justplainbil

Just Plain Bill

Special Needs

One benefit of being a substitute teacher is the opportunity to teach in a wide variety of classrooms – ranging from high school advanced placement to pre-kindergarten, and even preschool. They all present challenges, but the most challenging so far are the special needs classrooms where students are classified at some level on the autism spectrum.

This year, I have spent at least one day in three different elementary school classrooms, serving as a “para” (paraprofessional), supporting these students, their faculties, and their staffs by teaching a wide variety of tasks.

Most of the students, while verbally challenged, are able to function somewhat successfully in a class of between six and twelve students, as they work on a variety of motor skills, letter recognition, pattern assessment, creative expression, and physical movement.

There has been one exception. In a class of eleven 2^nd and 3^rd graders, the following occurred within the first 30 minutes of the start of the school day: I was spit on, head-butted, screamed at, and had to help loosen the iron-like grip one student had on the teacher’s hair. Later in the same day, a student ran full speed into a temporary wall, damaging the study area and scattering the materials contained therein. In all the selected experiences listed above, I am challenged to find classroom management solutions.

The one consistent thought I have when working with the other teachers in those classrooms is “What would I expect if any of those students were my children?” I wonder what the student’s home life is like. I wonder what I would expect of the school, if I stood in the parents’ shoes.

I don’t fault the students at all, and the school system is doing its best to provide a quality program of learning, especially as it comes to inculcating the critical skill of social interaction, as it is legally required to do so under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1975. Under IDEA, each student is entitled to learn in the “least restrictive environment.” We also know that every child is different and each is entitled to an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Although challenging, I am humbled to fill any positive role I can in the education of these students. Parents – if you or your family is struggling, I encourage you to partner closely with your school system as well as with Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org). You are your child’s best advocate.