The population of special education students makes up 10 to 15 percent of school enrollment in the United States and touches both extremes of the educational challenges. It includes students with learning difficulties who attend any special-day class, students who require classroom support, and students who are classified as gifted and are placed in accelerated classes.

According to the Digest of Education Statistics, there are approximately 700,000 children in special education within the public education system. For them, school is often frustrating and agonizingly difficult. Half of these children have learning disabilities, and, for them, schoolwork is like a puzzle that just won't fit together. These children don't understand why they just can't grasp math, reading, writing, or simple concepts even though they are trying as best they can.

National PTA believes that all children have the right to a quality public education which allows each child the opportunity to reach his or her fullest potential. The PTA encourages the establishment of special education sections in any association, so that parents of children with special needs can come together for study of and action on their particular concerns. Projects and activities related to children with special needs can be promoted and study groups can be formed to further interest in and understanding of children with special needs.

After providing life’s basic needs, the greatest thing a parent can do for a child is to be involved and to encourage and help the child develop into the best person possible. Ways to be involved include becoming acquainted with the teachers and staff in the school district, especially those whose job specifically relates to the child’s special needs. Join PTA or PTSA, School Site Council, or other parent involvement groups at the school and district, and volunteer in the classroom or at the school. If parent groups are not available, suggest forming one that addresses the special needs of your child; in this way you can get to know and network with other parents within your specific special needs community.

Another way to be involved with your child is to encourage extra-curricular activities. There are many community sports activities, such as Little League, AYSO, basketball and football, to name a few. Each of these sports organizations have divisions specifically for children with handicaps and disabilities and most need peer volunteers—children who help children succeed in these sports. This would be a wonderful place for gifted students to start earning community service hours that provide an advantage on college applications.

Sheryl Whitebirch
Special Education Chairman
4th District PTA
December, 2008

Walking onto a school playground can be a wonderful experience. You will see children busy interacting with one another, playing ball, climbing on the playground equipment or running around. You may also see one or two children alone, not quite sure how to fit in to the various activities surrounding them; perhaps none of the activities interest them. Unfortunately, sometimes a child does not join in because he feels disliked or unwanted. Or perhaps he is a shy child, wanting to be a part of the group, but not quite sure how to join in.

I have seen these scenarios played out at each of the elementary schools my children have attended. One solution for children who feel uncomfortable joining in with their peers is an organized lunch or recess program. I have seen a few of these programs in action. One school called it, "The Lunch Bunch" while another called it, "The Wagon Wheel Social Club." Regardless of the name, they have the same purpose: to help include the shy, uninvolved child who sits on the edge of the social scene.

The Wagon Wheel Social Club began with a couple of moms who had children with disabilities. They wanted to provide a setting where their children, as well as any other child on the playground, could participate in fun lunch time activities. Board games were purchased by the PTA; blankets were contributed by parents from the school. Flyers were sent home inviting all of the children at the school to be a part of the Social Club. The big day came and the blankets were laid out. Many children came to participate. The children chose a game, sat on a blanket and played with new friends for their whole lunch time. Many of the children who otherwise sat alone came over to play and meet new friends. The children with disabilities also participated with their peers. It was such a hit that it was continued throughout the whole school year. It seems that several of the children just needed a place to go and feel included. This is an easy way to help include every child at your school site. It didn't cost a lot of money and it took very little time. The Social Club only met once a week, but with more PTA volunteers, it could be expanded.

A simple project can make a big difference in the lives of some otherwise lonely children. If you would like more information on organizing a lunchtime club, please contact me at the email address shown above.