February 7, 2005
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Since last Wednesday, I have been subbing in special ed. My students are elementary students. The ones I have been working with have either autism or cerebral palsy and are non-verbal. There is another teacher in the room who works with verbal students. I have developed considerable admiration for the teacher I am replacing, because I have felt woefully inadequate at times as I try to communicate with children who only grunt. I would give a lot to know what those grunts mean. It must be every bit as frustrating for them as it is for me, maybe moreso.
On the whole, it has gone very well. These children do not tolerate changes in their routines very well, and, of course, having a different teacher is a pretty major change. They have been very cooperative with me and have sat there patiently when I have no doubt been doing the wrong thing. Nobody has had a melt down, for which I am very thankful.
While I have been here, I have given some thought to a couple of things. One is that the lives of these children are much improved by the opportunity to go to school and interact with a variety of different people. Although they do not make dramatic progress, they do make progress, and it’s doubtful that they would do that if they were not here. Although they will never be independent, their lives are certainly much richer for this experience. Most of them will stay in the public school until they are 21 years old. Their days will be spent much more productively here than they would be anywhere else.
One of the biggest issues related to special ed is cost. For 15 students, this program has 2 licensed teachers and 11 paraprofessionals. All those people are absolutely necessary because most of these students require 1 to 1 attention at all times. That costs a lot of money. The program is federally mandated, but although the government requires it, it does not fund it. Regardless of the number of students and the needs of those students, the funding to the school district is no more per student than it is for students who can sit unassisted in a classroom with 29 other students and one teacher. I am not saying that I do not think this program is important or that I do not think it should be here, because I definitely do feel that it is necessary for these students. I just think the government should provide money to support it. It’s hardly fair to expect a school district to provide this level of service for the same amount of money that is given to the school for a student who needs no special services. No wonder our schools are in trouble!
It’s been an interesting few days here. I really enjoy special ed when I sub, but I do not think I could ever do it full time. I do not have that level of patience. Tomorrow, I return to my college students and the world of Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology. Variety is good!
Comments (17)
You’re a teacher! What a great thing to be! Thanks for your nice comment! I hope we can stay in touch!
People who work in Speical Ed are wonderful . Its a bit like the USA here the council pays the money for the speical ed needs but does not anymore money so it takes some money away from other education needs
Strange you speak of special ed students today as I have been pondering the great work special ed teachers and assistants do. It was brought home to be full force as I came out of the pool today. Monday’s are special ed days there and while I have heard the splash of one jumping back in fully clothed, today I saw a little boy have a melt down outside. As he lay on the pavement his teacher wrapped her arms around him and was patting his chest in comfort while she talked to another teacher.
I thanked both of them for the good work they do.
Hi
Thanks for visiting my xanga and for your nice comment.
About special children, i have a cousin with severe cerebral palsy because he was born premature (six months). He’s such a smart kid that he erm… controls his household
But really, there’s nothing wrong with his intelligence, so a good education is necessary to help him lead a useful and fulfilling life. Another boy i know (the brother of my best friend)has Down Syndrome but he’s one of the funniest and nicest guys i know despite his problem (which is pretty severe too).
The government should dedicate much more of it’s funds to help people with disabilities, because many of these persons are unpolished diamonds just waiting to shine and they deserve a chance, like everyone does.
I think you’re doing a very important thing by helping them now and then. Congratulations!
Bye
Wow! That is a lot of variety for you. And I agree they should fund it. I was appalled to hear that the budget for education is being cut once again. Our country really needs to get it’s priorities straight when it comes to education. Grr. A pet peeve of mine. I agree with the above comment that teaching special ed is a wonderful thing to do.
ryc: me too.
I agree that it is a good program and I think that the goverment should fund ANYTHING that it mandates.
Thanks for stoping by my site all the time.
You do have range in your teaching…from elementary special ed to college. I admire anyone who can work with challenged students, especially the autistic. Kudos to you.
I used to do sub work in the middle grades and they were a challlenge but I enjoyed it at the time. I couldn’t do it now because the patience has gone out the window. I know I couldn’t work with special ed kids but admire those who can. Children are not a priority in this society so funding is not likely anytime soon in this administration.
What a wonderful profession! I really admire you for the work you do!
Spot
ryc:I love when they pile on top of me! It is the sweetest thing ever.
To be brutally honest, I’m having a hard time living in peace and harmony with squirrels. I swear, if we ever plant a tree on Mars, a squirrel will have anticipated it and will be there devouring the tree right as the cameras roll. I love the cute little buggers but they have totally outsmarted me in everything I have ever done! (This includes the ACT test) Our only hope is to teach raccoons to be the guards of our gardens, cuz they just might be clever enough to keep the squirrels at bay.
I typed Nance1 into the Xanga search box and got a bit of a surprise, this is where I ended up!
Hey There!!! I know it’s been a while, but here I am again with my new Xanga name.
I closed the other one down I had called:
lady —in —–time from before. I’m having to space that out and do like that, so hopefully, that name won’t show back up again in the search engines and link it with this one I’m using now!!
Just wanted to stop back by again and say Hi and resubscribe to ya!!!
(((HUGS))))
Shara
I’ve always amired teachers … so much to give but not a lot of intake – that takes a speacial person. GOOD YOU!
random props…interesting post… i agree, it must be tough for these children not to be able to express themselves in words, as if they have been robbed of the right to speak… although what i find really tough is working with people with dementia and Alzheimer’s, it’s like their whole life does not mean a thing to them… it’s pretty heart-wrenching..i’m a nursing student… anatomy and physiology is my passion!
It appears I have missed this interesting post Nancy . Yes I think those ” deficient ” pupils teach us and lead us to deep reflection . I know that because my wife accompagnies mental handicaped people . A rich relation is tied betwenn her and those unfortunate people . They have much feeling .
Indeed there is a big change with the reaching of anatomy – physilogy !!
Sorry to be so late
love
Michel