2) Personal Beliefs

Personal Beliefs

By: Michael Fabian

Consider these questions as you examine your own beliefs about students with exceptionalities:

• Was integration part of your own schooling experience? If so, in what ways does your experience influence your current views on this topic?

When I was in school students were integrated for some parts of the day and spent time in the Special Education room for the remainder of the day. I feel we have moved much more towards integration now than when I was in School. My current views on the topic are that all students should feel like they are a part of the school community and belong with their peers. For some students we need to give more support than is provided in the regular classroom. For them there should be partial withdrawal.  

• In your social circle, are you close to anyone with an exceptionality?

I have friends who have Learning Disabilities and my nephew has Asperger's. We were supportive from the beginning and he's grown up to be a happy and successful teenager. There were challenges as there are for every child but because of the support of family and the school he was able to find his niche.  

• Have you ever felt constrained or restricted in any way?

I have felt constrained and restricted many times throughout my life. Don't we all? Whether it's getting comfortable in the skin you're in or who you are to where you work etc. I think these moments of constraint have been learning opportunities and challenged for me to overcome and grow. Sometimes i was more successful than other times but the progression in life is the key. 

• What is your school’s current practice regarding inclusion?

We have a very inclusive school at BVCS. We welcome and integrate all students and have the support for partial withdrawal if the student needs it. We have a LGBTQ-Straight alliance which is amazing and we support diverse cultures of students and teacher's at our school. Inclusion is something that each teacher takes very seriously and cultivates a welcoming environment in his or her classroom. I know this because I have taught at other schools where this wasn't the case. As teacher's we are obligated to treat our students fairly and keep them safe. We are obligated to provide an education for all students despite their backgrounds, beliefs, sexuality, race, religion etc. This is something that I think is paramount as an educator.