BarcelonaI have worked in schools that separated by learning levels and others that did not. It is evident that in a graduating class, students learn, evolve, and mature at different paces. This is what we now call diversity. But there are many types of diversity. They can be due to learning capacity or autism, hyperactivity, motor difficulties, vision, hearing, and so on. All options have been channeled into so-called inclusive schools and institutes. An interesting debate would be whether this option (with adequate resources) is still better than not having specific centers for this type of student. It is not about segregation, but about offering the best possible attention to our children. However, we have always taken into account students who have difficulties. The most classic option to prevent them from falling behind in their studies is to offer them support groups. Students in support groups must have their curriculum adapted, and the agreement is signed by the families. This is what we call an individualized plan. The aim is that, within their capabilities, that student can progress and obtain, like the others, a school diploma. In certain cases, it is also taken into account in high school.
One in three
According to the latest data, one third of students in Catalonia have special needs. This is a very high proportion, which indicates that something is not quite right when what should be the exception is not. On the other hand, those who have always been a bit abandoned are students with high abilities. Many of them have adopted tactics to avoid envy and are often bored due to a lack of incentives. Undoubtedly, reality is what dictates our work, but if we teachers have to attend to students one by one, we will end up burned out. In fact, it is impossible. We already have meetings with families and many tutoring sessions, but we have to group them into larger groups with similar profiles. Many times, support groups do not work and students end up failing the adapted subjects. In these cases, it is mixed with an attitude problem. Some students with special needs also have serious behavioral problems, and this complicates everything. Especially for the tranquility needed by those who simply need more time, calm, and patience.
