I had the privilege of being a substitute teacher the other day in a local middle school for fifth and sixth graders in a self contained classroom. Unlike standard classrooms with a large number of peers, self-contained classrooms are typically in a smaller setting with a fewer number of students. Created to help foster enhanced support for students with different abilities or specific difficulties. The class can have 6 up to 12 students.
The class I had the honor to be with was a class of ten students who had social emotional and behavioral struggles. Some of the students also had learning differences and one or two may have had a cognitive delay as well. What I learned from these students is that they believed they were stupid. In fact they were convinced they were "retarded". I heard that word more times than I'd like to admit during my 6 hours with them.
I referred to them as scholars and how impressed I was with their math skills. One student said: "Who the hell are you calling scholars? We are retards!" My heart sank. Who told them this? Who reinforces this? Why didn't the aide correct this thought?
What does this society have against inclusion opportunities for all students. I am not naive to believe that all students should or could handle full inclusion. However, some inclusion opportunities are beneficial to all students.
My son is in a self-contained classroom at a school designated for students with different abilities. Why? Especially when I am such an advocate for inclusion. I will tell you it is because in our area of the country, we do not have an appropriate model for inclusion. In fact it is archaic and detrimental to the most vulnerable students. I have him in a school where I believe he will receive the best supports for his needs. I would love some inclusion opportunities for him, but it is just not realistic here in Western New York to have his academic, therapeutic, sensory medical, and safety needs met.
The students I worked with the other day at the ages of 10 and 11 already believe they are 'less than'. Nobody has attempted to alter this mindset. Our current system has reinforced this thought and belief. The more I am in the classroom, the more I find myself advocating for inclusion opportunities and changing the foundational belief systems of administrators, teachers, parents, students, and society as whole towards our children.
My son is not less than, those students are not less than, they have unique needs that our current educational system is failing them. We must do something about this. All of us.
