The movie on inclusion this past week struck a chord with me. I looked at it from the perspective of a parent...something I wouldn't have done even 2 years ago, seeing as my son is 15 months old. It's a whole different side of things when I think of it this way. If my child had any sort of disability I would want him to be amongst his peers in a social environment. I wouldn't want him sectioned off in a room for only children with disabilities...that's not conducive to learning social skills. It's emotional for me to think of my child, a normal human being despite an "issue" that other children may not have, would possibly be turned into an outcast. I would never want that for my child, and so this idea of full inclusion (or even partial inclusion) becomes debatable for me. I think it's a good thing, but only if teachers are educated and prepared to deal with these children. The one teacher in the movie who admitted to crying about the year she had when certain kids had been literally thrown into her classroom makes me wonder if teachers are truly prepared for these circumstances. If we are going to move on with inclusion, proper education must be provided for teachers. A classroom with children of varying abilities creates a dynamic that many teachers aren't familiar with. It's a recipe for disaster. I'm not looking to become licensed in Special Education, however, having some special ed classes under my belt couldn't hurt, it seems. It's heart wrenching for me to think that some children are viewed as scary or incapable due to their disability. Unfortunately, many of us grew up in environments where we learned to avoid these kids...I know that I did. Our lack of knowledge was the only reason for disliking such children...so maybe if we all took the time to educate ourselves we would be more accepting and able to deal with these kids in a classroom. On a personal scale, I would like to learn much more about children with special needs :-)
From a parents point of view it is scary to think that our children could have been born with a disability, and if so what would we want for them in the school system? I do think inclusion is a good option for students with disabilities, although I think it has to be based on a case by case situation depending on how extreme the dissability is. I strongly agree it is not fair to stick a teacher who has had no training with chidren with special needs in an inclusion classroom. In saying that it is not fair, I mean to the teacher but to the children (with special needs and with out)as well. If the teacher does not know how to work with children with disabilities then it cause disruption to the whole class. It is awesome that you now have a greater interest in learning more about children with special needs.
ReplyDeletelisbet, as a mom i can see how scary this must feel. and, i agree with both you and jodie about prper training. i have worked with severely disabled kids in my lifetime and in special ed, especially with children with autism. and, i have to say that for me, it definitely depends on each individual child and their needs.
ReplyDeletei don't agree that inclusion is best for all kids, especially if their survival depends on a one-on-one for medical reasons. and yet, i think it is absolutely necessary for the kids who are able to emotionally and cognitively get the socialization that general ed classes have.
however, special ed is just that. it help kids in a very small intimate clasroom get lots of great support to help them merge into general ed when the child is ready. it's not a bad thing to be in special ed, although there are sadly stigmas placed on it.
teachers these days are faced with loads of stuff to learn and do, and honestly, i have rarely seen a gerneral ed teacher prepared to take on inclusion unless the child is a perfect angel. not going to happen... so, they need to train teachers to help them be successful and then the students will be too.
You make some excellent points. I agree whole heartedly with you that we are truly blessed to have healthy children. My oldest daughter has not a wonderful experience with a inclusion child, but I too wonder if her regular ed teacher was prepared for such a challenge. It's a tricky topic at best, and one that not everyone will agree upon.
ReplyDeleteI believe that is what great teachers do. They make you think about things that you should be aware of and help mold a view. Jesse has brought a lot to the table and I am glad that his lesson have stuck a chord. I have experience with working with highly cognitive students and low functioning with severe needs. In Special Education you need to find what works for each child. I am proud to have been in my student’s lives and I hope I have made a difference. I feel that education is perfect for parents. In fact there are so many benefits. However, what about those who don’t have kids of their own? I feel, because I often hear “wait till you have kids”, left out. But yes I would have to agree the worst human being is someone who wishes ill on someone else’s children. It is extremely difficult for parents. That is why students are getting more services than ever before. SLP,OT, PT, RT, nurses, counselors, One-on-one, BMS, the list goes on. I feel that this is making America’s children happy.
ReplyDelete