Dear Editor:
Every child is unique and has special needs.
A classroom teacher is expected to know and to understand each child's intellectual, social, emotional and physical development. It takes time to talk to, to observe and to evaluate the progress of each child.
Current educational practice is to develop individual programs designed to promote growth in all areas for each child. It takes time to find the special talents that need to be encouraged. It takes time to comfort a child when he/she is having a difficult day.
How can a teacher find time for each pupil when, for example, there is a class of 24 with two teacher aides and 26 people to supervise? If the teacher does not do large or small group instruction that leaves about two minutes per pupil in an hour.
The loss of specialist teachers compounds the issue.
The specialist teachers evaluate children who exhibit signs of learning and emotional problems and work with the child's teacher to develop an appropriate program. No diagnosis delays meaningful intervention.
Research tells us it is crucial to attempt to remedy learning disabilities when the student is young and the brain is developing.
In my opinion, it is child neglect to fail to address the issues in our schools.
Children depend on adults to care for them and to provide an appropriate education.
Pat Kotush
Retired primary teacher North Vancouver
