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Special Education - One Teacher's Thoughts

© Lise Hogan

Special Education seems to be everywhere these days. You can't talk about education without the special ed. end of the education continum coming into the conversation somewhere.

The idea for special education has been around for a long time. Public law 94-142 was passed in 1975. In a nutshell this law stated that children with disabilites are entitled to a free and appropriate education. The result of this has been at least 2 things (at least two that come to mind now).

1. A growing specialty in the field of education and there are some who think its all a waste of money.

2. The ever on going and growing debate on what is free and appropriate - who qualifies for what services - where kids should be placed - who should fund what - and where the money to finance this is coming from.

I am sure there are more aspects.... but these are the main ones, and most arguments, passions, thoughts, opinions are connected to these two things in some way. Teachers have always had students with special needs in their classrooms. The only difference is now most of these kids are identified - and their education is protected by law. Teachers can't let these kids fall through the cracks without doing whatever they can to help them. It's no longer ok to call these students "slow". It's no longer ok just to have a curriculum - teach it one way - and those that get it - do well, and those that don't just don't get it. There are various methods that can help most of these kids learn - and do well in school.

One thing I have noticed is that blame game. Johnny hasn't done his homework because the teacher is mean - or he forgot because he is ADD or learning disabled - or he hasn't been helped - or HE LOST IT? To pass a class THE KID HAS TO DO THE WORK! It's also no longer ok for a kid to sit in the back of the room and not learn just as long as he's quiet. Teachers definately have to be more aware of everything in the classroom now. They need to make spot checks for some kids on a daily basis to keep on top of what's going on. Regular ed. teachers need to be support by special ed. teachers - and special ed. teachers need to be supported by regular ed. teachers - and all need a supportive administration. All must be done in the child's best interest. None of this can be done without the school and the parents working together - not blaming each other.