Optimal Learning Environments - Dr. Alicia Valero-Kerrick
Response to Intervention (RTI)
Posted February 4th 2013

The disproportionate representation of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds into specific disability categories in special education is reflected across all states and is a serious concern. Black, Latino, and Native American students, as well as English language learners (ELL), have historically been disproportionately represented in special education classes (Artiles, Rueda, Salazar, & Higareda, 2002; Blanchett, 2010; Dunn, 1968; Losen & Orfield, 2002). For instance, African American boys are significantly overrepresented in the disability categories intellectual disability and serious emotional disturbance. Overall, children with special needs from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds often receive inadequate special education services, they have limited access to a high-quality curriculum and high-quality instruction, and they are often isolated from their peers who are nondisabled (Losen & Orfield, 2002). In 2004, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) included regulatory requirements addressing disproportionality and overidentification. States must have policies, practices, and procedures in place to prevent the disproportionate representation of students in special education. Many states have adopted the response to intervention (RTI) model to eliminate the achievement gap and reduce disproportionality.

RTI integrates assessment and intervention within a multilevel prevention system to maximize student academic achievement (National Center on Response to Intervention, n.d.). To ensure the effectiveness of the curriculum and instruction schools administer universal screenings to all children. Students identified with low academic achievement scores and/or with behavioral concerns are monitored through the RTI processes. These students do not have to go through a lengthy process of comprehensive evaluations to receive various levels of support. RTI guarantees that schools do not have to wait until the child has performed poorly for years before the regular education and special education teachers can work collaboratively to support students who require intervention. RTI establishes that all students should receive high quality instruction that is evidence-based regardless of ability level, disability, or cultural and linguistic background.

Currently, there are not enough research studies to determine whether RTI does in fact reduce disproportionality (Hughes & Dexter, 2011). It is important that early childhood professionals and future teachers be aware of their own biases and assumptions regarding students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds as they will continue to play a critical role in promoting student academic achievement.

How can early childhood education professionals create optimal learning environments for students from all backgrounds?

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Reply from Karina Cervantes posted on May 20th 2013
I believe that educational professionals should have an open mind so that they can teach children from all types of backgrounds. Many times teachers are unaware of the all the backgrounds that their students come from. These teachers many want to plan activities that revolve around everyones backgrounds for example planning a multicultural night where children as well as parent can participate. Having knowledge of everyones backgrounds can help create a safe environment where children can express themselves freely and without judgement in the classroom.
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Reply from Jose Lopez posted on May 20th 2013
Teachers with experience or even a cultural upbringing that is related to the specific cultures and socio-economic status of the struggling children, could be paired with each appropriate type of classroom. Having knowledge on all the different types of struggles can give teachers a sense of ownership and pride for the academic success of their children. Teachers with this type of background and training can even offer activities that use what children already know as an instrumental resource for new knowledge and ways of learning.
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Reply from Hanna Adams posted on May 20th 2013
I would say for teachers to create optimal learning environments, is to learn many things about different cultures. But to be most beneficial to become a part of the community that you are teaching in. Learn about the different communities and cultures. It helps you as a teacher, and helps you to understand your parents. And never stop learning as a teacher.
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Reply from Rebekah Mamola posted on May 20th 2013
Early childhood education professionals can create optimal learning environments for all their students by being aware of their own culture and by celebrating the diversity among their students. I think that teachers need to also be aware of their biases and assumptions of culture as well as disabilities in their classroom. I think that every child should have an equal opportunity for success in the classroom regardless of their culture or disability. In addition, it is vital that early child hood educators be aware and trained in recognizing patterns and behaviors that need to be further assessed. Many times children will show signs of learning disabilities in their early developmental years, however many teachers are not trained to recognize the signs, and as a result the child does not receive early intervention. I think that children learn best in a classroom when diversity is a celebrated and every child is represented equally without bias.
