First Graduate School Reading

I have been reading the assignments for my Foundations class. Reading to understand is much harder then reading for pleasure. You have to actually think about what the reading means and how it applies to the class you are taking. I found this weeks readings to be very insightful. I loved reading what people had to say about using labels when it comes to learning disabilities. I have such mixed feeling about the use of labels. I think they can help if they are used right but wow can they hurt when they are used wrong. We have to figure out ways to use labels to manage the differences in learning without allowing those labels to limit or hinder these incredible kids. Kids who learn differently have such beautiful minds with such amazing insights. We have to start to embrace the tools that technology has afforded us. We have to find ways to get things like computers into the hands of children with learning disabilities. If a child can learn to compose, edit and rewrite on a computer the fact that their handwriting is painfully slow and hard to read becomes mute. If kids listen to books on cd's or ipod's they will be able to hear stories rich in language and thought. It will ignite their interest in history, science and the arts. These things are just the beginning. With new technologies coming out every day who knows what the future holds. The gap between gifted and learning disabled children closes with each of these new technologies.

The reading from the book was harder to understand. I totally got the part about parents and professionals being adversaries. As a parent, I have sat in many IEP meetings feeling like I was to blame, I was responsible, but I had no say. The book talked a lot about what people think is the cause and how to identify disabilities. There was a lot of discussion about different cultures and beliefs. My question is why does that matter? All kids need to know the things our society deems important. The reason a child can't succeed in school doesn't mater. What matters is how do we get the child to succeed. All kids should have an education plan that helps organize the needs of the child so we can make sure we are helping each child in the manner that works for that child.