As a kid, my mom used to take me to work with her whenever I had a short break or vacation. Throughout my childhood, she was an adaptive physical education teacher who worked in numerous schools in New York City. At that time I couldn't possibly have predicted that I would follow a similar career path and go into the field of special education as a speech-language pathologist (I was in it mostly for the chance to hang out with the cute little kids and the promise of a sushi lunch with my mom).
My mother has since retired, but I vividly remember those days, meeting her colleagues, and learning about special education. She worked with a team of passionate and hardworking individuals, most of whom were jammed into small classrooms and converted janitorial closets. Everyone made due and everyone wore a smile.
I originally entitled this article "The Modern Speech Language Pathologist." But the more I began to think about our profession and special education on the whole, the more I came to realize the importance of what has held steadfast and true over the years, rather than what is shiny and new. iPads, SMART Boards, touch screen computers -- I am a huge fan! I believe these tools are revolutionizing special education.
Yet in the face of ever-advancing technology and seemingly endless budget constraints, all special needs professionals must adhere to our core tenets.
With changes in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders coming in 2013, continued educational reforms and a struggling economy, it is imperative that we hold on tight -- to our values and to each other -- because it will no doubt continue to be a bumpy ride.
Follow Jaime Openden, M.S., CCC-SLP on Twitter: www.twitter.com/bignityventures
Until students do not need to fill out an employment application or write an SAT essay, they need pencil and paper skills. Shame on you. Who will write that SAT essay? Who will fill out their application for a job? Old hat? Maybe. Necessary? Yes! Boring? Probably if a teacher decides so in advance.
This is an excuse for teachers who don't want to teach difficult skills that students require for success in life. I am appalled that you suggest students with disabilities should have a less rigorous education than typically developing peers who do learn paper and pencil skills boring or not. SPED students can't live in a fun little bubble and avoid the hard work, competition and persistence that is school and adult life around the world. If they physically can't, then fine. But can't does not mean "won't" because the teacher protects these students and thus contributes to their helplessness.
I was certainly not suggesting to toss the pencil and paper out the window for good, but I do encourage educators to think outside the box for students who (for various reasons) find greater success in completing tasks using other tools, such as computers and iPads. In fact, many students with disabilities will have testing accommodations that can include a writer/recorder for all answers, audio recording, additional breaks, etc (http://www.ets.org/disabilities/accommodations/).
Making modifications for children with special needs is in no way requiring any less of them, nor does it contribute to their "helplessness." This is a fallacy. Rather, modifications enable children with special needs to have the opportunity to be on a more equal playing field with their typically developing peers. A fun little bubble? I don't know any child with special needs, any parent or any educator who would call the day-to-day struggles "fun."
Each and every day is filled with hard work and persistence.