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Reply from Janessa posted on May 19th 2013
In order for ECE professionals to create optimal learning environments for all students they must first and foremost put all of their biases aside. Secondly they must realize that all students are different and come from culturally diverse backgrounds. Lastly they must be aware of their role, which is to teach. Once all of the aforementioned is realized and understood the environment for these children will be better. I also do not think that cirumstances should play a part in the way students are treated. I do feel that the RTI approach will play a huge role in closing the achievement gap if it is properly executed
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Reply from selena v. posted on May 17th 2013
There are many ways on how can professionals can create an optimal learning environment for students in early childhood education. Most of the schools in the U.S. are diverse, and many students’ ethnicity and background is different. Therefore, first all teachers should learn that each culture, traditions, and backgrounds are all different, and that students have different ways of being. I believe that every student’s way of learning, interaction, and beliefs should be respected and taken into account when creating an optimal learning environment. Secondly, teachers should create an environment where children can have fun while feeling safe. Thirdly, all teachers should value each student’s presence. The teacher can make this happen by giving equal opportunities for all students. For example, when a teacher asks students to say what they feel about a certain book that they read all together in class, the teacher should respect everyone opinion and not judge them. Overall, every teacher that wants to create an optimal environment for early childhood students should respect everyone’s beliefs, culture, traditions, and ways of learning. Not everyone is the same, everyone is unique in their own way, and therefore teachers should create an environment with equal opportunities, safeness, and respect.
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Reply from Lauren Pettipiece posted on May 16th 2013
Early childhood education professionals can create optimal learning environments for students from all backgrounds by first of all, being aware of these backgrounds, as well as their own. Knowing their students helps teachers to recognize when a child is struggling, which allows for early intervention, which can be crucial. I think it is great that the RTI program allows for intervening before the child performs poorly. Early childhood education professionals can create an environment that is positive, and welcoming of all different types of people, and work with parents to ensure that type of environment is created at home as well. Creating an environment with open lines of communication is also valuable. This can occur not only between the teacher and child, or the teacher and parents, but also between the children. Diversity is now a part of the curriculum in many preschool programs. Not only is cultural diversity discussed, but also the different types of families. This allows for teachers, children, and parents to be more aware and understanding of diversity and differences and be able to create a positive, open environment.
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Reply from Shelbi Andrion posted on March 31st 2013
Early childhood education is pertinent to the future success of a child. Teachers must create a positive learning environment for all students without being biased. Proper attention needs to be given to the students who are not receiving adequate services. Parents and teachers need to work together in providing ample support for the child. Diversity is a positive tool that a teacher can capitalize on. Learning through play has been proven to be successful time after time and teachers can utilize games, activities, and other interactive games to help children learn. This will also help the children who are isolated make friends within the classroom.
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Reply from Mona Dates posted on March 24th 2013
Early childhood education professionals can create an optimal learning environment for students from all backgrounds by being culturally sensitive to the children in their classroom. They could try to involve the parents to help in the classroom (by having parents help in the classroom the ece prof can get a better understanding of the child's culture). ECE professionals should make learning fun and interactive as all children learn through play.
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Reply from Sandy Do posted on March 14th 2013
Early childhood education professionals can create optimal learning environments for students from all backgrounds by understanding that students come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Educators should create a classroom environment where every child feels comfortable. In addition, educators have to be aware of their own biases and assumptions regarding students coming from different cultures and backgrounds. It is a normal part of society for people to have biases and assumptions. The key factor is learning how to set our judgments aside when working with other people; educators should be aware that their role at school is to educate and help all of their students achieve academically. No student should be left behind or ignored because of a disability. All students should be treated the same way regardless of their circumstances. I think that the RIT model is a great way to eliminate the achievement gap and maximize student academic achievement. With the RIT process, “students will not have to go through lengthy process of comprehensive evaluations to receive various levels of support” which is beneficial and efficient.”
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Reply from Marday Byers posted on March 13th 2013
I have learned in previous classes about the current over representation of different minorities in special education. I think the RTI sounds like a great way to test all children and making sure they are in the appropriate place. As a teacher, I plan to make my class an optimal learning environment for all students by educating and supporting the different types of students. For example, I will teach the students about different cultures to make the classroom a safe place. Also, I can be sure to know the children's different social and emotional states so I can help the children in the way that will work best for them emotionally and socially. Lastly, I can be sure to know the students different learning styles so I can teach them in a way they will remember and enjoy learning.
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Reply from Linda Soun posted on March 4th 2013
This blog made me more aware of the students who are under represented and often get left behind because they don't have a voice in thier education. Future teachers do need to be aware of their own biases and assumptions when it comes to students from a different culture and background. Early childhood education professionals can create optimal learning environments for students from all backgrounds by making the student feel comfortable and actively engaging their parents as well. Some parents simply don't know the resources available to them and often miss out on opportunities that will help their child's education. Educators should interact with the child's parents on a regular basis and form a relationship that will benefit the child. The child's parents and their involvement is absolutely crucial to a student's well being. A student's disability should never be a setback for them and educators should provide the best environment for them to learn in.
