Exploring the Evolution of Special Education Practices: A Systems Approach

Exploring the history of disability and special education practices from the seventeenth to the twenty-first century indicates similar ideas and similar human approaches that have developed independently over time. People who survived the eugenics movement were placed in asylums and segregated special schools. In Europe and America, the general systems theory has been applied as a "logico-mathematical" discipline to include students of all special needs categories in their placements and education. The systems approach to special education practices has evolved from a historical model of diagnoses and cures to the biological and ecological models, integrating technology as the driving force in implementing curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

o Born in April 14, 1958, I was raised in a rural country side of Agbor, Nigeria o Attended Gbenoba Grammar School and later worked with the defunct Bendel Broadcasting Corporation in Warri, Nigeria o. Moved to the United States and attended Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas, before transferring to Laney College in Oakland, California. (associate degree, 1984) o Briefly attended the University of California, Berkeley, before joining the United States Army Reserve Corps from 1983-1989 o Graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville (bachelor's degree, 1995) o Graduated from the City College of the City University of New York (master's degree, 2005) o Held several teaching and consulting positions in Virginia, New York, and Maryland o Is currently a tutor-volunteer and educational consultant with New York City's the Equity Project