Journal 8

In ch 8 we got a different direction with children. "This chapter is about students who are not necessarily eligible for special education whose learning is at risk and whose success often depends on the quality of the instruction they receive and the care provided by general education teachers." The intro in the chapter continues with 4 reasons why they are included:

1. students with certain needs (i.e. ADHD, language barriers, poverty, child abuse) benefit greatly from similar strategies as used on those with special education needs
2. recognize you'll teach students with diverse needs resulting from diverse causes
3. realize special ed is more than help and is reserved for certain groups
4. not all special ed teachers are responsible for meeting needs for all students

It's important to reach out to all children. There are many kids who have struggles in life, but that doesn't always mean they have a disability. Part of it can be due to personality and characteristic attributes. Just because a child shows struggle doesn't mean they should be referred to special education. You have to look below the surface to see what really is going on.