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Reply from Margaret Banash posted on March 2nd 2013
Early childhood education professionals can create optimal learning environments for students from all backgrounds by creating an environment that is inviting to all cultures and family backgrounds. The teacher needs to make an effort to support all individual needs of that child. Not only with supporting the culture in the classroom but also supporting the child's social and emotional needs. As a teacher you also need to find out about the child's home and community life. This to could be effecting how the child performs in the classroom. If the child is performing poorly it could potentially be due to if a child didn't get enough sleep, eat a balanced meal, and or if there is family problems going on at the house. RTI is very important as a educator and as a child. Instead of waiting years to address and finally give a child the attention they need in the classroom RTI now provides children with instant help and support. I know growing up i would be benefited from this. As i was in a special needs class though elementary and middle school it took them years of watching me perform to finally give me the help i needed. I think if i would have gotten that help sooner i could have been more successful.
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Reply from Genesis posted on February 28th 2013
Reading this blog really has made me thiking hard about education and how so many students aren't recieving the any support within te classroom. It is extremely important for all students to have an equal opportunity within the class but how are they supposed to do that if they are not provided with the resources. Teachers, classrooms, and supplies are the most basic thing but if schools expect students with special needs to be incorporated into regular classrooms they have to prepare them. No student should be left behind or forgotten about because of a disability. I plan to be a special eduction teacher and reading this article has made me even more patent about going into this field. These students need more support and the teachers are the ones who should be providing it in order to help them succeed.
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Reply from Melissa A posted on February 28th 2013
How can early childhood education professionals create optimal learning environments for students from all backgrounds? They can start off by understanding that every child comes from a different background, by getting informed. Learning that not every child have the prefect childhood. Now in days, some children go to bed hungry, their parents are working all day tiring to make ends meat and therefore do not have time to help them with their homework.I started working at an elementary school for one of my child development class, I feel that this an example of early childhood education professionals creating optimal learning environments for students from all different backgrounds. The school is located in a low income area. As one of the teacher said, "the children come to school with their backpacks full of items, their books, pen and pencils but their is also a lot of things that you are not able to see. For example, the night before they might have gone to bed hungry and this morning they did not clean clothes to come to school with." They have an understanding of what the child might have been thru. They try to help them. All the professionals need to be educated.
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Reply from Ivory Jones posted on February 28th 2013
In my opinion a way were educators can create an optimal learning environment is to start at first understanding where the child’s background comes from. We have all grown up within different cultural backgrounds; speak various languages inside as well as outside of the home. By asking ourselves the real reason that we feel that child needs to be placed within a special education class may determine that it may be our own personal opinion and the child in no way need’s it. I have had the opportunity with working with a child, who was diagnosed with autism, and he was placed within a regular class with his class mates; because of the support and help of his peers he did really well, rather than when he was placed the semester before within a class all by himself to learn. Rather than assume children are behind why don’t we take the time to help them, it could simply be one area that they are struggling with. Professionals within this particular field have to put aside many of their bias ideas in order to focus on what is and will really be seen as beneficial to the child. Within this taking the easy way out are only hurting the children and pushing them further back than what is really needed for them.
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Reply from Shelbi Andrion posted on February 28th 2013
Early childhood education professionals have a great opportunity to create an optimal learning environment for children of all races. There is no doubt that the current educational system is lacking in teaching appropriate amounts of other cultures. Along with my current cross-culture class, I had the opportunity to take an ethnics class. I was shocked to learn how much information about other cultures I was lacking. It saddens me; while it also inspires me to encourage learning about other cultures. I would encourage professionals to create a learning environment that caters to all cultures. Class activities revolved around ethnicities within the class would be informational and fun for students. This would help the biases that may have formed within some children. In order to decrease and hopefully illuminate the achievement gap between students, professionals are going to have to work a little bit harder. If it is evident that a child may be struggling with certain material, you can probably guess that more than one child is struggling. Everyone learns differently, and teachers need to capitalize on that. They can teach the material in a few different ways to give optimal chances for a student to understand. I believe that with new ways of teaching that caters to more students will help in decreasing the achievement gap.
