#5 Exceptionality

When many people hear the word EXCEPTIONALITY they think of: exceptional, awesome, different, wonderful, etc....but in the world of education it means learning difference. A learning difference is EXCEPTIONAL! It allows the learner to learn in a way that works for them, but may not work for others!

Each year I get a list of all my students that have BIP, IEP's, 504 accommodations, so on and so on....it is a lot to weed through and remember, but in reality it allows me to grow as a teacher. Each year I find a new meaning for difference. Last year I learned it could mean awesome! A student came to 4th grade with failing TAKS scores, a list of "problems", and all the red ink of why he couldn't learn. I tried a new approach....I followed the law, but also included lots of love, positive words, and lots of "please redo!" At first he resisted. He was use to being a loser, a failure, but after a couple of grumbles and missed recesses he began to "like" learning! TAKS test came around and ....HE PASSED ALL THREE!!! Not only that, he got COMMENDED in MATH!!! I cried, and he actually did too (though he will never admit it)! For once his exceptionalities didn't cause him failure, they gave him success!

Sometimes being exceptional can cause labels, negativity, and heartache, but once an exceptional student is held accountable for what they CAN do instead of what they CANNOT do....we see success!!! This student will always hold a special place in my heart and hope he will continue to be exceptional in a positive way!