Education Law

Virigina School District Reports Special Education Students and Non-White Minorities Have Lower Character Ratings

By Charles Fox

A subjective report filed by teachers on the character of students in Fairfax County Virginia has the potential to set off a firestorm in the district. Among the key findings of the report were that:

"black and Hispanic students and special education students received lower marks than white and Asian American students for demonstration of 'sound moral character and ethical judgment.'"

These findings are so very hurtful and tend to reinforce the negative views and stereotypes of  segments of students who are apparently perceived to be inferior in fundamental ways.This report, however, can be used in a positive way if it highlights the need for school staff to better understand, more accurately perceive the nature of behaviors and overall have more insight into the needs of special education students.  I am afraid that such optimism will require a basic shift in how we view special education students and minority groups in schools. We have a lot more work to do to knit together more cohesive and compassionate school communities.

Full post as published by Special Education Law Blog on June 26, 2008 (boomark / email).