In my
opinion, social integration of students with exceptional learning needs (ELN)
has always been a nationwide issue in the schools systems. There are many things that can be done, in my
opinion, to promote the acceptance and social integration of children with
disabilities in our schools, communities, and our society.
As stated
in Education For All: Critical Issues in the Education of Children and Youth
with Disabilities, “Disability is a natural part of the human experience
and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to participate in or
contribute to society. Improving the educational results for children with
disabilities is an essential element of our national policy of ensuring
equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic
self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities (Jimenez & Graf,
2008,p.1).
I believe
inclusion is one of the most important things a school can do for a child. This gives them a sense of belonging, social
skills, and self-confidence.
Intervention at an early age is also very important, and often the
children in general education classes like to help the students with ELN and to
be involved with them socially. Congress enacted The Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) addressing concerns to fund programs for educating
children with disabilities (Jimenez & Graf, 2008). This Act gave the
children with disabilities the same opportunities as everyone else by not
discriminating against or labeling them.
Without the parents/guardian on
board or involved with their child and any IEP needs makes it difficult to
succeed in soocial intervention. Parents can help with recognizing concerns for their child and
collaborating with faculty in making decisions for educational needs. Another way to promote social integration of
students with ELN is to have school involvement and a great special education
program. Having highly qualified special
education teachers as well as general education teachers, assistants, and other
faculty members that are trained and involved is a great factor to any school
system. Scientific-based research,
up-to-date testing, enrichment, and resources to meet each students’ IEP needs
are vital to addressing social integration in schools, as well as communities,
and our society.
With my
experience so far, working as an educational assistant K-3 at Mineral Ridge, I
have found that inclusion is so important like I mentioned above. These children need this for social skills as
well as self-sufficiency and a sense of belonging. Intervention at an early age is often
challenged by parents in denial that their child may have a disability. But having parents/guardians involved is a
major factor in the whole spectrum.
Sadly, I can already tell, 2 weeks into school, which parents are
involved and which are not involved. This breaks my heart to see children being
ignored or not receiving the curriculum and attention needed for ELN. Lastly, I truly believe general education
teachers should be required to have a special education background in the
college degree curriculum, due to the increasing number of students with ELN
nationwide.
I agree. I think Mineral Ridge does a great job at promoting inclusion at the high school. Rarely are students pulled from my class and isolated. It is interesting for me to see the other side of things, and read about what experiences you have at the elementary!
ReplyDeleteI was reading your piece and one sentence jumped out, "Without the parents/guardian on board or involved with their child and any IEP needs makes it difficult to succeed in social intervention". This statement is profound as much of a child's socialization is learned through the actions of their parents. Consequently, a lack of parental involvement makes the task of socialization far more complicated. Add in a culmination of distractions including questionable socio-economics, varying domestic situations, and medical diagnosis's contribute to a recipe of social challenges.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, I truly enjoyed reading your post and agree with many of your points. First, I do think inclusion is one of the best things a school can do for a child, when it is their best interest. Secondly, I do think you made a good point about general educators should also have a background in special education. Personally I did not have any knowledge of special education and when I started working at the Rich Center it was a major adjustment. That is why I want to further educate myself.
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