Summary of Project and Impact

Because of the desperate need for a SPED program and/or resource to be implemented at

Eastmark High School, I’ve created a problem-based project for my students to critically think

about the importance of these programs in their own lives. Not only does the absence of a SPED

program effect the students who are not in need of one, but also the inclusion of such program

can directly affect them as well. I’ve developed a driving question to introduce the project to the

students. “How can we as school administrators create an inclusive learning environment for

students of all learning needs/abilities?” Students taking on the role of school administrators will

be beneficial when creating a real SPED program, as they are able to incapsulate what a child of

their age would see as fun and inclusive. Some project-based learning activities the students may

participate in during this project would be collaboration, such as having a Google Drive with

their group members, or Stormboard for brainstorming. Also, students may be required to create

a Prezi, Pear Deck, or Google Slide to organize their work and to present their final project. I

may also ask students to write a persuasive and engaging mini essay within their group and

employ credible sources. By working together, students are able to brainstorm and develop ideas

for a SPED program based on their own interests and how it applies to them, regardless on if

they directly utilize the program or not. By taking on the role as school administrators, they are

able to think more professionally and develop a plan that also includes their original ideas.

Student Impact

In my classroom alone, there would be approximately ten to fifteen students directly

impacted by the initial project. Between all my classes, there are multiple students with an

alternative way of learning. For example, they may have autism, anxiety, and/or ADHD/ADD.

Within the next two to three years, this project has a projected impact on hundreds of students.
As the school continues to grow, there will be an increasing need for a SPED program to help

students receive the differentiated, yet inclusive learning environment they deserve. Students in

my classroom are able to learn about the differences of their classmates, which can help them

become more understanding and patient with those who are different, as well as being able to

create an original solution that includes their ideas.

Teacher Impact

As students are completing the project, I will have a clearer grasp on how I can further

engage students in my classroom. When students have the ability to be creative in a problem-

based project, I am able to analyze which direction their attention and engagement goes. I can

take this information and adjust how I teach in order to maximize student interest and their

ability to apply concepts in some aspect of their personal lives. This can also help me adjust my

own differentiating strategies and share those findings with other teachers.

Community Impact

While students develop their project, they will be learning about SPED programs and the

benefits of teaching other kids the skills on how to become the best versions of themselves

within society. Students will develop empathy for their peers who depend on resources like this.

Patience and compassion are attributes that students will have the opportunity to grow—helping

shape them into kind and understanding members of their community. Not only can students

gain awareness during the project, but the community as a whole. Parents could become more

aware of the need for SPED programs through their child’s work and school administrators can

be exposed to what the students want to see for their friends who need this academically. As the

teacher, I will share the students’ work at a PTA meeting to branch out to more of the

community. This way, those who didn’t know about this need at Eastmark are now educated in
the significance of a SPED program through the students’ work. Those who don’t utilize

programs like SPED may not recognize the importance of having one. It’s important to ensure

that all students are heard within the community. With more awareness to this issue, there is

opportunity to fundraise for the program and to prepare students to thrive in a continual

diversifying world.