students will be retained for mandatory summer school

As performance expectations for all students continue to rise in the future, as a building leader, it will be my responsibility to assist the many educators who are poorly prepared to provide effective academic support for those with disabilities.