Stephenson, Kalyn

Abstract  
        
The topic of selecting the most appropriate delivery model for students with disabilities has been an area of contention for many years within the public education system. This research considers some of the positive characteristics of segregated special education classrooms discussed in existing literature and then proceeds to verify the existence of these characteristics in one segregated special education classroom. From one classroom, both the teacher and educational assistant (EA) were interviewed to assess the validity of these previously identified characteristics. Both interviews confirmed the existence of these characteristics within their classroom; however, both recognized the value of integration into typical classes for non-academic subjects for the students within segregated special education class. The results indicated that students in the class benefited from the specialized training of the educators in the class, the smaller class size, and the social
interactions that occurred in the class room. Although this research demonstrates that positive characteristics exist in a segregated special education classroom, further research would discover if these results are common in other segregated special education classrooms in different schools or if this classroom is atypical.

Acknowledgements

I wish to thank my husband for all the love and support he has provided me throughout this adventure. He is the rock that has stood by me during the entire process not only affirming me everyday, but also staying up late and laughing with me. I would not be who I am today without him.I also wish to thank my mom and dad, who have loved me throughout this entire journey. I would specifically thank my mom for all her motivational pep-talks and for her unfailing support as my personal cheerleader. I have made it here today because of all the sacrifices she made and all the love she has for me.  In addition, I would like to thank Anne Jordan who has provided me with so many resources and words of encouragement throughout this process.Finally, a special thank you to all the children and youth that I have met along the way and who have taught me to always enjoy the journey because behind every rain cloud there really is a beautiful rainbow.