SPECIALS INTRO: It’s 1978. My scores in school haven’t exceeded 70; my standardized tests have been consistently in the 50s out of 100. I’ve passed out of transitional reading but I continue to earn average scores far below my annoying overachiever brother. My mom asks my 4th grade teacher, “Will Elizabeth always be an average student?” Mrs. Timmer, RIP, says, hmm let me think about that and get back to you. Oops. The next day my persistent mom asks again and Mrs. Timmer hems and haws and says “I don’t think so.” Fortunately for me, I found many teachers more optimistic than this teacher post 4th grade who guided me into the academic circle through theater, music, storytelling, poetry, history, and spirituality. Now at 54, even though I still hear Mrs. Timmer’s hesitancy in my head, I can proudly answer my Mom’s question. Through auxiliary subjects and arts education, I have surpassed being an average student and earned 3 years towards a doctorate of musical arts and have taught Pre-K to college successfully since 1990.
SO, BESIDES A PREP; WHY ARE SPECIALS SUCH AS TECHNOLOGY, FOREIGN LANGUAGE, LIBRARY ARTS, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, ART, & MUSIC SO INTEGRAL TO LEARNING?
THE SCHOLARS THOUGHT SO: For the past 1000 years, liberal arts has been considered essential education for a free individual active in civic life. The aim of a liberal arts education was to produce a person who was virtuous and ethical, knowledgeable in many fields and highly articulate. Modern liberal arts curricula aim towards traditional liberal arts curricula: to develop well-rounded individuals with general knowledge of a wide range of subjects and with mastery of a range of transferable skills.
ASIDE FROM THE OPINION OF THE SCHOLARS, SOME TOP TEN HIGHLIGHTS…..
- Special areas help develop creative problem-solving and focusing skills.
- Special areas make concepts easier to understand; communicate non-verbally.
- Special areas assist with the development of motor skills, language skills, social skills, decision-making, risk-taking, and inventiveness.
- Special areas teach students to take the time in how they observe the world.
- Special areas integrate with other disciplines.
- Special areas boost critical thinking and confidence.
- Special areas provide challenges for learners at all levels.
- Special area education connects students with their own culture and the wider world.
- Young people who participate regularly in special areas are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement compared to those who don’t.
- Special area education has led to fewer disciplinary infractions and higher attendance, graduation rates, and test scores.
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