This weeks discussion was one of my favorites, because it discussed a topic that I am passionate about and something that I wanted to learn more about in a classroom setting.
To start off the class, we were all handed either a pink, purple, or yellow sticky note. Those with pink sticky notes were told that they could stay in the classroom because the speaker would be able to handle that group. Those in the purple group were told they could stay for the first bit, but would have to leave shortly after because the teacher wouldn’t be able to control them for too long. The last yellow group (my group) was told to leave because the speaker didn’t have the resources or support to handle us. As part of the yellow group, I felt confused and felt like it was unfair that I was asked to leave when my classmates got to stay.
While this was just an activity to us, this is something that students with disabilities continually have to deal with in schools. They are excluded because the teacher and school are not equipped with the funds, resources, or training to “deal” with these students. Additionally, some parents who’s children require technology and other tools that help them in school, are not able to advocate for them due to their race, social status, etc. which further creates a barrier between them and their ability to simply do school.
BCEdAccess is an organization that helps parents and guardians navigate some of the challenges that face those students with disabilities. They help advocate for students needs to ensure that they are getting the support they have every right to access. In public schools, there is often a long wait to have students tested and develop IEP’s so BCEdAccess can provide parents with options and alternatives when they can’t rely on the school.
While this is not the only resources available to students, guardians, and educators trying to navigate this ongoing issue, it is one really valuable resource to be aware about. As we learned today, often schools are not built for those with disabilities. There are a lot of systems that work against inclusivity so it is our responsibly as educators to fight back. Ensuring that you develop relationship with both parents and students to figure out their needs so that students can feel included and supported is one great way this can be done. Advocating for technology, and other resources which is simply a necessity to help students be able to do school and to express themselves. I am by no means and expert and I am continually learning and re-learning way I can be more inclusive in any classroom I walk into, but I think BCEdAccess is a great way to get started when tackling a subject such as this.
November 4, 2022 at 11:42 am
Hi Kari! Thank you for sharing such a well thought out recap of the class on Monday. I am so sad to have missed this one but your post really helps fill in the gaps. BCEdAccess is such a valuable resource for teachers and parents to help navigate a variety of situations revolving around the child’s education. From my understanding it not only assists parents but helps teachers when trying to meet the needs of students with disabilities. I love the sticky note exercise as a way of depicting the effect that scenario can have on children. I’ve seen a variety of methods (such as sensory kits) that teachers have used to keep students in the classroom but have helped them self-regulate. I’m curious, was there any discussion on any strategies that teachers could implement?
November 7, 2022 at 2:34 pm
Hey Steph,
I don’t remember if there was a direct strategy mentioned, but I think there was just this main idea of ensuring that any classroom you teach in is an inclusive space for all students. This means that you have spaces and resources in your class that students can access at all times that allow them to stay inside the classroom rather than being pulled out because they are “too difficult”.