Return-Path: <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.9.3/8.9.0.Beta5/980425bjb) with SMTP id PAA01183; Mon, 27 Dec 1999 15:08:11 -0500 (EST) Date: Mon, 27 Dec 1999 15:08:11 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <0.5b55c602.25991771@aol.com> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: Dwyoho@aol.com To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-ESL:3870] Re: ESL Plus Special Ed X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Windows AOL sub 45 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Status: RO Content-Length: 1569 Lines: 29 I may have some unique perspectives on the idea of teaching Special Ed and ESL learners together. I am a former secondary special ed teacher who later provided administrative oversight for a secondary ESL program (while I was an assistant principal). I then became a high school principal, and now I am an adult ed director. I think this is a fantastic approach whose time has come. For too long, special ed teachers have been insolated in their corners (despite all the mainsteaming emphasis) with their expertise in individualization and competency-based instruction hoarded. The same can be said for ESL teachers. I cannot overexaggerate how often my special ed background has been useful to me as an adult ed instructor and administrator. I also see other outcomes coming from this idea besides improved teaching. Think of the window on the world any American student has when attending classes with learners from other cultures. Typically, that opportunity (especially in more homogeneous sections of the country) has been afforded mainly to advanced students through exchange programs, distance learning and now internet connections. The special ed students are usually the last ones to be exposed to this broadening experience. As for ESL learners, the social/cultural impact works in the other direction too. Three cheers, and keep the list posted on your progress, Fe. Best regards, Deborah W. Yoho Chief Executive Officer Greater Columbia Literacy Council 921 Woodrow Street Columbia, SC 29205 803/765-2555 dwyoho@aol.com
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