DCMS Gets Nod for Special Education Program (MS)

May 24, 2010

You’d be hard pressed to find special education students singled out at DeSoto Central Middle School, and that’s why the school’s inclusion program was recognized Friday as one of the best in the state.

"I think we remove the labels," 8th grade DCMS inclusion teacher Melanie Tuttle said about the school’s approach, which has earned it the Exemplary Inclusion Program award.

The Mississippi Department of Education annually presents the award to one elementary, middle and high school in recognition of their efforts to include special education students – or those with learning and/or social disabilities requiring an Individualized Education Plan – in general education classes and activities.

Debra Ward, DCMS’s special education chairperson, said most of the 89 inclusion program students at her school are with their peers for all but study hall and then, report to a special education teacher for targeted instruction and assistance.

"The purpose is for them to be in the least restrictive environment," she said, citing research that show students with disabilities benefit most when not separated from the pack, so to speak. "My hope is when you come in a room here, you can’t tell my kids from the general education ones."

Assistant Principal Kim Burrell added the students don ‘t think any less of themselves because they receive special education services.

"To them, it’s not a special program, just what school is," she said. "The kids know they have weaknesses but are like everybody else. Not everyone can play baseball, not all are going to make an ‘A.’ They’re not embarrassed by (being in the inclusion program)."

Tuttle said the reverse often is true.

"General education kids beg to come into our rooms," she said. "They are curious what we do. When we tell them we have advanced study hall, then we have kids beating on our door saying, ‘Can you help me?’"

Relationships are also an integral element of DCMS’ inclusion program, said Tuttle.

"We address academics but we also focus on starting an emotional bank account," she said. "We build relationships with students and parents, and because we do that, we get a great response."

Said Ward, "I’m like their mom at school. If they need a break or are hurt and need a Band-Aid, they come to me."

Special education teacher Mimi Gatlin said she believes connections Ward, like herself, make with students enable them to perform to the best of their abilities.

"My philosophy is if they feel safe and comfortable, they will achieve academically," she said. "They will meet their potential."

Gatlin offered an unnamed seventh grader at the school as proof. The special education student has the highest GPA among his peers at the school this year and pulled off the same feat in the sixth grade.