I had the opportunity to interview Mrs. F about cultural diversity. This was challenging because her classroom has six white children and only one Hispanic. Since she teaches exceptional learners it is harder for her to teach from world wide perspectives. However, I believe she provided some interesting infromation about her class and her school.
We discuss all the major holidays that occur during the school year, such as
Since my students are exceptional learners that would not be appropriate for their level. However, I do know that the other students in the school are encouraged to continue their education after they graduate. College is emphasized, but counselors and teachers also advise other options like trade schools. No matter the race, every student at
Yes I do. They all have individual educational goals that they work on, but as far as rules such as hitting, breaking things, swearing, everyone must comply with those. The consequences are the same, time-out room, call parent, note to parent, or go home if they continue.
As much as possible, as far as special programs go, all ethnicities are represented. However, it does not seem that way in academic classes. The majority of the school is white, so those students tend to be more highly represented in honors courses.
I believe all my students are treated differently based more upon their disability than their race. One thing people forget is that they do not know any other way of life. They have always been disabled so that is normal for them. The one exception to this is the "near drowning" students I have had. They still remember what life was like before the drowning, even though they cannot respond.
*Graphics from Big Box of Art CD