inclusive classrooms By Nora

It is easy to be overwelmed by the demands placed on us as teachers. Sometimes I fantasize about having a class of students who are willing and able to learn everything I try to teach. But, alas, it is only a fantasy.

In reality, every student in my class has strengths and weaknesses. The education of every student in my class is MY responsibility. Every student in my class is MY student.

I teach in a small school. The majority of our students are classified as english as a second language. Many of our students have significant special needs. In our gr. 3 class, for example, students range from a pre-K level to an early gr. 3 level. Reading/homework is not a priority in most homes here and attendance is a problem with a number of our students. We have no special education program and all students are placed in regular classrooms.

We are lucky to have classes of less than 30 students in every class. Our real blessing, however, is a phenomenal staff. I believe I am the only staff member with formal special education training, but we are all committed to educating our students. Administration, professional and paraprofessional staff work collaboratively and cooperatively to ensure that students are learning in the most appropriate setting for them.

Some students have assistance from part time teacher aides. This assistance takes place either in the classroom or in a segregated setting under the guidance of their teacher. We do alot of juggling in our school, often dividing our classes into two or three groups and teaching them seperately. Sometimes, simply modifying a given task to be appropriate for different students, sometimes planning entirely different programs for students. In our school, we have no hard and fast placement rules, we look at each child and decide what is best for them.

We are lucky to be small enough that every staff member is familiar with every student and that staff can work together. But, in the end it comes down to a decision to see the situation as "my kids versus your kids and lets see who is sacrificed", or "how can WE help OUR kids".

This is working for our school. If it doesn't for yours, then you need to find a solution that will. As teachers, often our only advocates are ourselves. If you are overwelmed seek out help with planning or management. Talk to your colleagues, look for seminars in your area, contact professional organizations.

I have a feeling that the frustrations we feel as teachers, whether they are policies or programs or simply kids who won't work, they aren't going away anytime soon. All we can do is figure out a way to respond to them while staying focused on the goal of our profession: TO TEACH KIDS.