SpEd topic suggestions?

Question

i'm new in the field of special education. right now i'm studying first the basics of sped. i just want to ask if you can give me any suggestions for a mini-thesis (short research paper) on sped.. since i'm new in the field i can't think of any good topic to work on. thanks!

Answer 1

One possible topic would be on the pros and cons of the full inclusion model of special education, as opposed to placement in a special day class.

Another topic to consider is the dramatic increase in students who are diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. You could research the theories that attempt to explain the increase in diagnoses, or how schools are responding to this increased needs. You could also check into some of the programs that are commonly utilized in programs for students with autism (TEACCH, ABA, PECS, etc.)

Another possibility would be technology use for special education students - computers and modification to computer programs, voice-output communication devices, switches that enable a person with limited mobility to operate equipment and machinery, etc.

You could research what options exist for students with special needs as they enter the adult, post-school world (including work, residential, social and recreational areas), and what schools are doing to prepare special education students for their adult lives.

Answer 2

Due to the very high rate of autism in todays society ------what are some of the possible models of intervention.

Please consider the DIR model -----my favorite along with others such as ABA .

DIR model can be learned about at : icdl.com and floortime.org and can be read about in Dr. Stanley Greenspans and Dr Serena Wieders book The SPECIAL NEEDS CHILD or another book called ENGAGING AUTISM>

Several approaches were recently compared in a Time magazine article this spring-----you could check that out as well.

I think the numbers are now 1 in 166 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

or more simply you may want to research what is an autism spectrum disorder-----you will certainly encounter this in special education!

Answer 3

How about discussing the pros and cons of special education? Some people are in favor of special day classrooms. Other specialists believe all students should be in the same class, regardless of needs/challenges. LOTS of journal articles on this topic.

Answer 4

Autism would be a good topic. It would be nice if you could do a paper on the discrimination that special education teachers receive from the regular education teachers and staff.

Answer 5

The arguments in favor of, and in opposition of inclusion
Relationships between the most common behaviors in SPED classrooms.
Process of the IEP team (importance of)
How should we evaluate students for inclusion.
SPED students and extra curricular activities.
These are just some suggestions....good luck

Answer 6

PLEASE look into the laws concerning special ed. They are called 'IDEA' individuals with disabilities education act.
Schools will NOT follow these laws and this is rampant all across the country. There are thousands of angry parents all over the country.
There is no one to make schools accountable, to make them 'pay' for their wrongdoing.
You would not beleive the horror stories all over the country.
Go to www.schwablearning.org and sign up for free on their parent to parent message board.
Ask away and you will learn how serious a problem this is...

Answer 7

There seems to be a world-wide autism epidemic. You can focus on autism education both self-contained and inclusion models. Good luck. You'll love your job!