Special Education then and now..

                                                     

           As I take a moment to reflect on what I perceived Special Education to be as a child to what I know now, there are many differences. In fact, my notion of Special Education today is quite uplifting and gratifying.

            Prior to the age of 10, I was unaware of the term Special Education. In the 4th grade of a Catholic school, Special Education was not a term heard. Two classes per grade, all general education was the norm for me. Children learning the same class objectives, in the same manner with the same expectations was all that I knew. At the age of ten, I met a child at dance class. Right away, I knew she was different. Although she looked the same, she was unable to hold a conversation with me. She was also unable to learn the dance steps as my teacher modeled them, expecting us to repeat instantly. That day, I overheard her mom tell my mom that she was in a Special Education class at P.S. ____. I remember wondering what Special Education was. I quickly pictured my new friends class to be much different than my experience. I figured that because my friend was different, her classmates must be as well. They must not learn much and they must get to play all types of games all day. They even get to sing songs and do art projects like I used to do when I was much younger. Today, I can confidently and proudly say how wrong I was.

            Special education students are indeed special. In fact, they are the most unique and interesting individuals I have had the pleasure of observing. Special education students are brilliant. They surely are capable of learning new material just like general education, but they just acquire that knowledge in different ways. Studying each child’s strengths and weaknesses, an individualized program is created. Wow! These students can achieve the same goals as general education students but in different ways. Maybe some students would like to draw and orally tell their teacher what they have learned. Maybe others will write. Some may even learn through the use of technology. No matter the needs of the children, special education educators place their arms around these unique children, providing them with the support they need to become active members of society. The environment in which the children learn in is also based upon their needs. Some students may be mixed in with general education children, while others are with students who need similar support as them. The goal of special education is to provide students with the least restrictive environment.

            As I look back on what I though special education was 15 years ago to what I know now, it almost feels like a breath of fresh air. Special education is a wonderful thing, providing diverse learners with what they need to flourish!