Diversity in Education

Last night my children and I rode our bicycles to the local park. We were able to cross the street by ourselves, ride up and down hills and then finally we ended up at the playground. Bear with me because this will be important later on. Not many people were out last night since many schools started today- but we were out riding our bikes and seizing the day... if you know what I mean. As my kids ran around the playground, and I went down the slide, I noticed the other people at the playground. There were several young adults and some handicapped children. I recognized one child as being autistic and one as what used to be called mentally retarded but is now usually termed mentally challenged or impaired.

As I went over to the swing and my kids still ran around I was able to observe the profound differences between my children and the children in the park. First of all I wondered where their parents were and why they were out at 7:30 p.m. with caretakers. I didn't ask so we'll never know. These poor people had all they could do to manage these children without me asking them questions. The kids were throwing themselves on the ground about every three feet and in some cases crying and trying to hurt themselves. They couldn't even walk without assistance let alone ride a bicycle....

As I watched the children being taken to their van, I again watched my children with different eyes. While as a single parent I might have more than my fair share of problems, nothing and I mean nothing that I have to deal with compares with what these children endure in their lives on a daily basis. So this week when my kids run around and drive me crazy I am going to remember those children in the park. And you should too. Thank God for the blessings that we take for granted each and every day such as good mental health.

There is a trend in education to seperate these children, again, and to put them into group homes. I don't agree with this. There is not one child in my children's school who is classified with visible needs. I know there are others who have classified needs such as dyslexia but not mental impairment. How will my children's generation ever understand the uniqueness of each and every individual if this form of diversity is hidden away?

Each and every individual is a gift from God and has a place in our lives. I suggest the book below to help you understand this type of educational diversity. For in life we all are one on the same journey.

Fleming, V. (1993). Be good to Eddie Lee. Philomel: New York.