Equal Treatment by Riley

Equal Treatment by Riley - March 2017 Scholarship Essay

Through my senior year, special education has grown very close to my heart. I think Special Education is a topic that is considered very important. I have become very passionate about advocating for children and students with special needs. The lack of education is evident. Each child has the ability to learn. The issue is finding a teacher or specialist who is willing to take the time to set goals and allow each student to reach their full potential.
As I have had the privilege to be a peer mentor this year, I have learned so much about the time commitment it takes to be a good special education teacher. The student to teacher ratio is typically 12:1 for middle school and 15:1 for high school but as the level of disabilities increase, more teachers are required, which means more money. School systems do not have the ability to provide the materials, staffing, and tools special education classes require.
Along with the lack of supplies, administrators do not monitor the progress of special needs students, which is the problem. Students with disabilities are considered less and expectations are not the same as those in general education classes. I have personally witnessed special education students only sit in their classroom and not do any work all day, which is not why their parents send them to school. No matter the level of disabilities, each student should have personal goals set for them to reach each day or week.
The lack of attention Special Education programs need is obvious. Each child has a want to learn even if they cannot communicate that want to others. Children with special needs radiate compassion that spreads to everyone around them. This topic needs to be address as it is a saddening issue. Kids with disabilities need love and attention just like any other child growing up.