VIEWPOINT

Something needs to change!
Something needs to change and it isn't the dyslexic or ADD or ADHD student that needs to learn to be like everyone else. There are too many cases for this to mean they are defective. It is the educators that need to be taught how to deal with these gifted students as well as the other individuals in their classrooms.
For too long now we have been led to believe that all kids learn at the same rate. This is obviously not true and yet our government wants to implement tests to force this to be true. Not all children will learn to read at the same age nor in the same way.
I would like to know where to begin to make this change happen instead of just complain about it. Please email me if you have some ideas. I am a former teacher, now librarian with AD/HD and an understanding of the gift of dyslexia. I am concerned about our future generation. Let's work together to make a difference. (opinionscount@hotmail.com - USA)

Special schools for dyslexics only
I think it's time has come to begin developing special schools for dyslexics only. Special education is truly ignoring the dyslexics. This population WILL have to earn a living unlike the mentally retarded. They cannot afford to take the back seat any longer. Jobs today are different and we need these kinds of minds. I read somewhere recently that perhaps we should not force all minds over the same mountain but allow them to go around it because they will see other things. I truly believe that they see the world much differently and their problem solving skills are to be admired. Only when this group bands together, perhaps globally, will things begin to change. (Ann, USA)

Dyslexic students doing exams
I think it's really shocking that my dyslexic students are forced to do exams under the same conditions as everyone else. Surely they should be allowed to use a word-processor and have extra time because of this. The school authorities in my state don't recognize dyslexia as a disability at all, so all the dyslexic pupils do really badly in their exams, despite the fact that they are as intelligent and knowledgeable as anyone else. (L. L.,  USA)

Teachers need a break!
I had volunteered in a classroom for behavioral disordered and children with learning difficulties and was surprised to see how frustrated the teacher was with all of the kids in her class, and how she seemed to single out one child in particular. I know it is a hard job, but I think people should remember who and what they are dealing with and everyone needs a break. (Jennifer, USA)