I don't typically enjoy certain things about my job. Of the things I don't enjoy, the most aggravating thing is how the department of education (mainly due to our previous, and most beloved president, G.W.B.) marginalizes special education. Teachers are expected to know each subject and provide services to these kids so that they can join society to do... something.
It’s interesting to think about all that we have studied. We’ve looked at race issues. We’ve looked at socio-economic issues (aka class). We’ve asked about gender and age. My kids, predominantly white, would technically fall under the socio-economic group... but why do I feel like I’m putting them into a box they didn't ask to be placed in? When do people with mental health issues? Profound mental health issues?
We, including myself, have put exceedingly low expectations on this population. We have the tendency to not challenge. We feel comfortable allowing our city, town, and state reps to continually take funding away from social services. Yet, we get angry when social services fail these kids. Mental health providers and educators have to fundamentally walk on eggshells to please enabling, neglectful parents.
When and how do we change this? Do we get outside "leaders" or do we rally to lead ourselves?
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