Battling the System’s Culture of Low Expectations

Many, and I would venture to guess most, parents don’t understand that when a student spends their school years inside separate special education classrooms, they are not going to have what’s needed to go into a trade school certification program or a college degree-seeking program. Yes, there are “special programs” in some tech schools and colleges, but they’re not  going to end in a degree or a certification that will be requested by most employers.

In order for a  student above 6^th grade (in the state of Florida) to be taken off of regular standards, the student must have a 67 or lower IQ. Most students with disabilities have IQs above that number, and should be taught on regular standards with whatever supports and services they need to be successful.  At every IEP meeting, teams should have conversations about inclusive education (children being taught within regular education classrooms, getting access to the state standards). Schools often tell parents that their cluster (special education) teachers are teaching their kids via the regular state standards. The reality is that when you have a class where all kids have special needs, all have learning deficits, maybe significant behaviors, and gross communication delays – meaningful and targeted instruction is very difficult to deliver.

My observation over the last 24 years is that students who spend their day in special education programs, without access to inclusive opportunities, do not show meaningful and ongoing progress – To the contrary, they either flatline or regress from year to year. It is important to note that the very point of special education is to give kids with disabilities what they need so that they can be better prepared for education inside regular education classrooms. So, if your school isn’t creating a plan with you about how to get to regular education, ask that question at your next IEP meeting.

OPPORTUNITY TO DIG DEEPER

On June 23, there will be a movie premiere at the Savor Cinema in Fort Lauderdale called, The Voice Inside. It’s the first of a series of episodes focusing on the lives of people with autism and is based upon a true story written by Mateo Esposito, a guy who happens to have autism. Matthew (the character in the film) was always under the assumption that he would graduate from high school and move on to college, but that’s not what happened at all. In the final moments of his high school career, he was told that he’d graduate on “special” standards, which was not going to grant him entrance into college.

The actor playing this part, I’m thrilled to say, is my son, Zack. Nothing about Zack’s education came easy to him. Every day was filled with confusion, frustration and tons of hard work – BUT, he made it! This film is a testament to the “system” thinking that it knows better than the individual that it’s funded to guide and support. It exposes the challenges of sensory overload, social confusion and a bit of self-injurious behaviors that get triggered by the challenges faced by many on the spectrum.

I hope that if you live in the area that you will come to see The Voice Inside next month. There will be a showing of the film, as well as an opening musical performance, talkback with Autism Theater Project’s speakers about how they overcame challenges in their lives as teens/young adults on the spectrum and a fun reception with live music.

ANNOUNCEMENT DETAILS

“The Voice Inside” is making its PREMIERE on June 23, 2024 at 3:30 PM at the Savor Cinema Fort Lauderdale

503 Southeast 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

You won’t want to miss this incredible story of one autistic young man’s battle against the system’s culture of low expectations.

This episode has been awarded “Best TV Show Pilot” at the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival, finalist at the New York International Film Awards, and selected by the Toronto International and other film festivals.

Celebrate this incredible film that most people in the autism community can relate to by checking out the trailer and getting your tickets here:

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! 

Happy Summer Celebration!

Stacey