Field Experience A: Interview with Administrator
I had an interview with Principal Shawn Gonyaw of Marion Cross School. We discussed the characteristics of individuals with disabilities as well as disabilities; various services offered to disabled individuals, the support for someone who needs special education as well as general education in the individualized education program (IEP) process, purposes for stakeholder collaboration, strategies for professional development, staying current on special education law, confidentiality, support for the families as well as handling of issues concerning behaviors.
He explained that most special education students usually take classes for life skills like cooking food and washing clothes. He further explained that the education program is for students with many difficulties and are struggling with boundaries. Marion Cross School has an academic resource program. Its medical services are on-site, and they disperse meds like seizure meds, ADHD meds, and insulin. Developmental services are like health (done every week), having speeches from pathologists and provision for students wherever they are, and it includes gifts to the students.
Gonyaw explained that he is vocal and present in the IEP meetings. All teachers are supposed to have 504s and IEPs in all hands. He is also very hands-on with the team and wants to play fair (having a cohesive team). In the IEP meetings, the stakeholders brought on bond for collaboration include social worker, school counselor, psych, behavior coach, dean of students, and student services, director.
On confidentiality, there is no professional development and is usually brought on bond at the beginning of school. He furthers on by explaining that they have no problems with FERPA, and confidentiality, as well as they, have each teacher lock up SPED information of the students. Also, he explained that students are independent, and their families are always invited to school events. Gonyaw also explained that he is always updated on educational laws through subscription to keep up with laws for SPED.
To handle behavioral issues, they always check the IEP to ensure that they act within their plans and meeting teams to ensure they are within the parameters. The stakeholders are also present. He explains that there is usually a ten or more day manifestation.
In conclusion, the experience from the field experience will help me in my carrier such that I know whom I am supposed to collaborate with and those to bring on bond so that I can make sure SPED becomes a success in the organization I will be working in future,