This document contains artifacts and photos from a field observation of an exceptional education classroom along with a summary of an interview with the classroom teacher. The teacher discusses the unique needs of the students in the classroom who require more one-on-one attention. The teacher also notes recommendations from parents to ensure their children have the same educational opportunities and how education policies have aimed to provide exceptional education students the same experiences as others.

1. Mrs. Sandra Braun
Introduction to Diversity for
Educators
Christina Peterson

2. –
Artifact #1
This worksheet was
placed at the
entrance of the
school and available
to anyone. I thought
that a lot of the ideas
were very creative. I
used a few of them
when working with
two students.

3. – !
Artifact #2
This is a booklet I
found on exceptional
education for the state
of Florida. It was
created by the Florida
Department of
Education in 2009. This
guide helps families
integrate their children
into the education
system.

4. –
Artifact #3
This brochure was at the
school to help teachers
understand the differences
in cultures and how it
affects education.

5. –
Dr. Seuss Bulletin Board
Here is a picture of a
first grade door
decorated with Dr.
Seuss themed pictures.
The students have
there picture inside of a
frame with a fish on the
bottom of each picture
with their names.

6. –
Class Work
Here is a picture of
the students
completing a
worksheet
assigned by the
teacher. In the
picture we can see
all of the
decorations on the
wall to determine
what they are
working on.

7. –
Special Education Classroom
This is a picture
of an
Exceptional
Education
classroom
working with
blocks.

8. –
™ Name of Teacher: Mrs. Samson School: Windermere Elementary Grade: First
™ Purpose: To assist future teachers with gaining greater understanding and insight into the
expectations and responsibilities toward children with Special needs.
™ What exceptionality do the students have? What grade level and what age are they?
– I have students with many different exceptionalities. I mainly work with 1st-3rd grade
and ages 6-11 years old.
™ What needs do the children seem to have that are unique to this group? Common to other
children? What modifications in instructional approach are made?
– The children in this group need much more one-on-one attention to make sure that
they truly understand what is given to them to complete. Other children can work
more independently on assignments that they are given rather than the teacher
having to give as much time as possible with each student. We ensure that our
students get all the help that they need as quickly as we can in order for them to reach
their potential.
Exceptional Education Field
Observation Teacher Interview

9. –
™ What recommendations does the parent have for you, regarding what you
might provide for children who have special needs?
– The parents want to ensure that their students have the same education just
like every other child. They want their children to have the same free
education opportunities. The parents usually let me know about their
child’s specific strengths and weaknesses, this is really important when
working with a child with disabilities. Knowing what a child is capable of
is critical when creating their specific IEP and working with them during
class time.
Exceptional Education Field
Observation Teacher Interview

10. –
™ How have you been affected by the education policy directed at children with
special needs. What modifications ahs the teacher made in teaching? What do
you as a teacher still feel is needed?
– The education policy wants Exceptional Education students to have the
same opportunities and experiences as children without any learning
disabilities. Having Exceptional Education students in a regular classroom
does make it a little bit more difficult because they do require a little extra
time and that makes the other students want that extra attention too, it
does sometimes get overwhelming. More IEP scheduling would be really
helpful, sometimes we as teachers do not get the information about each
student that we need. Least Restrictive Environment has also made an
impact by really trying to accommodating Exceptional Education students
into the classroom.
Exceptional Education Field
Observation Teacher Interview

11. –
Observation Hours Verification Form