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Reply from Kayla Briney posted on February 28th 2013
Every student comes from a different background and has different ways of learning and behaving. It is important to recognize this and use it to the advantage. In Early Childhood Education, by understanding and researching a student's cultural heritage and developmental niche, teaching can be formed into the optimum lesson for the child. Each culture has it's own unique manner in how children should learn and behave. Some cultures teach that the child should be seen and not heard. That the child should not talk unless spoken to. Others believe that the child should be able to have free choice in what they do. It all depends culturally. Just because one culture is different and has taught a child in a particular way, does not mean that the child should be seen as limited since it does not fit into our society's mold. There is no one way of teaching and one way of learning. It must constantly being morphing to fit the best interest of the child.
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Reply from Linda Lee posted on February 27th 2013
Early childhood education professionals can create optimal learning environments for students from all backgrounds by gaining knowledge and awareness on the cross-culture child development. I think that this will help the teachers because I am taking a class on the cross-culture child development and I learn that even though we all come from a different background, we all have our own learning mechanism. This class also taught me that there is no one right way to teach since everyone is different. I think that this correlates with teachers being aware of different culture to eliminate bias and create a fair learning environment for all students. Like the RTI, providing students a high quality education regardless of what background they come from or their disability. This system might be the solution to creating optimal learning environments for students since there is no real evidence if it is reducing the disproportional and achievement gap. I think that there should be more updated research on RTI if there are any positive results so education professionals will be able to provide the educational opportunity that all students should receive.
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Reply from Reena Panchal posted on February 27th 2013
In order for teachers to be able to provide all students with optimal learning, I think that first teachers should themselves be aware of the different environments that students are brought up in and the different cultures, backgrounds, and languages that children are brought up in. Teachers should have an open mind and be able to accept and learn about new students and students with disabilities, and etc. If teachers are not able to provide those needs for students then it will become difficult for the child to conform in the classroom and in outside environments. The RTI is a good program that would help eliminate the achievement gap and help maximize student academic achievement. This would also give teachers the opportunity to be able to incorporate children from all different background into one classroom.
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Reply from Arlysha posted on February 24th 2013
In order for early childhood education professionals to create an optimal learning environment for the students, they must give insight about other cultures that surround them daily. Therefore it is vital for teachers to guide the students and teach them to embrace the other cultures whether it be through various activities within the classroom or through a short discussion during circle time. The RTI is a good program , simply because it is an integration of intervention and assessing students which increase academic achievement among students, which causes reduction in disproportionality.
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Reply from Angelica Palomares posted on February 24th 2013
My cousin has special needs and some of his teachers treat him differently especially in the classroom. Childhood education professionals can create an optimal learning environment for students from all backgrounds by learning different cultures and the customs. Teachers should have an open mind and support there students through the different curriculum's in class. Future teachers can take classes that can inform them or train them to take care of situations in the classroom and to learn more about students from different backgrounds. RTI is extremely helpful because it can fix problems that students are having in their class because they come from a different culture. Many children learn differently. For example,I am a visual learner I have to be able to see words or diagrams to grasp the concept of a subject. However, many students learn differently and I think RTI is a great program.
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Reply from Brittni posted on February 23rd 2013
Early childhood education professional can create optimal learning environments by embracing and sharing other cultures in class. Teachers can be informed of other cultures and be aware of the biases. Many children from other cultures are placed into special needs classrooms when they do not have a special need they just struggle with the language or material. RTI is a great idea because it helps identify probelms quickly, however tests may not be the best assessment of achievement. Many children learn differently whether it be visually, through auditory, or feelings. The best idea is to be informed and aware.
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Reply from Elizabeth Poulos posted on February 21st 2013
Early childhood education professionals can create optimal learning environments for students from all backgrounds by providing them with guidance, knowledge, and a sense of security to help them in their future. Working at the Children’s Center as a teacher assistant has opened my eyes to many different cultures. Every child no matter what race or background they were born into deserves the same equal education and attention. The life they were born into could be unfortunate, but with early childhood education professionals we have the knowledge to guide these children at a very young age to help them break out of their stereotype, and recognize students that need extra attention and help them immediately.
