I found myself completely drawn to another article discussing shifts in education that I could completely relate to, the emphasis here is focused on familiar educational concepts that are in flux and have been shifting. The author here encourages all of us to keep our minds open to change and embrace it in order to grow. I have long been a fan of George Couros and his blog, The Principal of Change Stories of learning and leading. The Growth in Charter Schools: Equity and Access for SWDs, Special-Education-Only Charter Schools, and Conversion Charters.Addressing the Needs of English Language Learners Who Are Also SWDs.Implementing Evidence-Based Practices, Interventions, and Standards-Based IEPs.Providing Specially Designed Instruction Within a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Framework.Redefining, Rethinking, Redesigning and Reinventing Special Education.
The following 10 points come from this lengthy article explaining trends that are in progress and expected to impact the special needs population, by Will J. Special education teachers will have a greater need for exposure and training in these areas in order to be confident facilitators of personalized learning. Virtual or video conferencing, the use of tablets, and web-based learning scenarios will extend how and where skills are taught. As more individual learning opportunities become available to students, teachers will be able to easily personalize learning through the implementation of technology. Since I am rooted in special education I found this article well worth the read, the changing landscape of special education is described in this Scientific Learning article, 10 K-12 Digital Trends to Watch in Special Education 2015. These trends will continue to grow as more school district leaders look to provide digital learning options for students with disabilities. Technology will continue to assist differentiated instruction in special education classes.
Shifting trends in education are always taking place and can be a complicated ongoing process. Embracing these changes and successfully implementing them is the real challenge.