Hurdles and Huddles: Students with Disabilities

I still hear stories from veteran teachers that talk about the methods of teaching students with exceptionalities "back in the day". Students with special needs went from no education, to a limited education separated from their peers, to the modern movement of an all inclusive general education environment. While there are still some students whose least restrictive environment is located in a separate classroom, most students in public education have been mainstreamed in order to receive an appropriate public education experience.

While all the talk of inclusive classrooms create images of rainbows, sunshine, and unity; the education world still has leaps yet to conquer in order to secure the highest degree of education for all. 

The biggest hurdle; figuring out how to increase communication and effectiveness of all stakeholders involved in a Student with Disability's (SWD) education. Who are the stakeholders that impact a child's education? To name a few: the child, parents, teachers, school leaders, support personnel, student peers, community members and businesses. While we are discussing rainbows, sunshine, and unity, imagine this: all stakeholders huddled up in a circle, arms around each other's shoulders (much like a team huddle before a big game). The child is also in the huddle leading the others surrounding in a chant that inspires and motivates all. Now cut back to reality. The reality is that not all parents come to scheduled meetings. The reality is that not all teachers have the knowledge or the drive to create an inclusive classroom. The reality is that not all community businesses wish to support their local education agencies. The reality is that not all SWD are willing to put forth the effort to succeed. How can we do better? How can we huddle up in order to move forward? My next blog post will be focused on increasing the effectiveness of three things; an inclusive classroom, parental involvement, and community support. 

If you are a stakeholder in a SWD's education, please complete this survey to help me with my next post on the inclusion classroom. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LWH7KQV