Overview
My name is Samantha Chang, and in my sophomore year at Howard High School in Howard County, Maryland, I applied for the Gifted and Talented Independent Research Program. This course has given me the opportunity to practice writing on a collegiate level and expand my social networking with different special education experts on a international and a local scale.
Thesis |
Primary Research |
Through a culmination of interviews and data analysis, I constructed a thesis regarding the solutions to dispelling stigma against students enrolled in special education services.
End GoalThe end goal is to raise awareness for the issues that autistic individuals face, including after graduating from college. There is not enough attention placed on the programs that support students with disabilities in pursuing their dream careers. Especially if he or she is nonverbal, it is extremely difficult for them to be employed. Throughout the year, I have been working to bring more attention to these issues, and throughout the process, I have learned a lot about the special education services that support Howard High students with Individual Education Programs. I am pleased to write that I am more aware about the stigma that is present everywhere and how this discrimination can be eliminated.
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I conducted my primary research through interviews with professionals in the Howard High School special education team. I also had the amazing opportunity to speak with an expert about Japanese special education programs and stigma in the United States compared to Asia.
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