NovWriMo Plus Forum

It's too bad his school uses such an underwhelming system. If a school or teacher wants to use a motivation tool like rewards, it should actually induce participation by being achievable. Having to save three years to barely earn an eraser makes me wonder why they bother. I know different educators differ on their opinions of reward-based systems, but if you choose to use one, then it should actually be motivating.

I think you're right about my persistence inspiring the other students, but I can't take credit for recognizing the value of having students see me including special-needs kids. I had a Vice-Principal for a couple of years who really changed the way I looked at the inclusion of those kids in the building and my class. She had small ways of making even totally non-communicative wheelchair-bound kids participate in school, and unlike certain sped staff she remained aware of the need to blend them in, not just have their needs replace the needs of general ed. students. This perspective really helped me see how we could be inclusive, without ignoring general ed. kids in the process. A complete contrast to how some sped teachers approach it. I think if more sped teachers and providers take her approach, more special-needs kids would find a comfortable and engaging learning environment that values their unique contribution, and when it happens that way it also benefits the general ed kids. Win-win for everybody.

Phoenix