I really don't get the terminology used on our kids these days. Terms like "slow" and low-functioning are so are so dinosaur age.

Question

I heard the terms slow and low-functioning so much it makes me sick. I teach kids that have learning differences. .Despite being behind and to others low functioning, these children are bright and engaging. I just don't understand why we continue to label our kids in such a way. In my personal opinion, our children deserve better than that...

Answer 1

The government and according to ADA, has coined the term exceptional children or children with special or differentiated needs. When teachers and other education professionals use the term slow, it shows a lack of understanding about exceptional needs students. If you have a student who falls into this category for any reason: autism spectrum, ID, ED, OHI, etc. try to use these other terms in IEP meetings and let the case manager know that you feel comfortable with that term only. In addition use it in your home and with your child and other members of your family. Be the model and let others know "slow" is inaccurate and unacceptable!

Answer 2

Using proper terminology influences the changes in our students. I used to have students say they are "slow" and "stupid", disclosing that family and other teachers referred to them by these terms. If we want to see the changes in terminology, correction is key! There are some who are used to using these terms and continue to use them today, despite federal regulations. It is up to us as Educators to be the change we want to see. Instead of hearing someone say slow, we can politely correct them by saying, "You mean exceptional". Even if the change is not immediate, colleagues and whoever else use dated terms will see that these terms are unacceptable, allowing for us all to move forward with more positive and correct terminology. It begins with one step!