Dr. Oneyda Paneque

Assistant Professor
TESOL Department
Barry University

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Bilingual Special Education Teachers’ Use of English and Spanish in the Urban Classroom

There are many challenges that teachers face in the classroom particularly when working with students who are at risk of academic failure. Children with disabilities, as well as those who are not fluent English speakers, present certain needs that are not always addressed by traditional teaching methodologies. For many children who are learning English as a second language and also have special needs, the obstacles they encounter in school are often overwhelming. Their opportunities for academic success are dependent on having well prepared teachers who understand the strengths and limitations they bring to the classroom.