I obviously believe in the public education system otherwise I never would have become a teacher. That said I of course recognize that the system isn't perfect and that there is always room for improvement. JD on the other hand doesn't have as much confidence in the system because he had some negative experiences and was exposed to a very flawed special education program. From my limited experience and knowledge as a supply teacher I totally understand why he has the perspective he does. I do believe that special education has taken great strides towards improvement from the 1980s, but I also believe that it is still one area of education that has not met its true potential. So, it is with these perspectives that we follow Sophie into and through her first year and bit of schooling.
We have always viewed Sophie as a very articulate and bright girl. She has a tremendous vocabulary, speaks clearly, loves to be creative and has a real passion for nature. Despite her curiosity and conversation skills we started to feel a little worried last spring when it seemed like she wasn't really showing any progress in terms of literacy and numeracy skills. From the beginning to end of her year in JK we couldn't see a lot of change. Yes, she had a better pencil grip, could copy almost any letter or number with ease, and was able to count higher, but still we had this nagging feeling that not enough progress had been made. Then Sophie brought home her report card in June and everything read as if she was at level, meeting expectations, and essentially developing "normally". We breathed a tiny sigh of relief, and happily enjoyed the summer.
Through the summer and into the early part of this fall that same nagging feeling returned, and then began to grow. We worried because Sophie couldn't recognize any letters past 'F', and although she could count to 30 she couldn't identify any numbers above five. Adding to our concern was her increasing lack of interest, anxiety and unwillingness to take risks when we tried to practice these skills at home. We made a decision not to push and not to force her because neither JD or I want her to see learning as negative or stressful venture. So, we've been waiting and watching for that elusive light bulb moment when everything comes together and her little brain absorbs all the information being shoveled into it.
Then last week things changed. Sophie came home from school so excited because she was able to work with Mr. Teacher on her letters and letter sounds. In my most positive voice and with my most enthusiastic smile I said, "That is great! Was it lots of fun? What did you do?" A steady flow of questions fell from my mouth as my stomach knotted and my mind raced because Mr. Teacher is the school's Special Education Resource Teacher. You know, the teacher who is so overloaded with children who need individual attention that they don't generally have time to spare for kids who just need a "little extra help". What was going on? Why wasn't anyone telling us that they were worried about Sophie too? And, how worried are they? Should we be more worried?
I did get in touch with the teacher and she reassured us that at this point we shouldn't be too worried. First of all, easier said then done. Second, why does this feel like this is a great representation of what isn't working in the education system? Here we are at home worried about Sophie, but thinking everything is okay because to-date we've been told she is right on track. Meanwhile she is being given extra support by the classroom teacher and a resource teacher. Just think, if we had been informed and told what kind of extra things they were working on we could have been complimenting their efforts by working with Sophie at home. And, to not worry too much is impossible.
JD had such a frustrating school experience and we want to avoid that for our kids at all cost. Our goal is for our children to always put their best effort forward and to enjoy themselves while doing it. I don't care if all they ever get is C's as long as they gave it their all and had fun! That said, I think sometimes kids can't give it their all because their learning abilities don't match how we teach. It is those children who need to be taught new strategies and offered alternate learning formats to succeed. If Sophie is one of those kids whose path through learning is more curvy than others I want to recognize that early and give her the best vehicle to travel in as soon as possible. This experience has made me feel like the education system doesn't have the sense of urgency that I do, and that perhaps we are embarking on a experience that will require us to be advocates for our daughter like never before. Maybe all of this is nothing but Sophie not being quite ready, and maybe it is more.....only time will tell.
No comments:
Post a Comment