Cindy Blackburn, Zachary Anderson, and Eileen Huppert

cindyrblackburn@knights.ucf.eduzachary_anderson@knights.ucf.edu

ehuppert@knights.ucf.edu4/22/2010EEX4070

Creating a Yearbook

Early Perceptions As a group, we were very anxious. We did not know what to

expect. Only one of us had a substantial amount of experience working with disabled students. We were unsure of the expectations that the teachers or students would hold for us. Also, being elementary education majors, we rarely work with high school students.

Introduction to the Setting

We visited University High School located in Orange County. We volunteered in Mrs. Trinh’s class. Mrs. Trinh teaches students in higher grades with varying levels and types of disabilities.

Site/Community Demographics

Personal Demographics Cindy Blackburn- I am a Caucasian female. I am

18 years old, and I am currently in my Junior year at the University of Central Florida majoring in Elementary Education.

Zachary Anderson- I am a Caucasian male. I am 21 years old and entering my Senior year at the University of Central Florida majoring in Elementary Education.

Eileen Huppert- Eileen Huppert- I am a Caucasian female. I am 20 years old and getting ready to start my Senior year at the University of Central Florida. I am majoring in Elementary Education.

Engagement Activities We were involved in many tasks with the students. We

took part in an introduction activity where each student answered questions about themselves. We also decorated cupcakes as a group, went to a farm, participated in a field day, and observed and played. We also voted on a theme for the yearbook.

Participant Demographics The students’ ages range from 15 to 21 Most students have no known specific disability, they just

have a low IQ.  Student ethnicity was a fairly even balance between

Caucasian, African-American, and Hispanic students There was one student with Downs Syndrome and one with

Cerebral Palsy. We helped 19 students

Reflection of your Experience This experience has given us a passion for exceptional

education. We all agreed that with time and effort, the joys experienced in an exceptional class are endless.

The ability to talk with students one on one had a large impact. We each realized how open these students are. They truly care about people.

This experience has allowed us to see the joys in interacting with students with disabilities. The students are so personable and excited to interact every time.

We will each take away a unique exper ience that reminds us to include al l students into our

classroom.Our academic beliefs were greatly changed. We real ized that planning lessons for exceptional

students is often very in depth. We also lear ned effective inclusion techniques.

Reflection of Your Experience (cont.)