I am a high school special education teacher and the edicts of NCLB drive me to distraction. Just a few issues I am struggling with:
1. Students can not be pulled out and given instruction in core subjects unless the special education teacher is also certified in that subject area. I recently had to test to become a certified HS math teacher so that I can teach math to my students.
2. Students are expected to pass the same End Of Instruction tests as their nondisabled peers. My kids may only read at a 3rd grade level or perform mathematical calculations on a 2nd grade level but they are expected to perform satisfactory or above on the state-mandated tests. There are modified tests available but only 2% of my students can take them.
3. The state where I teach mandates that IEP goals and objectives follow grade level standards. My kids do NOT perform at grade level. So where is the INDIVIDUALIZED in Individualized Education Plan? My students have the same goals and objectives as any other student in their grade. Something is inherently wrong with that, in my opinion.
4. Beginning next year, ALL students must take and pass 4 of 6 end of instruction exams while they are in high school or they will not be issued a diploma. There is no alternative for special education students. No certificate of completion, etc. If they don't pass them, no diploma!
I applaud this teacher for standing up for his convictions. It IS disheartening to watch them sit through tests that they have no chance in hell of passing - all the while knowing that the child HAS progressed throughout the year and that his/her progress is not being adequately measured or appreciated.
1. Students can not be pulled out and given instruction in core subjects unless the special education teacher is also certified in that subject area. I recently had to test to become a certified HS math teacher so that I can teach math to my students.
2. Students are expected to pass the same End Of Instruction tests as their nondisabled peers. My kids may only read at a 3rd grade level or perform mathematical calculations on a 2nd grade level but they are expected to perform satisfactory or above on the state-mandated tests. There are modified tests available but only 2% of my students can take them.
3. The state where I teach mandates that IEP goals and objectives follow grade level standards. My kids do NOT perform at grade level. So where is the INDIVIDUALIZED in Individualized Education Plan? My students have the same goals and objectives as any other student in their grade. Something is inherently wrong with that, in my opinion.
4. Beginning next year, ALL students must take and pass 4 of 6 end of instruction exams while they are in high school or they will not be issued a diploma. There is no alternative for special education students. No certificate of completion, etc. If they don't pass them, no diploma!
I applaud this teacher for standing up for his convictions. It IS disheartening to watch them sit through tests that they have no chance in hell of passing - all the while knowing that the child HAS progressed throughout the year and that his/her progress is not being adequately measured or appreciated.
Why is it like this? I don't understand how anyone can expect a disabled child to perform at the level of the grade they are in. I've never understood why my dd is in 1st grade, but technically she's BARELY a 3 yr old preschooler. 
