News Brief

04/16/13

Special Needs Students Should Be Included

Pacific Daily News (04/16/2013) Aoki, Dance

Guam Department of Education Superintendent Jon Fernandez says just complying with federal law regarding the education needs of disabled students is not enough and that additional effort is needed to mainstream students with disabilities. These efforts should engage students in more interaction with other students, rather than teach disabled students in separate classrooms, to ensure they are prepared not only for the next grade but also real life, he explains. He encourages districts to move more disabled students out of resource classrooms and take into account the needs of students with disabilities. Fernandez says, "As we look forward, we're not just complying with the federal laws, but developing a vision for all of our children, including those with special needs, where everyone is being challenged, where everyone is being included, not being stigmatized and hopefully developing skills for independent living." To achieve this goal, he says greater collaboration between principals, teachers, and parents is necessary to integrate students with special needs into mainstream classrooms and get them ready for life after graduation. Also, general education teachers need additional resources to help disabled students meet the goals outlined in their individual education plans.
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