Just like every child is unique in their own way, so are their mothers! Through out this video, we can see that Sean and Bobby's mothers are very unique in their thinking regarding their sons' paths for education. Even with both of these mother's claiming to know what was best and most fitting for their child's education, we can point out difference between the two, speaking about similar situations. Sean's mother spent many long hours and years for Sean to have the opportunity to be in a general school, taking him out of Ridge, a school only for students with disabilities. Sean's mother argued that Sean did not need to be held back or be pushed to such low standards. Instead, she believe that being educated within the general school, Sean would gather many more experiences, teaching him about the real world. Sean's mother understood his disabilities but did not want him to be treated or placed any differently than any other student for reasons of acceptance along with educational purposes. Bobby's mother on the other hand was all for Bobby staying in Ridge. He had been doing exceptionally well, making huge steps of progression, learning how to read, gaining real world skills, learning proper behavior and social interaction skills with his peers. Bobby's mother did not feel that being placed in the general education school was necessary for Bobby's progress, actually believing that this was the best fit for him. She did not think that she was lowering the expectations of Bobby or what he could do, but instead, understood that this was Bobby needed to do his best and more.
Both parents and other people through out the video spoke about their expectations for inclusion as well as each of the boys. The video demonstrates expectations being pushed higher and higher, not allowing for students of any type to settle. Bobby and Sean we're given expectations and each went about reaching each in their own way. Expectations aren't simply about the goals or limits of a person, it is about the opportunities to achieve the expectations and then some, never settling upon what will do, but what is best.
You state, "Expectations aren't simply about the goals or limits of a person, it is about the opportunities to achieve the expectations and then some, never settling upon what will do, but what is best"
ReplyDeleteHow different do you (or other students reading this) think the opportunities are for students in each of these settings?
I really liked how you put "never settling up what will do, but what is best" I think that's a wonderful way to look at expectations that we put on ourselves or others place on us.
ReplyDeleteI love how you used the fact that every child is unique in their own way, I couldn't agree more! Plus I love how you went into such detail about their parenting.
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