SPed 3301: Field Experiment project

Overview: Each student will interview two (2) individuals directly involved in the education of children, youth, and/or adults with disabilities in a K-12 or community-based setting. Potential interview subjects may include parents, general and special education teachers, current/former students with disabilities, or community-based health or social service providers. Students will submit a written summary and analysis of the interviews.

Detailed instructions: The step-by-step directions are described below. If you have any questions, please ask.

1. Identify two individuals who are directly involved in the education of children, youth, and/or adults with disabilities in a K-12 or community-based setting. Potential interview subjects may include parents, teachers, individuals with disabilities, or community-based health or social service providers.
2. Interview each person separately. The interviews should explore each individual’s:
   1. Experiences working with children, youth, and/or adults with disabilities;
   2. Understanding of special education (or adult service) procedures, responsibilities, and practices; and
   3. Opinion of the highlights and challenges of working with children, youth, and/or adults with disabilities.
3. The interviews may be conducted via telephone, in-person, Skype, or through instant messaging technology (i.e., it has to be a “real-time” conversation).
4. Submit a written summary and analysis of the interviews. The paper should include:
   1. A brief description of each interview subject:
      1. Who is this person? What is this person’s job?
      2. Why did you choose her/him? What is your relationship to her/him?
      3. What were the conditions for each interview? (i.e., When was it conducted? How was it conducted? Where was it conducted? How long did it last?).
   2. A summary of each individual’s experiences working with children, youth, and/or adults with disabilities
   3. A summary of each individual’s understanding of special education (or adult service) procedures, responsibilities, and practices
   4. A summary of each individual’s opinion of the highlights and challenges of working with children, youth, and/or adults with disabilities
   5. Your analysis of the individuals’ responses:
      1. Compare the responses of the individuals to each other;
      2. Compare their responses to what you have learned about the special education and disability services; AND
      3. Compare their perspectives to your own opinions on what the highlights and challenges might be.
      4. Use course materials and outside references to support your analysis
5. It is recommended that your written submission be 7-8 pages. When writing your analysis, use course materials and outside references to support your analysis.