One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Mankind

....Well not quite, but this event kind of matches up!

*Background info* The state of Florida decided it would be a good idea to get rid of the special education classes unless a student has severe disabilities. They are taking part in what is called inclusion. This is where students with disabilities (SWD) are included in mainstream core classes. Seems a little crazy if you ask me! These students don't get near enough one-on-one time with teachers that they should. I have about 37 SWDs within my 6 classes.

*Actual story*

One student in particular is at a 3rd grade reading/writing level. He doesn't say or do much in class, let alone turn in work. I finally got our inclusion specialist in my class to do a little observing in order to help this student. With some suggestions from her, the student and I had what I like to call two small victories.

The assignment was for the students to compose an essay in which they tell me what they would do if they won the lottery or some type of sweepstakes. When I assigned it, I was at a workshop for FCAT writing. I left the shortened prompt for the student, but he never received it. Tuesday I allowed a little more time for the students to finish. This allowed me to sit down with this particular student and help. I got him to talk to me and come up with things he would buy. Together we brainstormed and came up with about four things. That was small victory number one!

Small victory number two occurred the next day. I had him write a few simple sentences using the information we brainstormed from the previous day. To my surprise the student picked up the pen without hesitation.  We talked through the sentences and from there he decided what to write. He used because a few times and did so correctly. From there, I noticed his use of there. It was the wrong there, so I explained there/their/they're. Whether or not he actually understood, I don't know. I am just so thrilled he picked up a pen and wrote for me.

Small victories such as this warm my heart and remind me why I became a teacher.