The workshop I attended, titled "Rethinking Special Education," focused on the central theme of equity in education and emphasized its importance in guiding our teaching practices. It explored the need to build meaningful relationships, rethink the spectrum of student needs, address systemic discrimination, and apply the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to remove barriers and support student success. Delivered through an engaging Google Slides presentation with great visuals, the workshop highlighted the educator's role in identifying and eliminating obstacles that hinder learning. One key takeaway for me was the significance of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and safety plans—not only to protect and support students but also to ensure educator safety. The session stressed the importance of collecting and documenting data to identify trends, make informed decisions, and ensure that referrals to IEPs or safety plans are evidence-based. It also tackled unconscious bias, encouraging educators to reflect on internalized beliefs that may influence interactions with students and families. Additionally, the workshop highlighted the importance of system navigators and professional development tools in supporting students from racialized communities or those experiencing family challenges, along with the value of collaborating with community partners such as social and settlement workers. A practical classroom strategy that stood out was the use of read-alouds to enhance student engagement, build vocabulary and comprehension, and foster a sense of belonging. The importance of rebuilding strong, trust-based relationships with parents through face-to-face communication was also emphasized. Overall, the insights gained from this workshop are highly applicable to my teaching practice. Strategies such as relationship-building, implementing UDL, and ongoing reflection on biases and practices are crucial to supporting all learners—especially those with diverse needs. Ultimately, the workshop reinforced the idea that thoughtful documentation and consistent reflection are key to ensuring every student has access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
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