I'm making a point here. This story takes place in November.?

Question

Amy is a 7th grade student. She recently got her report card. She is failing math, English, science and social studies. She made an appointment to see the school psychologist (Jenny) to see if there is anything wrong with her. Jenny says her intellectual and emotional development is average according to the testing. Amy tells her the classes are too big. She feels lost in those classes. She says she would like to be in smaller classes to help address her needs. Jenny agrees with her. She says it will help her function better in the other classes like gym and electives. See...students CAN choose rather to be in a resource room or self-contained classes. This is why it is important for students to advocate for themselves. When students advocate, students get to choose what they want. If you have any questions or comments please leave a message below!

Answer 1

I agree

But sadly not all young people have been given the skills or have the confidence to advocate for themselves, but with support they can learn.

Empowering and encouraging people to do for themselves, starts with teaching people how to look at their options and choices, and how best to get "what they want" from those options and choices, and then encourage them to act on themselves.

Answer 2

No, students don't necessarily get to choose to be in a resource room or self-contained room. These terms may refer to special education classes/services which are only available to students who have been determined to have a handicapping condition that causes them to need such classes. Amy was told by Jenny that her intellectual and emotional development were average. No information in this story provides any evidence that Amy has any handicap. Although that does not mean she wouldn't do better in smaller classes, that also does not mean she can receive special education. Most students would do better in smaller classes with more individual support. The fact that they don't get them is due to money. Most schools simply do not have the funds to provide such services to all students, or even to all students who would choose them on their own.

Answer 3

I wish that all students could be placed into an environment that was more conducive to learning. It's hard in big public schools because there just aren't enough teachers. But, many students are way smarter than we give them credit for. I wish the U.S. government would fund education - even 10% of the money they spend on the war - perhaps more students could go down the Amy path that way...