I’ve never been exposed to the system put in place for special education in public schools. I was impressed with certain aspects of the laws that provide for the education of students with special needs. I was also impressed to see how other countries, like Finland, approach special education and what it means. I think that there are a few flaws in the system that even a novice like me can recognize just on the surface without being in the trenched with parents who are using this system.
In the video, Finland’s Formula for School Success, the system is approached collectively by a team of teachers and each child’s individual needs are addressed. This isn’t just for children with a certified issue but just any kid that may need a little extra assistance. That approach makes each child “special”. In the U.S., and more specifically in Arizona, the process is began at the request of a parent or a teacher. It’s a little bit more reactive versus being proactive.
I volunteered in a third grade class for about two months for a couple hours each day. I witnessed what the para-pros got to do on a day-to-day. One of the children had a behavioral problem where he would get really mad and couldn’t control his emotions. They had to be really patient and let him find ways to cope until he could return to classwork. Another boy had a form of autism where he was easily distracted and would stare off. He had to be reminded to finish his handouts. There were simple things that I noticed like a sweet, little girl who had to hold a book two inches from her nose to read. She could read slowly but I think it was because she needed glasses. In a situation like the boys’ you could easily see the school providing them with a special education plan. The girl is a different story, a teacher can recommend that a student needs glasses but is the district required to provide them? What happens when it becomes more difficult for her to keep up because of her “special need”?
I think IDEA and IEPs are wonderful to have in classrooms. I love inclusions that keep kids from developing incorrect biases about those who need special education. I see the funding for the programs being an issue. I see the lack of access to capabilities by schools, causing parents to search elsewhere as a disappointment. I think kids that fall through the cracks due to overcrowding or lack of awareness is a shame. Due to laws and revisions, there is more awareness and change from what was available in the past. I feel that the program will only improve as technology is incorporated into learning and curriculum and learning is redefined in the future.
Cristal Cassel 