A Tale of Two Students
At Riverside Elementary, the atmosphere at Emily's IEP meeting crackles with energy and purpose. Emily, a fourth-grader with autism, is the star of the show. Her team—teachers, specialists, and her devoted parents—gathers with a singular mission: to unlock Emily's potential. They delve into her love for numbers and her astonishing memory, crafting a plan that includes advanced math challenges and interactive science projects. Technology is leveraged to personalize her learning experience, turning her unique strengths into powerful tools for academic success. The room pulses with optimism, each member buoyed by a shared belief in Emily’s bright future.
Across town at Brookside Middle School, Alex, a fifth-grader with ADHD, walks into his IEP meeting with a sense of dread. His mother sits by his side, her hope waning. The team’s focus is narrow, fixated on Alex's attention struggles and behavioral issues. Goals are set embarrassingly low to ensure they are "achievable." Instead of exploring Alex's knack for creative problem-solving and endless curiosity, the team opts to reduce his academic workload and focus only on elementary-level skills. The air is heavy with resignation, and Alex leaves feeling diminished, his potential overlooked.
Introduction
The impact of expectations on a student’s education and self-worth cannot be overstated. For students with disabilities, the spectrum of expectations they encounter can drastically shape their academic and personal development. The stories of Emily and Alex illustrate the profound influence that expectations can have. Expectations are especially crucial for students with disabilities, who are often unjustly viewed through a lens of limited potential. They are frequently subjected to lowered expectations, not being challenged with rigorous assignments or given opportunities to engage in complex, grade-level activities.
Caregivers have a powerful role in advocating for higher expectations and recognizing the potential of students with disabilities. By actively engaging with schools and educators, caregivers can ensure that their children’s potential is clear and expectations are inspiring.
The Current Landscape: Low Expectations, Poor Outcomes
The reality for many young people with disabilities is one of limited opportunity. Despite the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandating a free, appropriate public education tailored to individual needs, students with disabilities often receive less than they deserve. This may sound like a bit of an exaggeration but data from a range of sources show that their outcomes are far below those of their peers without disabilities. This is inspite of research that indicates that as much as 90% of students with disabilities can achieve on par with everyone else.
Students Served Under IDEA
In the 2022–23 school year, 15% of public school students, or 7.5 million children, received special education services under IDEA.
Graduation Rates
The graduation rate for students with disabilities is substantially lower than those without disabilities. In 2018–19, the graduation rate for students with disabilities was 68%, compared to 85% for all students.
Academic Performance
According to the 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), only 14% of eighth-grade students with disabilities performed at or above the proficient level in reading, compared to 37% of their peers without disabilities.
In mathematics, the gap is similarly stark, with only 13% of students with disabilities reaching proficiency, compared to 36% of non-disabled students.
Suspension and Expulsion Rates
Students with disabilities are more likely to be suspended or expelled, which further disrupts their education and contributes to higher dropout rates.
Chronic Absenteeism
Data shows that students with disabilities have higher rates of chronic absenteeism compared to their non-disabled peers. In the 2017–18 school year, 20% of students with disabilities were chronically absent, defined as missing 15 or more school days in a year, compared to 15% of students without disabilities.
Why High Expectations in Special Education Matter
Unlocking Potential
High expectations can transform the lives of students with disabilities. When caregivers, educators, and schools set high standards, they create an environment where children with disabilities can thrive. For example, consider a student with dyslexia who was encouraged to pursue advanced reading goals under the guidance of a dedicated teacher and a well-crafted IEP. This belief in their potential led the student to not only meet but exceed their targets, fostering a love for reading and boosting their overall confidence. Research consistently shows that students rise to the expectations set for them, making it crucial to aim high and believe in their capabilities.
Promoting Educational Equity
Educational equity ensures every student has access to the resources and support they need to succeed, regardless of their abilities. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to students with disabilities, affirming their right to the same high-quality education as their peers. Caregivers play a pivotal role in this process. For instance, one parent who noticed her child struggling with reading worked with the school to secure additional resources and tailored support. As a result, her child made significant progress and gained confidence. By actively participating in their child's education, caregivers ensure that schools provide the necessary accommodations and support to meet high standards, promoting educational equity and accountability.
