Common Disabilities Which Receive Special Education Services

1. The child might have a Learning Disability if . . .
   • He or she has average ability but is significantly behind in a subject area. (Typically a student with a learning disability is not behind in all academic areas).
   • He or she is having difficulty processing information in visual or auditory manner (testing may be needed to determine this).
   • Multiple interventions have been tried and have been unsuccessful.
2. The child might have an Emotional Disability if . . .
   • Emotional problems are making it difficult for your child to learn.
   • He or she has significant difficulty with interpersonal relationships that interfere with learning.
   • He or she has inappropriate behavior under normal circumstances.
3. The child might be eligible under Other Health Impairment if . . .
   • He has a documented medical condition that adversely impacts education (ADHD is the most common medical condition under this category)

What Makes a Great Teacher!

1. Interpersonal skills trump professional skills.

Students like the teacher, like the class, and like school. This happens because they know the teacher values them and what matters to them. They can tell this because they are treated with kindness and respect.

2. Give students a job and let them do it.

The teacher has faith in his students, respects their expertise, and lets them do their assignments without interference. Although he is there to help when they need it, students have the room to try new things, and can fail without being a failure. This makes the success students' success.

3. Be open and collaborative, but step in when needed.

The teacher values opinions and ideas expressed by students. Discussion and disagreement are valued and used in the process of learning. However, a level of control is expected and maintained.

4. Be visible.

The teacher talks to students, in the cafeteria, the hallway, on the way to the bus, between classes, and all of the non-class times.

5. Keep a sense of perspective.

The teacher realizes school is about the students. Academics are important, but not the most important thing. The test is important, but not the most important thing.

6. Finally, be a decent human being.

A single word to describe the teacher is "decent." The teacher doesn't lose his temper, put down a student, or treat anyone disrespectfully. His sense of humor is never far from the surface. He rarely accepts credit, but credits others for the school's wins. He is honestly humble and self-deprecating.

Be Responsible, To Make It Better!

Accountability means holding everyone with responsibilities to high standards of performance.

We look to school districts and states to invest in classroom resources and support teachers. For example: set clear expectations, help teachers develop their craft, provide meaningful support that is tailored to the teacher’s needs, and then provide a fair review of how well teachers are serving the educational needs of our students. We also look to districts and states to drive improvements in schools that fall short year after year.

We look to principals to establish a safe, welcoming and rigorous school culture with a coherent and compelling vision for learning and growth. We look to principals to foster excellence by recognizing top teachers, providing support to help struggling teachers improve, and replacing those who aren’t showing improvement.

We look to teachers to help every student learn and not just those students who are self-motivated learners. We look to teachers to model that love of learning and learn new ways to engage students, master their subject matter, seek advice and accept critical feedback, and get better at their craft every year.

We look to parents to partner in their child’s education and make learning a priority at home, and understand how they can help make things better in their children’s classrooms and schools.

And we should all look in the mirror and ask: What more can I do to improve educational opportunities for our kids?