I once taught an ELA/Reading resource class made up of six middle school boys. The topic of special education and resource classes came up one day. The boys commented that they never really knew why they were in a separate class or why they were in special education. Resource classes were made up of students receiving special education services. Typically the classes were much smaller than the traditional classroom and focused on intensive interventions. I asked the boys why they thought they were in special education. Their answers were upsetting… they said things like because we’re stupid, because we can’t learn, because we can’t read. This was truly sad to hear. These boys ranged from 12-14 years old and had been receiving special education services for several years and no one ever clearly explained to them why they struggled in school. We ended up discussing learning disabilities, how people learn in different ways, and how needing help does not mean you are stupid and can’t learn. That year we read stories about people with disabilities and famous people who struggled in school. The boys finally understood why school was hard for them and why they were receiving instruction in a different class but they should not have had to go so long thinking something was wrong with them.
I am a big believer in student self advocacy. I believe that there is power in knowing your struggles and focusing on your strengths. I made sure that every one of my students attended their ARD/IEP meeting. The meetings were about them so how could a group of people make decisions for a student without their input. There were times when the student only came into the ARD for a few minutes depending on the circumstances of the ARD. There are times when it may not be in the student’s best interest to attend the meeting but I don’t believe that it is beneficial for a student to not know why they are receiving services and supports. I know it can be difficult for parents to explain disabilities to their children. For some parents, it is a very emotional process to find out that your child has a disability. No one wants their child to struggle but imagine struggling in school and not understanding why.
It is important for students to understand their disability and be able to give input as to what works for them. I sat in a meeting where a student was given the accommodation of oral administration of test, in other words, someone read the test/test questions to them. When we asked the student if this worked for them, they stated no, it actually made it harder when someone read to them. There are times when the student will be reluctant to receive accommodations. This is common as students age because they don’t want to seem different from their peers. Other kids notice when one person has something different. When I co-taught in the general education class and had to pull out kids for small groups, I always took some of the general education students with me so the class would not single out one or two students who were receiving special education services. I made to sure to tell all my classes that everyone learns differently. It was about providing the accommodations without calling attention to anyone in particular.
By the beginning of middle school, students should know about their disability and begin to self advocate. Middle school is hard enough on kids without having to struggle with not knowing why they receive accommodations, services, or supports. I know one amazing teacher who taught students with severe cognitive impairments. Her students made all about me presentations at their ARD/IEP meetings. There are different ways to have students participate in their meetings but it is about empowering them by giving them information on their disability or learning difference. If a student knows that they struggle with reading because they have Dyslexia and there are accommodations to help them, it is so much better than having them sit in a class thinking they can’t learn.
If you have any questions about student self advocacy, contact me, I’d be happy to help!