Talk:Foundations and Assessment of Education/Edition 1/Foundations Table of Contents/Chapter 10/The Scoop From Someone Who Knows



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Author Reflection
My interview with Harry and his mother gave me reason to pause and reflect on my previous teaching experiences and how I formulated my own student expectations. During the 2007-08 school year, I taught 4th grade Science in a Virginia public school. I specifically requested to have all of the special education students placed in my homeroom. I did this for two reasons: my history with this particular group of students and my desire for all of the students to learn. I knew what this class of students could do both academically and behaviorally. My expectations were the same for all of my students behaviorally and for the most part academically. I did take into consideration the various cognitive disabilities of my students and adjusted my expectations accordingly. I never formulated my expectations based on a student's race, gender, or socio-economic status. To me, they were all my children.

I adjusted my teaching so that all learners were comfortable, had a positive learning experience, and could take something valuable out of my door each day. I refused to "dumb down" my lessons. There's nothing worse than making a child feel different. I will continue to strive to include all learners in my classroom and to formulate fair and achieveable expectations.

As for Harry, I watched him walk across the stage on Promotion Day. He will be entering the 6th grade in September. Harry received Honor Roll, Science, and Math awards as well as the Presidential Academic Achievement Award. His parents couldn't be prouder.

Neither could I.

Acrow005 (talk) 21:07, 18 June 2009 (UTC)

I am happy to report that SOL scores have returned for this school year. While I knew that Harry passed his Writing SOL test, I am pleased to announce that he passed his Reading, Math (perfect score!), Science, and Social Studies tests all with Advanced Proficiency. Believe me, he was cheesing hardcore!

Acrow005 (talk) 14:26, 25 July 2009 (UTC)

Reader Responses
This is my favorite article of all of the ones that I have read this semester. I loved the interview and it was great that you thought to include a picture of Harry. Also, it had a good balance of personal info of the people and technical, well thought out information about learning disabilities. Ldomm002 (talk) 02:52, 2 August 2009 (UTC)

I found your article to be extremely interesting! I really liked how you interviewed three different sources (student, parent and teacher) all relating to the same case. This offered such a great perspective on the situation. I felt like I was part of the interview while reading the questions and responses from each person. I pictured the little boy answering and my heart broke for him as he talked about the difficulties he faced. I am so glad that he is now self confident and able to succeed! What a great article! Khedl002 (talk) 16:56, 1 August 2009 (UTC)khedl002

I really enjoyed reading your article and found it quite fascinating. It is interesting that teachers develop certain expectations towards individuals in their class without taking into account their unique needs. Teachers need to understand that expecations are variable for each and every student, regardless of their learning ability. I found your student interview fascinating but I was also saddened to read that the teacher told Benjamin to “work harder”. It seems that his difficulties along with the responses of his teacher contributed to his low self-esteem. It broke my heart when he said he thought he was “broken”. I am glad to see that after proper diagnosis of dyslexia, a 504 plan was developed to help Benjamin with his unique needs and disabilities in school. I think teachers should always push students to do their best, but they must take into account the needs of each student. Afett001 (talk) 17:30, 21 July 2009 (UTC)

Wow, what a great article. I did not know that dyslexia could be passed on from generation to generation. I cannot imagine how hard it was for Harry in school and how much he had to endure in class. The comments made by teachers can have an enormous impact on impressionable children. Although students should be held to a high standard when it comes to school work, tests, etc., I think some leeway should be allowed to help those that need the extra help without singling them out or making them feel "different" or "stupid" because they are unable to understand or keep up with the assignments.Scarlett1 (talk) 04:39, 26 July 2009 (UTC)

This was fantastic. I've a few friends that were classified as dsylexic growing up, and it's interesting to hear an elaboration on the experience. Great writing, good story. And I love that you followed up in your reflection to let us know the outcome of his SOLs. Your enthusiasm for your student's success is extremely commendable. Hsmit022 (talk) 22:22, 31 July 2009 (UTC)

I can not tell you how fascinating this article was to read. I loved that you took this from all the involved perspectives. It is a testament to the involvement of teachers, parent and student and when everyone knew what Harry's problem was they were all there to help him to succeed. The problem that many teachers face is that they forget that each student is different and they have different needs and learning styles. Superb job on this article!!!Jnewh001 (talk) 02:34, 1 August 2009 (UTC)