Professor from Indiana University gives special lecture on special needs education in the United States
Dr. Patricia Rogan, a professor in the School of Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) gave a special lecture about the current state of special needs education in the United States and challenges in the field on March 1 (Tuesday) at Kashiwara Campus. The lecture, which was hosted by the Department of Arts and Sciences and the International Center in collaboration with the Special Needs Education course, was attended by about 30 people including OKU students and faculty members.
Dr. Rogan discussed how special needs education in the United States today focuses on inclusive education enabling all children to learn at their community school regardless of their disability level by explaining the historical background and the legal basis for the system, such as IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). She then gave a thorough explanation, occasionally using videos, of what education children with disabilities receive, what problems they face, and what support they receive, as well as what options are available for them after graduation.
Many undergraduate and graduate students majoring in Special Needs Education attended the lecture, and were listening attentively to Dr. Rogan’s explanation about the current state of special needs education in the United States. During the question and answer period, attendees asked many questions such as “How do support systems differ between states?” and “Do teachers have opportunities for professional training?” and a lively discussion ensued. After the lecture, students majoring in Special Needs Education and faculty members were given the opportunity to exchange opinions with one another. Feedback from participating students included “I learned a lot about what is different from Japan” and “It made me want to go to another country and learn about special education there”.