Gina is very lucky to have a very companionate, supportive, and persistence mom. I know many families who have refused to get their children evaluated despite recommendations from a teacher or other professionals. And families who place their children in institutions when they have severe physical or intellectual disabilities. Gina's mom fought to place her in high functioning classrooms where she belonged. She took Gina all over USA and around the world to give her the best treatments and therapy out there. All children deserve parents who believe in them and support them every step of their life regardless of any disability they may have.
Parents know their children's strengths and weakness more than professionals who spend a few hours to observe them. They are the biggest contributors to their child's future success. Therefore, if a parents should not have to fight so much to place their children in setting others may think are above that child's level.least restrictive environment is one of IDEA's principles. It shouldn't be so difficult to give children with disabilities a chance to be challenged in classrooms that may seem to be above their level.
There many ways I as a teacher can help parents share their voices and concerns. and that begins with open parent-teacher communication. I and the parent will a child's best interest in heart. Therefore, it is very important that we can communicate openly and aboutany issues the child may be facing at home or in school. Iwill make sure the parents concerns are taken in consideration regarding their child's social lie in school. there is so much that children may express to their families that they can't do in school. I will also make sure the parents are up to date with their child's academiclife. This can mean sending home monthly student work. this will show parents if their child's overachievingor are behind. This way they will have some data they can use advocate for their child if they feel my class may not be a good fit for their child.