| It is my second day of teaching in a Special Ed classroom. One of my students has just been walked back from recess by a yard supervisor, who breathlessly tells me: "Clyde threw this directly at Tina's head as hard as he could! The only reason she wasn't seriously injured is because she tripped before it reached her!" The staffer holds out a rock the size of Clyde's fist. Tina is standing there frightened and pale. Clyde is standing there happy and unrepentant—except at the fact that he missed. I immediately send Clyde to The Office. So long, Clyde. Students are suspended for even threats of violence. Surprise! Clyde returns moments later. There will be no negative consequences. The lesson has begun. It is directed at me: I am here as a babysitter. In this District, Special Ed students are not expected to behave. I am expected to keep them out of sight and out of mind and deal with any problems within the four walls of my classroom. |
I am shocked by a rock. |
