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Situation
Situation
Listen, I won't show my name because you guys usually don't see me this mad. Ever. And it's kinda personal. But I have a close connection to those who are in Special Ed, which many people see odd. I don't know why, I just click with them. After all, I am a lot alike to those amazing kids.
Well, here's my problem. A good friend of mine is in special ed, and pathetic teachers decide it's okay to basically call him stupid behind his back. Long story short, I stand up for my friend all the time. Not just him, but other special ed kids in my school. Both students, teachers, and EVEN their own special ed assistant is mean to them, calls them stupid and annoying. I mean COME ON. Their assistant is someone they are supposed to trust and turn to for those situations, not be talked behind/mistreated by/laughed at/yelled at. So I stand up for all of those kids, having been in their situation once myself.
But what I want to know is why. Why and how can you be so mean to them? Special ed kids are humans too, and the best set of humans you'll ever meet at that. At times I want to yell/slap my teachers and those students across the face for being so heartless.
How can I make this treatment stop? Not just at my school, but for every special ed kid who is being bullied by peers and teachers. Thanks guys, you're the best.
~ An Angry Friend
Sorry for typos, and Admin, input would be liked if possible.
submitted by An angry friend, age Advice?, Please don't guess me
(January 11, 2017 - 2:27 am)
(January 11, 2017 - 2:27 am)
Thank you so much, Booksy! I never really thought of myself brave, just doing something that made sense to me. Although when it comes to simpler situations, I lack the confidence. It was my friends who brought this side out of me because one of them in particular, was one of the kids I mentioned. I don't let my friends get picked on, and I will do anything for them. So it was almost like an adrenaline rush, in a sense, and I am glad I stepped out and did what I did.
THE UDPDATE:
Well... My principal was here, but he never came to talk to me. At the end of the day, he asked what period Monday would best work, and I told him 5th. So 5th period Monday (hopefully) he'll actually come to talk to me.
Let's hope he actually does! Action must be taken.
And Booksy, again, thank you so much! Your words mean a lot, giving me a boost of courage I need right now. Thanks again!
(January 20, 2017 - 10:31 pm)
*hugs* I'll be eagerly awaiting Monday!
(January 20, 2017 - 11:49 pm)
*Hugs in return* Thanks, I will be eagerly awaiting Monday as well!
(January 21, 2017 - 2:26 am)
How come I didn't see this before?
I'm so sorry that that's happening, Ashlee. I'm homeschooled and only went to school once for two weeks in fifth grade, so I have no experience with the whole bullying thing. But good luck! I'm hoping for the best for you on Monday.
(January 21, 2017 - 1:58 pm)
Thank you, Leafpool! In the past, I was homeschooled pretty much my whole life. I was in public school a bit in elementary, 2 weeks in middle school, and now 1.5 years of high school, since it's half way through my sophomore year.
You're right, being homeschooled you don't usually experience bullying. And I'm glad you don't experience it, because it's really upsetting to watch. Again, thank you!
(January 21, 2017 - 5:15 pm)
Sorry for not writing on Monday, I was swamped with a ton of stuff. Here's the rundown of how things went:
1. I talked to my Principal at the end of the day and made a plan... somewhat. Here's what he proposed:
- He and our counselor would create an assembly to bring about awareness and sensitivity of this treatment. Honestly, I am not 100% sure this will happen, but we can only hope.
- He would train teachers to be more "sensitive"
- I am to continue to alert him of these situations
- He would be more "watchful" of these situations
- He would/has been talking to the paraeducator about her behavior
- Things like that
2. Here is what I also proposed:
- Create a buddy system where high schoolers would be paired with a special ed middle schooler, acting somewhat as their "mentor" (he added that part...). They would learn to work together and high schoolers would be more accepting. They would also stand up for the middle schoolers, and those middle schoolers love socializing with the high schoolers when they are actually nice.
- I cannot remember if I proposed this or not, or if I just dreamed it (xD) but also to have something like a meeting time weekly or daily or whatever where the high schoolers who are NOT for the special ed kids would be doing private, supervised activities with the special ed kids. Both middle school and elementary, maybe even the high school ones. They would do activities together, talk, interact, but nothing academic. Just try to get them to be accepting.
Note, that part was only for special ed kids and high schoolers who are mean to them. The high schoolers who like them are for the buddy system. And again, I cannot remember if I actually proposed that last part or if I dreamed it...
Sadly, not much was done. He said he "appreciated the letter" and would do something. I'm still mad because more could be done, and it sounded like he was saying the grading of our assignment (the one part I mentioned) was acceptable. I am not 100%, but it was coming across that way. I knew this would happen, but I'm not giving up. If my principal won't do much, I will still continue to stand up for these kids.
Again, sorry for writing later in the week... How does that all sound?
(January 25, 2017 - 7:49 pm)
Sounds great, Ashlee! I really like the idea of the buddy system! That sounds like a great plan.
Assuming you actually did propose the idea about the meeting time for the special ed kids and the not-very-nice high schoolers, I think that's a good idea, but maybe for the first few meetings you and some other people in you school who are friends with special ed kids should also be there. The mean high schoolers might take the meeting as an opportunity to continue bullying the special ed kids, and the teachers supervising this event probably won't do anything about it (judging by your previous statements). If you and your friends are there you might be able to prevent this.
Actually, what if you made all of these meetings open to all? That way, the mean kids won't feel like they're being singled out (even though they are) so they might be more open to changing their behavior. If they aren't preoccupied by feeling angry and disgruntled that they are being singled out for their behavior they might actually have a good time and then realize what amazing people are in the special ed class.
(January 26, 2017 - 11:40 am)
Thank you for the suggestion, Cockleburr! Sadly, I have a terrible memory and dream a lot, constantly. So I have no clue if I actually proposed that part. I will bring it up to the principal regardless, and mention making it open to everyone. Because as you stated, they mean kids would hate being singled out and would bring it out on the special ed kids since that's why they are there. I will try to meet with my principal once he recovers (slipped on ice), and try to work out a plan surrounding this system.
Again, thank you for all your help!
(January 26, 2017 - 9:58 pm)
Good work Ashlee, I know that the principal wasn't as reactive as we would have hoped, but that's a good start. We'll keep on praying! Thanks for the update.
(January 26, 2017 - 6:29 pm)
Thanks, Will! I know it's a good start, and this is only the beginning. We'll all keep on fighting for justice, I promise.
(January 26, 2017 - 9:55 pm)
YES! I'm so happy for you!
(January 28, 2017 - 3:20 pm)
Thanks, Leafpool!
(January 28, 2017 - 4:24 pm)
I think that you really need to talk to and write letters to as many people as possible. This problem NEEDS to be fixed. It is UNACCEPTABLE.
(January 28, 2017 - 5:51 pm)
Agreed, this problem is unacceptable and will be fixed. I will keep your suggestion in mind, of course. Thank you!
(January 28, 2017 - 7:03 pm)
Congrats for getting this far, Ash!
(January 30, 2017 - 6:44 pm)