It is likely in the best interest of your child to not believe everything a school’s special education department tells you about your child. Now this is not to say that our local schools are not absolutely dedicated to our children, because that may be. However, it is certain that not all of those who work within the special needs arena are equally as dedicated. A parent should always question the findings that affect their child especially within the special education department of your child’s school. Not all are created equal. If there is an outcome that you disagree with, by all means, argue and don’t stop until the school satisfies your request or you are convinced that they are right.
There are occasions today where schools are desperate to fill desks within their Special Needs program, in order to maintain sufficient funding. This is not as bad as it used to be, but still it occurs and can create issues that parents need to keep an eye out for. The outcome of a poorly funded special needs program are easily observed. Some of the signs that a parent needs to look out for are: classroom wall art that may be a few years old; inequitable learning situations such as the difference in learning materials between a regular and special Ed classroom and finally teachers that seem tired or short tempered. Parents should talk often with their children’s teachers, in order to determine their ability to deal with children with learning disabilities. On occasion there are teachers who have become so stressed in the working environment that they are no longer effective as teachers. If a parent sees any of these warning signs it is their personal responsibility to inform both the school district and other parents of the concern.
Parents with Special needs children should always keep in formed, not only for their children, but for those parents that are within their childs education plan. Parents of Special Needs children should collaborate together, within the local school, and keep one another informed about national, state, and local issues regarding their children’s education. Often the stress of raising a severely disabled child, or even a slightly learning disabled child can take a toll on a family. This is why it is a good idea to become good friends with the parents of your child’s classmates. This can not only insure some sanity during difficulties, but assist greatly in assuring that the school not try to skimp on an educational program.
By: Gary Kammer
Posts Tagged ‘Desks’
Special Needs Children and the Public School District
January 16th, 2010New Teacher Tips – How to Set Up a Special Education Classroom
October 22nd, 2009
If your child is in a special education class, it is imperative that several things should be in order in order to maximize the learning conditions and subsequently their achievement.
In order to facilitate the learning, the classroom should have a special desk arrangement. Desks should be arranged in rows in order to minimize the amount of distractions caused by group and paired learning.
Another way to cater to the various levels is to set up a learning center around various stations that allow for hands-on fun or educational experiences depending on the educational background of the student. Learning centers should also provide a variety of activities and themes which ultimately makes the learning purposeful.
An additional set-up arrangement is to put the teacher’s desk in front of the class which allows for individual eye contact and body language.
In some special education classrooms, restroom facilities are located within the classroom. However, not all special education are set up in this way. However it can be a consideration should other arrangements be unsatisfactory.
As a new special education teacher, you’ll want a classroom setup that encourages an effective engagement with minimal distractions. With children who need to deal with special learning adjustments, try for a new setup that is not too overwhelming for him/her to function. You’ll want to also maintain control with the rest of the class as well.
Consider the kinds of activities that are systematic enough to help these kids thrive under a minimal number of classroom arrangement. Kids do not thrive well under too many unanticipated situations.
So what are you waiting for? Try it!
By: Dorit Sasson
