This week we are learning about IDEA and the effects I have seen in the classroom from this law (and one's like it). I have been working in the fourth grade setting, at a school where the children are extremely kind and including to those who are labeled as being in special ed or have learning disabilities ranging from ADHD to Autism.
Today I assisted a boy who has aspergers. He is quite intelligent and does extremely well in his studies, however on "bad" days he tends to get off task and becomes angry when he isn't able to complete his assignments. He is taken out of the regular classroom setting for help in reading and some math, however spends most of his time in his regular ed class. I am amazed at how well he accomplishes his assignments when he his teamed up with another patient student. He becomes anxious and extremely happy with his accomplishments as they close their completed tasks and move onto the next subject. Although his note taking skills are slow and can be unreadable (which often ends with the slamming of his pencil on his desk) he has learned to let me or other's take notes for him as he falls behind in the task (as long as he is asked for permission to do so.)
I also have noticed the positive influence this young boy has had on his classmates. He has taught them tolerance and diversity. He has been able to tutor them at times when he has fully comprehended the assignment that his peer has not - which in turn gives him a major self esteem boost, knowing that he is needed just as they are. My personal experience with IDEA through my observations is that not only does it help the child with the learning disability to feel and stay connected with his peers, it can teach children who don't necessarily have a learning disability to have tolerance and patience for those who are slower learners or have a disability that requires patience and extra help.
Today I assisted a boy who has aspergers. He is quite intelligent and does extremely well in his studies, however on "bad" days he tends to get off task and becomes angry when he isn't able to complete his assignments. He is taken out of the regular classroom setting for help in reading and some math, however spends most of his time in his regular ed class. I am amazed at how well he accomplishes his assignments when he his teamed up with another patient student. He becomes anxious and extremely happy with his accomplishments as they close their completed tasks and move onto the next subject. Although his note taking skills are slow and can be unreadable (which often ends with the slamming of his pencil on his desk) he has learned to let me or other's take notes for him as he falls behind in the task (as long as he is asked for permission to do so.)
I also have noticed the positive influence this young boy has had on his classmates. He has taught them tolerance and diversity. He has been able to tutor them at times when he has fully comprehended the assignment that his peer has not - which in turn gives him a major self esteem boost, knowing that he is needed just as they are. My personal experience with IDEA through my observations is that not only does it help the child with the learning disability to feel and stay connected with his peers, it can teach children who don't necessarily have a learning disability to have tolerance and patience for those who are slower learners or have a disability that requires patience and extra help.
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