Discuss the difference between a secular approach and a biblical approach to special
education. Utilize Ackerman’s G.U.I.D.E., focusing on the Great Commission and
Understanding Differentiation Instruction to inform your thoughts on this topic. Feel free to
also use Scripture verses that are related to this topic. Be sensitive to the fact that both
public and Christian school teachers will be participating in this discussion.
In your reply, discuss how your classmate's response differs between a biblical and secular
approach to special education.
Inclusion is easily one of the most widely discussed approach to special education and
students with exceptionalities. Dr. Beth Ackerman (2014) discusses in her Overview of IDEA
2004 video what inclusion is and that we as educators should use inclusion, not just because it is
the law, but because that is what our faith is rooted in and that is what the Lord demands. In a
secular approach, educators are more likely to follow the guidelines of IDEA 2004 because it is
federally mandated. However, in a biblical approach to special education, educators should want
the world to see God’s grace and glory through the students and this is done by accommodating
students with exceptionalities accordingly so that they may reach their full potential (Ackerman,
2012). Ackerman (2012) quotes Luke 14:12-14 when discussing the Great Commission. She
states that our concern should be less focused on our friends and rich neighbors but more focused
on those who are struggling, for this is what is righteous. Christian school administrators
measure the success of their school through numeric values associated with test scores and
percentage of college acceptances but this is not the only way to measure success in schools
(Ackerman, 2012). Because Christian schools are constantly aiming to be the best and most elite,
they must make the difficult decision between being the best or reaching all learners (Ackerman,
2012). Ackerman (2012) states that differentiated instruction to reach all learners is biblical and
something that everyone should be doing.
In regard to differentiated instruction, I am not seeing a major difference between a
secular and biblical approach. Gardner’s idea of multiple intelligences states that all children
learn best through differing methods and Ackerman (2012) states that educators using
differentiated instruction must adjust the content, process, and product to fit the student’s needs.
The very first step in adjusting the content is understanding what content is necessary for
learning and why (Ackerman, 2012). The goal of a differentiated classroom, according to
Ackerman (2012), is maximum growth and individual success. This mirrors what I was taught
regarding differentiated instruction as a public-school teacher.
The main difference, to my understanding, between a secular and biblical approach to
special education is not the methodical approach itself but rather the drive behind the approach.
As Christian educators, administrators, and counselors, it is our duty to include students with a
diverse background and various needs, not because it is federally mandated but because inclusion
is the fundamental principle our faith is built on.
Reference
Ackerman, B. (2012). G.U.I.D.E. differentiated instruction for Christian educators. Lynchburg,
VA: Liberty University Press.
