feb 1, 1942 - ATA Article: Forty - One Exceptional Children
Description:
This article is a memoire from a teacher who taught in a little community north of Edmonton. She describes that the community was made up of children who could not speak English very well. This was because some of them were Polish or German refugees and most of them were Metis. She describes how "All the children were retarded, but none was dull" (Paul, 1942, p. 50). She goes into further detail saying that the students could do simple tasks in most subjects and that they each had weaknesses. The Polish and German children needed much work in English and the Metis would not speak in front of the other children. She then does something unusual, she describes how she is going to find a way to build a better relationship between the children. During this time period, most teachers wouldn't give that the time of day, so this is really unique. She still describes how she is "bettering" the Metis children but is respectful about it and lets them do it on their own with assistance from her. It is amazing how much of an interest this teacher took in her students and it was a nice contrast as to how most indigenous or "mental" students were being treated at the time.
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History of Inclusive Education
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