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 ‘Special Ed’
Special Needs Children and the Public School District
January 16th, 2010Special Olympics Moving Into Las Vegas Schools is a Good Thing
December 27th, 2009
News that the Special Olympics are extending their competitive sports program into Las Vegas schools is great news for the students in the special education program. Students who need extra supports to learn don’t necessarily have the opportunity to participate in organized sports. This may be because of physical challenges, intellectual disabilities, or other factors.
Sports Should be Available to All Students at Las Vegas Schools
Not all learning in Las Vegas schools takes place in the classroom. Students involved in the Special Education Program can and should be exposed to all the positive aspects of being involved in team sports. They get the opportunity to practice and improve their motor skills and coordination. Another advantage to these students attending Las Vegas schools is that they get to interact with each other as a team.
Too often these students, whether they are attending Las Vegas schools or not, are not made to feel as if they are part of the school community. They are in Special Ed for specific reasons, that’s true, but just because they need an alternate learning environment, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t children first. Maybe they won’t be playing for the varsity team at their school, but that certainly doesn’t mean that they can’t enjoy being physically active.
Las Vegas Schools’ Special Needs Kids Gain Confidence
Too often those children in Special Education classes in Las Vegas schools are defined by their challenges, rather than appreciated for what they can do. A sports program, like the one provided by Special Olympics, gives them the opportunity to participate at whatever level they are at right now. Some of the children involved in the program have never played sports before.
Perhaps they didn’t seem interested, or their parents were concerned that they would be picked at because of their abilities (or lack thereof). Participating in sports in Las Vegas schools is a great way to build confidence for special-needs children. They can apply this boost in self-esteem and use it as a springboard to success in other areas of their lives, both in the Las Vegas schools and outside the classroom.
Las Vegas schools should start off with the position that all children should be able to participate in programs offered by the educational system, even if some accommodations need to be made. The students in Las Vegas schools attending Special Education programs can only benefit from this basic premise. Let’s find ways that Las Vegas schools and other educational institutions across the country, can use programs like the Special Olympics to reinforce the fact that all children share similar characteristics, whether they are in the regular program or an alternative one.
By: Patricia Hawke
Special Education Resource – Simple Steps That Make a Big Difference in Special Education
December 11th, 2009
The words “special education” makes most parents the little neck hairs go on edge. Who wants to be considered “special ed?” I know from experience the stigma attached to being the kid in “special ed.” Fortunately, I learned “special” techniques along the way!
The first techniques I learned is one that every kid learns quickly and every adult perfects! It’s called follow your neighbors lead. Even thought I wouldn’t read, I was damn good at pretending to read! Many of my teachers had no idea in the beginning that I could not read at all. It was not until they asked me to read aloud that it was obvious I could not read. The first lesson was mirroring others. Which is a technique I do not recommend!
The first techniques I learned in school actually hurt me in becoming successful rather than helping me! The second technique I learned is called copy your neighbor’s paper or otherwise known as cheating! I think we all have cheated?!! Again, cheating only delays the enviable, you are delaying your ability to truly learn what is being taught.
The first two “special” techniques might get you or your kid by in school and life, but you will only have mediocrity in your life. To learning and overcome your challenges you must take life head on! You must learn how to deal with your personal shortcomings to figure out your problems.
The more important lessons I learned that made the biggest impact on my life and educational career:
- The rule of the brick wall:
How do you build a brick wall? It’s obvious, one brick at a time. Brick by brick, day by day. You have to place each brick just right of the other bricks will not be set up correctly. The same is true in personal development. You have to develop yourself every day. You have to work on the small stuff every single day. One day it will come naturally. Matter of fact you might even start to take it for granted. However, know that last success comes from consistent improvement every single day!
By: John T.S. Murphy
