Equal Educational Opportunity

An equal educational opportunity means that everyone in this country should have the opportunity to go as far as they would like in terms of education.  Whether an individual wants to complete their education at the high school, college, graduate, or doctorate level is entirely up to them.  I also see where opportunities abound for people to make their education tailored to what they want to study.  The idea of tracking in high school and CNM (as well as many other community colleges) provide this opportunity.  If an area of study does not require more than an associate’s degree, then that can be pursued.  Regardless, it is available to all who live in America and for those who come here to study as well.  I find it interesting at how many nationalities we have represented in our schools and colleges today. 

I am educating my students to achieve the unthinkable.  So often in special education, the “bar and limit” is dramatically lowered, per say.  Unfortunately, students already have the stigma that they can’t learn and will verbalize that they are dumb.  I see it as my responsibility to really know my student’s learning styles and to teach them in ways that they can learn and succeed as a student.  I understand that it might be done in baby steps but the overall goal is for my students to make gains in their education.  The method that I currently use for these goals are IEP’s and of course the grade level standards.  By law, I have no choice other than to use the IEP goals and grade level standards are there to see if my students have learned or are learning what they need to for that particular grade level.

 Unfortunately, students in special education are normally not performing at advanced levels at their grade level.  There are times when they can be twice exceptional and I have seen students gifted in one area but learning disabled in another.  What a strange combination!!  Ultimately, it is our job as teachers to challenge our students, regardless of what is being taught.  I really feel that the classroom needs to be a place where all learning styles are embraced and strengthened.  It is also important to incorporate a culture-rich environment that will enhance the diversity and needs within that room.  I really feel that’s the toughest challenge within today’s classroom – being able to adequately meet the demands of culture and the different learning levels that the children have.  It is exhausting having to teach at so many different levels but I truly feel that it is also rewarding when you look at short-cycle assessments and see that the hard work has paid off and students are making progress!