How to Asses Special Education Programs
The assessment of a Special Education Program is vital when enrolling a student and trusting other individuals to care for and teach the student. Many factors should be taken into consideration in the assessment including: the staff, curriculum, activities, resources, and the overall goals the program sets for the students.
- Determine the goals and objectives you expect from a special education program. This will assist you in your comparisons of various programs.
- Meet with the staff and faculty involved in the program. Every team member can make an impact, so it is necessary to meet with anyone who will be involved with the student.
- Evaluate the staff members based on your interaction with them and their background. Ask yourself several necessary questions: Do they have the proper education and experience for a special education program? What disabilities do they specialize in? What disabilities have they trained? What kind of testing does the staff administer? Is the curriculum accurate, relevant, and current? Does the staff set objectives for the students? Are their objectives relevant to your personal objectives?
- Analyze the curriculum involved in the program. Be sure that all proper skills are addressed in order for the student to learn self-sufficient tasks as well as proper education. Skills should include, but are not limited to, hygiene, reading, cleaning, health and nutrition, management, organizing, safety and finances.
- Observe extracurricular activities the special education program offers. Extracurricular activities such as sports or various hobbies will allow the student to socialize and learn interaction skills.
- Ask about community resources the program uses. Oftentimes special education programs will utilize community resources to help the student with interaction in the community, becoming a self-sufficient citizen, and network with employers for future employment opportunities.