It broke my heart every time I submitted a recommendation for learning-disability testing, because I taught high school. That means that for years this child had been passed over and their right to assistance essentially ignored. Learning-disability assistance and basic accommodations, like sitting closer to the board to see better, must be approved by the parents. All too often, children slip through the cracks, and it's up to parents and teachers to advocate for students' needs, especially those who learn differently. When the children are old enough, they need to learn how to advocate for their own education. One of my favorite students, a senior, would come into my class before every test and remind me that she gets extra time on exams. I didn't need the reminder, but I love that she took ownership over her learning.
