I think that we can all agree that disability is a natural part of life (Ysseldyyke, Algozzine & Thurlow, 2000). We all have some type disability. Fortunately for many these disabilites do not prevent us from achieving educational success. For others this is real problem: Their disabilities are so severe that they prevent them from being successful in and outside of school.
Fortunately for students with disabilities, the U.S. have always been guided by the values of equity and excellence (Tomlinson, 2003). These values are reflected in the Fourteenth Amendment which is based on the principles of fundamental fairness, equal opportunity, and due process of law for all US citizens. In 1975 Congress enacted P.L. 94-142 (IDEA) which mandates that all states provide children with disabilities, ages 3-21, the right to a free, appropriate education in public schools (Essex, 2005).
As special eeducation teachers we must continue to work in the spirit of the Fourteenth Amendment and ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to be successful in school.
References
Essex, n.L. (2005). School law and public schools. A practical guide for educational leaders. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Tomlinson, C. (2003). Deciding to teach them all. Teaching Students, 61(2), 6-11.
Ysseldyke, J.E., Algozzine, B., and Thurlow, M.L. (2000). Critical issues in special education. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
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2 comments:
Darren, I agree that it doesn't seem fair for children with certain disabilities to have to
take the same standardized tests as regular education students. I witness first hand as a
test administrator the frustrations, the fears and disgust along with discouragement these
children face. No Child Left Behind? ...oh well, many, too many are still being left behind.
Dedra
It willl be interesting to see what happens with NCLB this year. Most educators would agree it hasn't improved standardized scores. Lee County schools continue to perform poorly on the FCAT scores. The poorest schols that need money the most have the lowest scores. It's a vicious and unfair cycle.
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