SPED 854 Reflection

Michael Friedmann

SPED 898

Dr. Sean Smith

Reflection Artifact SPED 854

Personal Philosophy Statement

Purpose of the Artifact:

            The artifact developed for SPED 854 was a personal philosophy statement focused on collaboration within special education. Its primary purpose was to articulate my beliefs, understandings, and commitments regarding effective collaborative practices among special education stakeholders. These stakeholders include educators, administrators, families, service providers, and, most importantly, the students themselves. My philosophy statement highlights the necessity of synthesizing diverse expertise and experiences to create inclusive, supportive, and empowering environments that facilitate holistic development, that include academic, social-emotional, and behavioral learning, for students with special needs.

Meeting Assignment Requirements:

            All assignment requirements were fully satisfied without the need for additional revisions. The submitted philosophy statement comprehensively integrated course materials, scholarly insights, and practical reflections on collaboration. It delineated clearly defined roles for stakeholders and underscored the significance of inclusivity and ongoing communication. The grade I received for this assignment was beyond acceptable, clearly affirming that my submission exceeded course expectations. Given the quality of feedback and the high evaluation received, no additional review or redesign was necessary. (The only point loss was due to a late penalty).

Decision Not to Revise:

            I decided against revising this artifact due to receiving an evaluation that was beyond acceptable and affirming all components were comprehensively and satisfactorily addressed. The assignment effectively synthesized my understanding of collaboration, demonstrating a clear integration of theoretical frameworks and real-world applications. The positive feedback highlighted strengths in articulating complex ideas with clarity and depth, validating my original submission as thorough, insightful, and aligned with professional standards. (The only point loss was due to a late penalty).

Key Learnings from the Assignment:

            This assignment facilitated significant personal and professional growth by deepening my understanding of collaborative practices within special education. Through crafting this philosophy statement, I recognized the critical role collaboration plays in promoting student success, particularly when addressing diverse needs and ensuring meaningful stakeholder engagement. Key insights included the importance of clear and consistent communication, the necessity of structured collaboration strategies, and the ongoing need for reflective practices to enhance effectiveness. This assignment reinforced my belief that collaboration is essential not merely as a procedural requirement but as an integral part of quality educational practice.

Contribution to My Development as a Special Educator:

            Developing this personal philosophy statement profoundly impacted my professional identity as a special educator by solidifying my commitment to collaborative practice. It emphasized the importance of viewing collaboration through a holistic, student-centered lens, promoting empowerment and advocacy for students and their families. This process enhanced my professional competencies by expanding my understanding of the roles that various stakeholders play in supporting student development. It strengthened my ability to facilitate effective team interactions, align educational strategies with diverse learner needs, and advocate confidently for practices rooted in collaboration. As a result, this artifact has significantly enriched my capacity to lead and contribute effectively in collaborative special education environments.

Conclusion:

            Reflecting on the development of my personal philosophy statement on collaboration in SPED 854 has deepened my appreciation of collaboration’s profound impact on educational outcomes. Through articulating my beliefs and engaging critically with the concept, I affirmed my commitment to maintaining a student-centered, collaborative approach in my professional practice. This artifact reinforced the value of collective expertise, ongoing communication, and reflective practices in achieving successful educational outcomes. Ultimately, this reflection marks a foundational step in my ongoing growth as a special educator dedicated to fostering meaningful and impactful collaboration.