Diagnosis ADD ADHD Now What?
Newsletter
March 30, 2001 Purpose: to present choices to consider AFTER a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD.
FORWARDING TO OTHERS IS HIGHLY
ENCOURAGED
ATTITUDES
= THE “GOOD”, THE “BAD” AND THE “UGLY”
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Published 10th, 20th & 30th of each month
** PLEASE SEE DISCLAIMER AT THE
END OF THIS DOCUMENT! **
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I hope this article will bring to
the attention of parents, administrators, and teachers that there are
“different attitudes” professional educators have concerning special
education students and special education programs.
Most attitudes of educators are “GOOD”, in
my opinion. Sadly, there are some
“BAD” professional attitudes in schools.
It is intolerable
that there are professionals with “UGLY” attitudes.
I’ve been a professional
educator for over 25 years. I’ve worked in approximately 20 different schools
in three states. The following
comments are based on personal experiences. Some of these experiences were
observed as a substitute teacher.
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THE “GOOD”
Thankfully, the “GOOD” professional attitude is in the majority. These dedicated persons take the time to read a student’s IEP and visit with the special educator concerning a student’s individual needs. The “GOOD” also ask for assistance when they need it and consistently try strategies presented. The “GOOD” inform others on staff of student concerns – especially those students not personally seen each day by the special educator. The “GOOD” endeavors to inform others of schedule changes well in advance. “GOOD” professionals also use para-professionals efficiently to assist all students, not just students on an IEP. The “GOOD” considers special education students in his/her classroom as viable, full members of the class and endeavors to include special education students in all activities they can possibly take part in.
THE “BAD”
Some professional educators have “BAD” attitudes about special education. These persons are typically excellent teachers of “normal” students but are apt to have difficulty adjusting to special needs children in their classroom. The “BAD” tends to not read the IEPs or “forgets” to implement strategies stated on the IEP. The “BAD” is inclined to withhold information about student academic or behavior issues until the situation becomes critical. The “BAD” appears to struggle with teaching special education students but does not seek input from the special educator’s vast resources. With a slight attitude change, the “BAD” can become “GOOD”.
THE “UGLY”
I’ve had the misfortune of working with a few teachers with “UGLY” attitudes. Usually, this teacher is RIGID and REFUSES to make adjustments to assignments for students on an Individual Educational Plan. The “UGLY” tends to consistently “forget” to follow strategies on a child’s IEP. The “UGLY” repeatedly makes hateful, inappropriate statements to children in his/her class. The “UGLY” seems to criticize a child with learning problems for not learning instead of recognizing that:
IF A CHILD IS NOT LEARNING, WE
MUST ASSUME WE HAVE NOT YET FIGURED OUT AN EFFICIENT METHOD TO TEACH THAT CHILD!.
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IT’S YOUR CHOICE
What’s your attitude?
KEEP IN MIND ... ==== There are special educators, parents, and administrators who have “GOOD, BAD, or UGLY” attitudes as well.
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PLEASE VISIT MY WEBSITE
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MY FREE SPELLING AIDE IS POSTED AT
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ADDchoices/files//
GET YOURSELF A COPY
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DISCLAIMER
This information is for
educational purposes only. Much of the information is from classes and workshops
I’ve taken during my 25+ years of working with ADD & ADHD students –
sprinkled with my own comments, thoughts and insights.
Some information has been
acquired from the INTERNET. Be
aware that not all information on the WWW is accurate.
Use your own judgment.
This information is not intended to replace information from your doctor, therapist, lawyer, psychologist, nutritionist or psychiatrist. Consult your child’s (or your own) doctor for additional input.
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Editor:
BJ Madewell
16311 SW123rd Terrace
Andover, KS 67002-8610
316-733-9532
FAX 733-9855
Email ADDchoices@aol.com or ADDchoices@yahoo.com
You may copy and print this
newsletter for your own use and freely distribute it to others.
You cannot sell this information. It
is FREE.
Please include my email address & phone # on anything you give to others.
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