At the school district in the town I work in, a mentally retarded kid has been frightening normal children because of his wild behavior and his aggressiveness. He is also somewhat deformed and that scares many kids. Because of this event, and some other things, the school board is trying get the superintendent's contract bought out so they can get a new one who will stop integrating mentally retarded people into normal schools.
I have to say, I'm in agreement with that school board. What good can possibly come of "mainstreaming" people who are inherently NOT mainstream? It is as though the parents of these kids hope that by mixing the mentally retarded kids with normal kids, the kids will somehow be less retarded?
What is the purpose of this integration, and what is the disadvantage of not sending these kids to special schools where they can learn from others with similar conditions as them?
WOW. Seeing you work in a school, I would have thought you would have more empathy or understanding.
A more appropriate way of saying things is that the child is mentally challenged or physically challenged.
Normal? Not a fair to pull that one. Capable is the word that should be used.
This child probably has his moments. May seem more extreme than a regular tantrum, etc. You are fostering the fear though.
You see, many physically or mentally handicapped children can get overstimulated. Some do not understand that their sudden busts of uncontrolled emotion is frightening to others.
This is the perfect time to teach the children understanding, compassion, tolerance. Some with a little knowledge may even come up with ways to help calm the student down or love to participate in helping with his or her education.
Instead of TEACHERS passing judgement and demonstrating a lack of intolerance, especially to the capable students, they should take time to learn of the child's disability and the best ways of teaching the other kids and that particular student. Teach the kids what the disability is, how to best help that student when it is overstimulated, preventative measures, even what can be fun for the student.
Intergrating these students is helpful to everyone if done properly. IT does not sound like it was done properly. I suggest you become the leader in investigating successful intergrations and stand up to the forefront. Heck, you could turn this into something very positive to your school and community.
on a side note....my son used to be a peer mentor to students you have described. That was in 4 and 5th grade. He loved it. He would read to the students, keeping them focused, help them with their math. It was the highlight of his day. He even gave those students their rewards for doing their work. He felt so responible and proud. Every time he did this, he would come home and tell me in full detail of every second. These kids do have a sense of humor, mischeviousness, and also sweet compassion. My son was able to see those things and it has made him the deep understanding kid he is today. Not of my doing, but of his teacher showing him and teaching him that these kids are special and deserving of an education as much as him.
Soap box? Maybe. More of a passion of mine. Have worked with kids all my life. Worked for 3 years at a highly respected school for kids with autism. Please note, I said with autism. Not autistic child. There's a difference and it matters to those who understand they have it and to thier families. Because, no matter what? They are still kids, still a human being. Still deserving of an education and for people to step outside of their little box and try to understand their world a little.
