For an insightful and sensitive podcast about inclusion by Kathern Burke (Executive Director, Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta, Canada) and parent of children with special needs, download the podcast from http://www.blogtalkradio.com/specialneedstalkradio/2011/09/09/inclusive-classroom. Below is Inclusion: Why Can’t We Be Friends?, a post that she let us reprint.
Why Can’t We Be Friends?
Guest Post by Kathryn Burke
Executive Director
Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta
Alberta, Canada
Some memories are so vivid it almost seems like a DVD is being played in your brain when they are being recalled. The memory I want to share is like that for me – so vivid I am still able to recall everything from the smell of the room to the buzz of the fluorescent lights. Read more...
conflict, Dyslexia, dyslexic, IDEA, IDEA 2004, inclusion, inclusion ideology, inclusionist, inclusionists, Kathern Burke, Learning Disabilities, learning disability, parent, parents, research, research on inclusion, SNTR, special education rights, Special Needs Talk Radio, struggling reader
Parents often complain that teachers and IEP Teams won’t make the changes needed to help their child. Learning consultants, reading specialists, school psychologists, and other members of IEP Teams often voice similar complaints: teachers resist change; they refuse to implement “really great ideas.”
Complaining about resistance does little to improve the situation. Demanding change often backfires. Believing that “I alone know what change is needed” often smacks of arrogance. Understanding why teachers and IEP Teams resist—and looking for rational reasons—may help you, your child, his teachers, and his IEP Team. Read more...
conflict, Dyslexia, dyslexic, dyslexics, IEP, IEP Team, Learning Disabilities, learning disability, Reading Disabilities, reading disability, reading problem, reading problems, resistance, struggling reader, Struggling Readers
From Reading & Other Learning Disabilities
A Blog by Dr. Gary G. Brannigan and Dr. Howard Margolis
If you’re a parent of a child in special education, you have to ensure that his Individualized Education Program (IEP) meets all his educational needs. Ideally, you’ll work cooperatively with the school people on his IEP Team to develop his IEP. But what if you disagree with them or believe they don’t care about helping your child? If you’re like some parents, you’ll anger quickly; in intense emotional outbursts, you might let them know they “don’t know anything,” “don’t give a damn,” “will sacrifice children to save money.” Read more...
anger, conflict, conflict management, due process, Dyslexia, dyslexic, dyslexics, IEP, IEP meeting, Learning Disabilities, learning disability, Parenting, Reading Disabilities, reading disability, reading problem, reading problems, struggling reader, Struggling Readers
From Reading & Other Learning Disabilities
A Blog by Dr. Gary G. Brannigan and Dr. Howard Margolis
Justifiably, many parents complain that school personnel make them defensive, especially at program planning meetings, such as Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. Some school personnel make similar complaints about parents. No matter who’s at fault, defensiveness can destroy the possibility of developing programs that meet children’s needs. It stymies progress by fostering misunderstanding, distrust, secrecy, resentment, and contempt. Cooperation is one of its first victims. Read more...
anger, conflict, conflict resolution, defensiveness, disabilities, disability, Dyslexia, dyslexic, dyslexics, IEP meetings, Learning Disabilities, learning disability, meeting, program planning, Reading Disabilities, reading disability, reading problem, reading problems, struggling reader, Struggling Readers
Why Can’t We Be Friends?
Guest Post by Kathryn Burke
Executive Director
Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta
Alberta, Canada
Some memories are so vivid it almost seems like a DVD is being played in your brain when they are being recalled. The memory I want to share is like that for me – so vivid I am still able to recall everything from the smell of the room to the buzz of the fluorescent lights. Read more...
conflict, Dyslexia, dyslexic, IDEA, IDEA 2004, inclusion, inclusion ideology, inclusionist, inclusionists, Learning Disabilities, learning disability, parent, parents, research, research on inclusion, special education rights, struggling reader
