We are students in a learning disabilities certification program, and we are required to observe in special education classrooms in our area. From what we have observed in the high schools during this semester, mostly we see the resource room being like a regular study hall. Students get help if they ask for it, but most of the time, they are sleeping, reading the newspaper, or talking to each other. Yes, the teachers read tests to the students, and sometimes, the resource teacher is trying to read three different tests at one time. When there is no work to do, the teacher uses the resource room like a planning period. Most of us are discouraged now about being special education teachers at the secondary level. We feel that we are capable of so much more than what we see happening. What can we expect from schools in other parts of the country. What do other secondary resource rooms do? Do high school programs teach reading?
Re: What really goes on in a resource room?
You are undoubtedly capable of more than you see happening and unfortunately many high school resource programs do run in the way you have observed. Not all however- thank goodness. The resource teacher at our high school teaches a writing class-for credit- for resource students with such goals in their IEP’s- some kids take with the freshaman English class and some not. They also provide OG tutroing in the Resource room and work on fluency as well as testing accommodations etc. It isn’t perfect by any means- but the services are there. The junior high runs a study hall whichactually teaches study skills- and quite well- as well as alternative and supplemental math, reading instruction, written language support and the usual array of support services. It requires people however, and teachers and an administration that understand the way it should be…
Robin
Re: What really goes on in a resource room?
I’ve been a resource room teacher for the 3 years I have been teaching. I have taught at the middle school level and 4th grade. At the MS level, I felt I was just helping my students get by in their mainstream classes. A few of my students could not decode past a 2/3rd grade level. I graduated with a MS in reading. but it was a whole language approach. This was not enough info for me to help these kids decode. Fortunately, when I taught 4th grade I met wonderful colleagues who introduced me to multisensory reading programs. At the elementary level it’s easier to remediate than at the secondary level. Although the secondary kids still nedd remediation.
Saundra
High school programs should teach reading. They don’t. But then how much training are you getting in teaching reading? I don’t mean showing them interesting things to read, I mean teaching them the skills needed to read.