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Reply from Roxana Cobbs posted on February 20th 2013
Early childhood education professionals can create optimal learning environments for students of all backgrounds by taking into consideration their cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as by being educated on how children develop and learn. It is the teacher’s responsibility to help children learn within the appropriate curriculum that accommodates for their own specific needs (i.e. language barrier, learning disability, etc.) As teachers, it is our responsibility to be informed and up to date with all the provisions that are put into place such as RTI. As it is mentioned in the prompt, it is not known whether RTI reduces disproportionality in the high numbers of underrepresented diverse students; however, I wouldn’t be surprised if many of these children still do fall through the cracks. There are many dedicated teachers out there, however, there are still some that do not take into consideration each child’s own needs. We must advocate for all children, and eliminate bias. Let’s not forget that early intervention does make a difference in children’s lives and academic success more likely to occur if these at risk students have the support that they need in place.
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Reply from Jacquie White posted on February 19th 2013
I think that in order for early childhood education professionals to create optimal learning environments, these professionals must first be aware of the wide variety strategies along with the many methods of assessment. The RTI, for example, is something that all early childhood professionals should have to be aware of. If teachers/professors become more comfortable with all that RTI has to offer, then the achievement gap may get smaller. Using the RTI process can help to prevent children from falling years behind and action can be taken right away. I also think it would help if teachers were specially trained on equality and eliminating biases. Working on having a more open relationship with parents may help to see if anything is noticed about the child outside of the classroom.
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Reply from Natalie Pulber posted on February 15th 2013
Early childhood education professionals can create optimal learning environments for students from all backgrounds in a variety of ways. First to become unbiased in their thinking that everyone is the same or certain children are inferior to others because they are from a certain cultural or linguistic background or have a disability. Not everyone is the same in terms of personality, swiftness at understanding subject material, or whether they can even understand what is being spoken or taught to them. Second every teacher should look at the individual differences of that child (cultural background, any disabilities, family background, and personality) to create personalized plans to meet the needs of that child. The RTI program is a really good idea because it intervenes early on to help the child get the help they need without waiting for years. Everyone deserves a fair chance at life, a fair chance at education, and a fair chance at success. Every teacher should take that into consideration and put some effort into developing their classroom plans and curriculum in a way that every child would learn no matter their disabilities, or cultural/linguistic background.
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Reply from Anna Truong posted on February 10th 2013
I believe that in order for educators to create optimal learning environments for students from all backgrounds, they need to be informed of RTI as well as the needs of the student. I feel that sometimes educators are unaware of what to do with the student or what types of help and interventions are offered. In my opinion, educators need to develop individualized plans that target the student's weaknesses in any subjects or anything that they are struggling in and make that a main focus to create a lesson plan that is centered to the needs of that child. I also feel that educators need to try their best to incorporate and integrate all the children the best way that they can so that no one feels left behind. In addition to that, I feel that semester or yearly assessments should be performed so that educators and families can see the child's progression throughout the school year. I feel that those assessments would be useful in determining any errors or misdiagnosed students. Overall, I feel that educators need to get rid of any biases they may have in order to fully help the students get the help that they need. Most importantly, treating the student with care and sincerity no matter what diverse background they come from is also a key factor in creating optimal learning environments.
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Reply from Devon posted on February 8th 2013
Students with different cultural backgrounds and languages have a history of receiving a lower education and services are more limited. When it comes to students with diverse backgrounds who have special needs, they receive inadequate education and have even more limited resources. With IDEA in place, I feel that this situation is preventing automatically shuffling special need culturally diverse children from being placed in classes that are not what they need or segregated from normal developing children. I like the idea of the RTI model and intervening right away rather than waiting for the student to show continuous failures. As a future teacher myself, I can keep an open mind and not let any biases get in the way of making sure every child receives the best level of education. Each child is different, including children with special needs, and it is up to us to make sure that we understand the child as an individual. I think if the RTI model was put into place, it will be easier to identify what a student needs right away. I think looking at each student as an equal and taking into account their different backgrounds and educational needs will allow teachers and professionals create optimal learning environments.
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Reply from Dawn Powdrill posted on February 7th 2013
The first step in creating an optimal learning envirinment to me is creating a safe and caring space for all children no matter what their background may be. I believe informing teachers of programs such as RTI give them more tools in which to teach the children of our future. Creating more programs that focus on equality in our schools is the first step to embracing all children. As an educator there lies a responsibility to teach all children with respect and care.
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Reply from Sarah Johnson posted on February 7th 2013
I think that the best way for early childhood educators to support optimal learning environments for all students would be to take the time to get to know each child as an individual. I know that time is limited this is very difficult but it is important to understand that all kids are not created the same, and we should not jump to any conclusions based on one test or what we think we know about a particular culture. It it important to integrate all students into the class and try to meet their individual needs while they are there.