Affirming Students
Setting high expectations is not just about academic achievement; it's about affirming the value and potential of each student. When caregivers and educators believe in their students' abilities, they send a powerful message of worth and capability. For example, consider a student whose IEP focused on leveraging their strengths in problem-solving and creativity. By setting challenging but attainable goals, the student not only met academic standards but also developed a stronger sense of self-worth and capability. Effective IEPs that highlight students' strengths and set ambitious goals play a crucial role in this affirmation process, fostering a sense of accomplishment and confidence.
How Parents and Caregivers Can Advocate for Higher Expectations
Be Informed and Prepared
Identify Low Expectations: If the IEP goals seem too easy or do not challenge your child, the school may have low expectations. For example, if the goal is simply for your child to "complete homework assignments" rather than aiming for a specific academic improvement, this is a red flag.
What to Do: Use Highlighter to draft ambitious and realistic goals. For instance, propose an IEP goal for your child to improve reading levels by one grade within a year, supported by targeted interventions aligned with that outcome.
Collaborate and Communicate
Identify Low Expectations: Notice if the communication from the school is minimal or if there is a lack of enthusiasm in planning your child’s education.
What to Do: Establish strong, positive relationships with your child’s educators. Leverage these relationships to reflect and reconsider expectations.
Advocate for High Expectations
Identify Low Expectations: If the school focuses more on your child's limitations than their strengths, they may be setting low expectations. An example is if the IEP primarily addresses behavioral management without incorporating your child's talents or interests.
What to Do: Insist on goals that reflect your child's potential. For instance, if your child excels in art, request the inclusion of art projects that integrate academic skills. Present evidence of your child's strengths through work samples and specialist reports.
Monitor and Adjust
Identify Low Expectations: If your child's progress is not being reviewed regularly or the IEP is not updated to reflect their growth, the expectations may be too low.
What to Do: Schedule regular reviews of your child's IEP to ensure it remains challenging and relevant. For example, if your child meets a goal early, push for the IEP to be revised with new, more advanced goals.
Build a Community
Identify Low Expectations: If you feel isolated or unsupported in your advocacy efforts, it may indicate a lack of broader community engagement.
What to Do: Connect with other caregivers with similar experiences. By joining your voices together, you can collectively send a message to the school that you want to see higher expectations for your children.
Imagining a Brighter Future
Imagine a future where expectations for students rise for their true potential, authentically supported to achieve what once seemed impossible. They flourish in inclusive classrooms, mastering challenging curricula with confidence. Their unique talents are celebrated, and their academic and personal victories are proudly acknowledged.
Families feel empowered, witnessing their children surpass milestones they once thought unattainable. Parents and caregivers freely advocate in IEP meetings, confident in the collaborative efforts to support their child’s growth. Family dynamics improve as stress levels decrease and hope replaces uncertainty.
Educators have the best training and resources, fostering inclusive and dynamic classrooms. They celebrate each student's progress, no matter how small, and their professional fulfillment soars as they witness the tangible impact of high expectations.
Society benefits as high expectations for students with disabilities translate into higher graduation rates, increased postsecondary education enrollment, and better job prospects. Communities become more inclusive, workplaces are more diverse, and the economy thrives with contributions from all its citizens.
Highlighter’s Commitment to High Expectations
At Highlighter, we are committed to transforming special education through the power of high expectations. By setting ambitious goals, implementing inclusive practices, and fostering collaboration, we can ensure that every student, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to succeed. Our tools help caregivers advocate for their children, whether recommending inspiring IEP goals or crafting things to say to a teacher with low expectations. Highlighter wholeheartedly believes that young people thrive when the adults in their lives believe in their potential.
Let's all commit to making high expectations the norm in special education, transforming the lives of students with disabilities for the better. Together, we can create a brighter future for all our children.
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