Facing Intolerance Daily

in·tol·er·ance [ in tóllərənss ] (plural in·tol·er·ances)

noun

Definition:

1. refusal to accept differences: unwillingness or refusal to accept people who are different from you When I posted "Everyone Needs a Shot" back in August, I was very aware that there were many people at my school who had simply not been exposed to students with severe disabilities. They were fairly negative not only about having these students in their classes, but even at their school. I have continuously noticed the differences between New Jersey and Texas, and have been very surprised. Everyone talks about New Jersey being "well known for special education" and "one of the greatest states for autism services," etc. I am not impressed. I am happy that my school district has started an autism program at my middle school, but for all of the years before this year, these kids were sent to special schools out of district. This is not the case in TX. I have a feeling it has a little to do with finances, but TX has been including kids with significant disabilities for many years. Teachers don't have an option to say, "I don't want that kid" or "put him in someone else's class." They get their rosters, and they teach. That's how it should be. That's not how it is in New Jersey. I've been facing some significant challenges at school, especially with the electives teachers. Back in December, their elective teacher told me that it was too much work to have them in her class. We started looking for another class for second semester for them. The chorus teacher had a negative reaction and also concerns about them "in her concerts" because it was a "performance class" (although it is open for any sixth grader to enroll). Several other teachers cited "space" concerns (despite having more than ten spots remaining until the class could be capped). After going around and around, we finally found a computer class for them to be in. The teacher did not have a negative reaction, but did not have a positive reaction. This was the best response we'd had so far, so we enrolled them in computer class. It's an excel/powerpoint class, but we figured we could get some special software that the ASD kids could use, because it's a very individualized class anyway (the kids all sit at their own computers and go at their own pace). On Thursday, we were in a faculty meeting and I turned around and told the computer teacher how excited they boys' were for computer class. She responded with, "I still don't understand why they're in my class. They won't be able to do anything that I'm teaching." I told her that I was having a very tough time finding a class for them, and none of the other teachers would take them. She responded with, "So why did I get stuck with them?" My eyes got wide, my jaw dropped, and I started crying. Through my tears, I said, "Because they deserve to be in your class just as much as any other student at this school." I have worked so hard to try to fairly and effectively integrate my kids into this community. It was at that moment that I realized HOW MUCH the teachers really don't want my kids around, as evidenced by us not being invited to school-wide events, grade level field trips, elective class options, etc. I sat in the meeting with tears in my eyes, sniffling, and feeling sad that these teachers have not *ever* been able to experience the joy that is autism, and are STILL denying themselves the opportunity to learn new things and open their hearts and minds. Is it sometimes challenging? Yes. But, this is middle school, folks. Every kid is challenging and weird. From my observations, my kids sometimes have better behavior than the other kids in middle school. At a break in the meeting, the teacher apologized (repeatedly) and said that, "she didn't mean it the way it sounded" and really "she was concerned about being able to meet their needs." I understand when someone is scared about meeting their needs, especially if they know nothing about autism, but saying, "Why did I get stuck with them" is not the way to go about it. I've been repeating it in my head all weekend. I had a conversation with my wise aunt on my drive home on Thursday. She said that the fear of the unknown is probably what took over in this situation. The computer teacher shouldn't have said what she said, but she apologized and felt embarrassed. I know that she was embarrassed by the way she kept saying she was sorry so that other people would hear. They knew that I was crying because of what she said. My aunt left a message saying, "You're a civil rights activist for these kids. You're out on the edge and doing what you need to do." It's hard to change the views of old-fashioned teachers, especially without the support of my administration. They say they "don't have the training" to work with them, yet they aren't willing to attend a training session. I can't believe this is something that I am facing in the year 2010. I guess I just need to keep fighting the good fight. And continue to achieve success daily in our little self-contained classroom while I do it. "Look, Mrs. Smith. Our hands make a pretty rainbow." -One of my students, who could probably teach a class on tolerance "The highest result of education is tolerance." - Helen Keller