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Reply from Michelle Wilson posted on February 7th 2013
Not only do we need to make sure these students with disabilities are helped but also to make sure we do not misinterpret a child's ability to certain situations. A child may be right on task in his or her own culturally based environment. We do need to look at the whole child and not just a part of the child's skills. Their home environment should be considered when we look at a child in need or whom we think is in need. The United States is a growing nation of differences in cultures and nationalities, which means our view of what is or standard is changing. We need to make sure that we are placing emphasis on the right obstacle if in fact it is an obstacle and not just a normal development for that child. As you said, children are individuals. This means no one child will follow to the T a guideline to how children will perform, grow, and learn. Although there are children in our school systems that do need help, we need to make sure we are doing everything we can to promote an equal way of acknowledging a child's disability or capability. I would love to see the RTI at work in the classrooms and school systems. This sounds like a way to recognize the disability or exceptionality of the child better than ways in the past where a standard test given to all children regardless of their cultural or SES background.
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Reply from Jennifer Gutierrez posted on February 6th 2013
As a future teacher I feel that there are numerous forms in creating optical learning environments for every race and cultures. First, I feel the most important form would be acceptance with other types of learning styles or learning disabilities. I would want the student to feel as equal to their peers and to the teachers when they are in the classroom. Another approach would be for the teachers to be interactive with the children’s families and be able to detect any learning disabilities in early years to help prevent or assist disabilities. I do feel it is difficult for one teacher to accommodate all the students, so there must be a network of educators and families actively engaging with the children’s education. In today’s society it seems there are assumptions of certain ethnicities and their learning capabilities. I pledge to never assume that any one child is incapable of learning just because of their race. Every child is gifted in their own unique ways. If any child needs extra assistance that child should have that access, and I feel that is pertinent in order for our education system to successfully prosper.
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Reply from Lysett Perez posted on February 6th 2013
I believe one of the most difficult problems we deal with today is how to set aside bias opinions. I hope people in the field of teaching learn to set these biases aside but it is probably not without difficulty because there are so many factors that can influence a classroom or a child. As an educator I think you have to learn to put these bias aside and look at every new class of students as equal individual students regardless of social, cultural, or economic background. You just have too! If a teacher looks at a child and already stereotypes that child then the teacher is already giving or taking away an opportunity for that child to be different and show their own strengths and weaknesses.
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Reply from Paige Sutton posted on February 6th 2013
The disproportionality in the above paragraph is highly unfortunate. Our educational system is clearly lacking in the necessary tools when it comes to identifying and then diagnosing any one child with a disability, even more so with students from certain backgrounds, which is very sad. Education is meant to enhance a students life, most importantly their knowledge, and sticking certain children in courses that are not for them, is a complete injustice. Having done some research into the RTI program, I am all for it. It not only screens all children; therefore, ensuring no one child is left out (whom may actually need additional help in school), but it also does it early enough so as to not wait til the student is so far behind that they and most times their parents feel there is no other option than special education. Although, as stated there needs to be more research conducted on the RTI program, although, provided what we do know now, the educational system ought to put this program in more schools to greater the chance of helping individual students early enough, to ensure they are not overlooked, and at the same time, make sure not to place students who are not in need of such help in classes that are not necessary. It may also be possible that this one program is just not enough, and in such a case, it would be beneficial for educational professionals to work together and possibly add on or create a whole new program altogether. Either way, continuing on this unfortunate downward spiral is unacceptable. Children deserve an equal education regardless of any outward variables (such as ethnicity or linguistic diversity), and certainly an education that ultimately fits their individual abilities.
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Reply from Kenna R posted on February 6th 2013
At the teaching level, early childhood education professionals can do a lot as far as treating each child equally. Because of the many overidentified disabled students, teachers in special education classrooms are overwhelmed with a surplus of students that has been growing each year. This may cause some teaching professionals to feel overwhelmed with the large classroom sizes as well as the different personalities, developmental needs, and attention their students require. Until new laws are passed and reforms are created, teachers can make learning as individualized and personalized for each student as possible. This will be best for any child, misdiagnosed or not, because it ensures a proper assessment and lesson plan for each student regardless of having a learning disability or not. Ultimately, we will need an education reform to secure the future of our children who will someday run this country.
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