TO: Dr. Joe Scarcella (EVOC 502/3 Instructor)
FROM: Leonard A. Moreno
DATE: August 16, 2005
RE: Session 5 - 503, Quiz 1

INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLANS

Special education refers euphemistically to the teaching of students with a learning disability, a developmental disability or a behavioral problem, or to that of gifted children.  Resources (such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, etc) are provided within the mainstream class (inclusion) or in a separate classroom if this is decided to be the least restrictive environment for instruction. Students receive individualized services to meet their special needs, and these services are outlined in each child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  It has been researched that students of special education do very well in career technical classes due to their hands-on approach.  Core academic skills that special education students have a problem with can be helped with the practical application in vocational education.

WORK STUDY CONTRACTS

Work study education provides an opportunity for high school students to apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes they have acquired in course work to real-life situations through a school-community partnership arrangement. Work study includes experiential learning activities undertaken by a student under the cooperative supervision of the subject area teacher and the job site employer.  Contracts are made to ensure that the teacher, supervisor and students maintain responsibilities for their areas.  Also referred to as "internships", it is considered as one of the strength areas of vocational education.  Student can sometimes earn financial support or win scholarships for participating though the main emphasis is to explore career options through experience.