How would you feel if you weren't allowed to be in classes with certain people at school? What if you weren't allowed to have class on specific floors? That doesn't sound very fun, does it? This is how some of the special education students at Fort Zumwalt East High School are treated. Sadly, a hand-full of kids are not allowed to have classes on any floor besides the third and first floors. These students already have a hard time opening up and making new friends, and secluding them to that one little corner on the third floor only makes that harder.
Some special education teachers say that they would love for their students to be able to mingle with all the other kids, but it would be too much of a hassle to follow them around everywhere. As if they are dogs on leashes, each student would have to have their own personal teacher to be a chauffeur. Acceptance is also another issue. These teachers and some students think that the majority of the student body won't treat the extraordinary kids with the respect they deserve or even worse: bully them. Sad, right? Students and teachers would love for all student to be able to roam the halls together, we just do not have the resources to let this happen.
Why don't we make a statement? Let these kids have lockers near everyone else, Give them the opportunities to make friends and be around different people, stop by and just say "Hi!" to them every once in a while-small efforts make big differences.
Two student told me that school is boring for them because they are in class with the same ten people for seven hours, each lunch with them, and spend their passing period with them. Talk about the daily grind. I don't know about you, but if I was with the same people all day everyday, I'd go crazy!
Not only can these kids social lives be limited because of their isolation but, it can also affect their whole lives. Personality disorders are a very common affect of being forced to be anti-social. Of course Anti-Social disorder would make sense to result from not associating with peers, but many other psychologic problems can happen like: Paranoid, Schizoid, Schizotypal, Borderline, Avoidant, Dependent or, Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorders. Doing to same thing everyday is not only boring but can also leave extreme effects.
Saying a quick "Hello" or even giving a high five, takes like thirty seconds tops. Who doesn't like making people feel good about themselves? I know I definitely do! Just be nice and makes some new friends- It's a win-win situation. These children are so nice, relatable and will never not want to talk to you. Tomorrow, make someones day!
I totally agree, the teachers and school staff do tend to segrigate the special education students off a bit--but I have a point to make, and that is the special education students ARE in the mix. They're not the only students in the third or first floor hallway; however, a lot of them are kept at a certain end by restraining teachers, so I do understand your point.
ReplyDeleteGreat job. I really think you fleshed out everything quite nicely, and I enjoy the extra points on developing personality disorders. Made for an interesting, heart-pinching read, and I believe your blog post would be considered quite inspirable.
This was a very impressive post because I believe it brings out a topic that many people are afraid to converse about: "those kids." I, however, completely agree with you and Erin. I think the school needs to give them a chance to be accepted. Our students are not as cruel and uncaring as adults make us out to be. I think involving the special education kids in our every day school lives would be a great idea. It would give the student body a chance to see just how wonderful these students can be, and it would give the special needs kids a chance to make some new friends and learn new things. Although, I do think they need a few secluded classrooms to "get a break" from the busy hallways and limited time with lots of students.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, I agree with Erin. You did a fabulous job writing this article and I think it's sweet that this is such an important issue to you. I hope one day your wishes come true.
Ya know, I never actually thought about this before, but that's such a good topic. I completely agree with everything you said. Those students should have to opportunity to be in classes with other people. It is really sad to think that they're so secluded in that one little section of our school. The only time I see them is when I'm passing them or when one or two come to pick up the recycling bins and empty them--which is a little degrading I think. It's also really sad to think the their teachers think it would be too much of a hassle to follow them around--almost like their some type of chore.. Well, I really liked your piece. It was written very well and posed a great topic. Good job, Cori. :)
ReplyDeleteI believe that welcoming handicap children into our activities and school would be a great idea! Although, I know from experience that it's difficult to handle a severely handicap child and would be nearly impossible to be able to mix up classes. I also know from experience that there are mixed classes of slightly handicap children and regular students that involve a hands on helper. I love the cause though, and I do believe that handicap children should be given the same opportunities of others.
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