Reflection on Special Education and Diversity

Reflection on Diversity: Module 2, Unit 3 

Finland’s Formula for Success Education 

The first aspect of this program I noticed was the fact that every single child received a “special education”. They made that term seem like it was commonplace, and truly, after seeing their video it is. I enjoy the fact that Finland had no qualms about admitting that there really is no such part of schooling as special education. Instead, there is only the need for each child to meet his or her own pace in a classroom, and if extra assistance is crucial in order to excel, then it will be given. Truthfully, every kid is not the best at every subject or every skill and will require some kind of additional aid. I was also intrigued by the welfare council that met each week to check in on the students and the school. It is an incredibly thoughtful thing to do so that your educational community never has any gaps or problems stewing beneath the surface. I feel like sometimes in American schools taking sides gets in the way of community. All in all, I enjoyed their program and their way of educating children. Perhaps, I’ll just move there!

New York School of One

The part of this video that I really did not care for was the part that focused so heavily on the different types of learning. I understand that there are varying ways to teach and varying ways to learn; however, I don’t think that every single way is feasible in one classroom. I would love to know how they divide into grades or even sections of classes. Though this idea is super optimistic, and it would be lovely to accommodate everyone, I don’t think that it is a realistic way of doing things. I’m not saying that to be sour or pessimistic; rather I think that the “perfect” way of schooling is not meant to be achieved. As humans, we are capable of making mistakes, and while this idea may be great in a small scale, I’m not sure it would hold up in a larger one. If this is specifically a type of school that caters to students that have eccentric or diverse ways of learning then I understand the ability to carry out this program, but if it is a regular public school in the district of New York City, how is this possible? I suppose I am one of those teachers that wants class camaraderie and for us to tackle issues as a group as opposed to one on one. With that thought in mind, I don’t think this would be the place for me as a teacher because that class as a family aspect seems absent, and I believe it is a large part of the education system.

A Day in the Life of a Special Education Teacher

This video was basically a public service announcement for becoming a special education teacher. I admire the people that have the patience to do that. Some days I know that I am frustrated with my own students that have no special needs whatsoever. I liked that the video addressed the fact that being a teacher is hard, absolutely, but being a special education teacher is harder than normal. They put in extra time, commitment, and fortitude to be these role models for their students. Their dedication is awesome, and I’m sure that when something goes wrong, it is an upset, but they have been trained and educated to keep their cool and push forward in the direst of situations. Like I said, very admirable, but not for me.

Reflection on Special Education in Our World 
Out of the three videos that I watched, I think that the one that I relate most with is the one regarding Finland. On the other hand, I am also confident that the reason the school works so well is because they don’t pretend that everyone isn’t struggling. Everyone is struggling! Every child in every school all over the world will always not be good at something, and the Finnish have it right: that is NOT a learning deficiency. It is certain that a child will find out that he or she has certain good skills and certain not so good skills, but the school and its teachers help each one of them to find the ability to overcome and excel. While this way of teaching and learning is functional in Finland (and most of other European countries, such as France or Switzerland), the standard in America is diagnose, slap them with some drugs, and try to “fix it”. From the school where I worked to the school I’m in now, learning disabilities or special education were either muttered like curse words or used as excuses for everything. As a result of this, I tend to become slightly defensive about students and their IEPs. My friend that teaches second grade was approached by the principal declaring that one of her seven year old students was “too excited” about an assignment with a math computer game. Both of our first thoughts were that he is a seven year old, so of course he is going to be excited. The principal also said something to her husband that teaches fifth grade regarding a boy that is autistic. She asked the teacher to provide preferential treatment in regards to assessments as is required by law. On the contrary, the teacher was asked by the mother not to do so, but to try and include her son as he would any other student, and to only acknowledge the autism when necessary. The reason I provide these examples is because I do understand that some children may have to be provided special education, but that doesn’t mean it should be done loudly and overstated. By all means, please help the students that need it and know that they need it, but do not diagnose a child for being a child. And do not use the learning handicap as a crutch. Kids are more capable than we think. Give them a goal, and they will get to it. I think that sometimes special education isn’t justified and other times it most certainly is. My final thought is this: when a kid needs help, give him or her help, no ifs, ands, or buts. Each child learns specially, and we don’t have to diagnose him or her to know that fact.