receive .
Academics
Academic goals for students receiving special education services are highly individualized . They support students ’ academic growth in the general curriculum so they can achieve their personal best . Most importantly , instruction is provided to students in a way that is accessible to them .
For example , students with visual impairments receive orientation and mobility lessons , meaning they learn how to identify the location of where they are and understand where they are going on their campus . During these lessons , their teacher could also incorporate science into the orientation and mobility lesson .
That was one student ’ s recent experience during their orientation and mobility lesson . As the learner navigated through campus , finding a classroom and the nurse ’ s office , they also learned about the life cycle of a frog through a poster that was hanging next to the target locations . At each correct location , the student learned about each stage , from tadpole to full-fledged frog .
In Melanie Bryant ’ s resource math class at Rogene Worley Middle School , students are learning concepts by moving their bodies and practicing real-life examples .
“ We ’ re doing Pythagorean Theory Pilates ! Students are doing handstands against a wall to help them understand right triangles . They ’ re hula hooping while their classmates yell ‘ circumference ’ to help understand the term ,” Bryant said , adding that it ’ s her mission to present lessons to students in different ways so they understand the why behind math problems .
Overall , Bryant ’ s goal is to help her students grow and feel confident in their math abilities . She says that growth is just as important as passing any test .
College and Career Readiness
College degrees , careers , and independent living are within reach for students who are served by the special education department .
As a former vocational adjustment coordinator , Harris had the opportunity to help students grow their job skills and find job placement with local businesses including Walgreens , Westlake ACE Hardware , On the Border , and Market Street . This continues through the District ’ s Work-Based Learning Program .
Harris has been with the district for 16 years and says that she sees her students out in the community and working often .
“ It makes my heart smile , knowing that they are working and being productive ,” she said .
District-sponsored events , such as Destination Vocation , help students prepare for employment by visiting with staff from local businesses and practicing interviewing skills .
Additionally , students are developing life ready skills through the annual Skills Decathlon . They learn money counting skills from Frost Bank staff , practice a 9-1-1 call with the Mansfield Police Department , and go through mock interviews with the local Rotary chapter .
And , Texas colleges have opened learning programs geared toward students with disabilities , including Tarrant County College , the University of North Texas , Texas A & M University , and Arlington
Baptist University .
Living His Best Life
Jaylen Walker , a 2021 Summit High School graduate , currently attends the University of North Texas and is enrolled in the ELEVAR ( Empower , Learn , Excel , enVision , Advance , Rise ) program . He ’ s studying sports management and aims to be a team attendant , also called a “ ball boy ,” for an NBA team .
“ I was born prematurely , and because of that , my heart , stomach , brain , and my whole body takes more time to do things than other people . But I never give up ,” Walker said . “ The doctors told my dad that I probably would never be able to read , write , walk and talk — but look at me . I attend a major university . I ’ m learning , getting life and jobs skills .”
Walker , who began attending MISD in 2020 , said the Special Education Department helped him achieve his goals and prepare for college and life .
“ It was the first time I felt good at a school . They made me feel like family ,” Walker said . “ They made me be responsible for my future . They pushed me to be my best .”
In ten years , Walker sees himself working in the sports industry .
“ Now my dream is to be a ball boy for the Dallas Mavericks . Or writing a book and YouTube for people living with disabilities ,” said Walker . “ Living my best life .”
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