[marki]

Originally Posted by casstony

It's a matter of perspective, rather than an expectation, with the main point being that teachers are the last hope for early intervention in young lives going astray - you have an opportunity to make a difference even though it's not part of your standard job description.

We all do our best to support these kids thats all we can do.

I'm aware of a program in my local region in which psychologists run informal 'classes' with teachers to increase their understanding of particular conditions/problems being faced in the classroom - arming teachers with techniques should help to make classrooms run more smoothly. For example, just a little knowledge can make an enormous difference in dealing with a child having aspergers.

We always get promised these support networks but they never amount to much. Someone turns up with a handful of photocopied worksheets and some vague suggestions which is of little value. The real fix is to go back to uni and educate yourself. I have had kids in mainstream classes so badly affected by down syndrome that they are non verbal, unable to do anything for themselves and will not respond to the spoken word. I am lost, what can I do to help this child learn to balance chemical equations or solve simple energy calculations? I cannot even hand out a word sleuth or colouring in book or paste pictures that look like....... as there is no response. It is different if you can communicate to some degree and we usually deal with that quite well.

On a side note, 3 psychs for one school is a lot better than you get in the public school system.

Yes we are very fortunate indeed but that is one of the many advantages of being independant from Gov't BS. We hire our own staff based on merit and structure as we see fit. The college has 1500 students so there is plenty for the girls to deal with.


Mark