Armstrong students are working together in a program that promotes inclusion through "unified classes," pairing intellectually disabled students with others in health, physical education, and family consumer sciences classes.
The venture is an expansion of another successful program in the Armstrong School District. Last year, a group of 16 students at Armstrong Jr.-Sr. High School started an after-school sports program that brings together students with and without intellectual disabilities in a fully inclusive co-ed program. The students train and compete together, learning about their unique challenges.
Laura Craven teaches Unified Family Consumer Science at Armstrong Jr.- Sr. High School, an expansion of the unified track program that is open to students in grades 10-12.
"This co-educational course combines students of all abilities to participate in developmentally appropriate activities," Craven said. "Students will work together in a one-on-one ratio to increase competence and confidence throughout their labs and activities."
The students work together to create and cook basic food and snacks, increasing their small motor skills in project and craft creation and utilizing positive communication skills while working with their course buddy. Craven and other teachers plan the curriculum and activities, assisting when appropriate.
"I mainly supervise the activity once class starts," Craven said. "The life skills students and general education students are paired up to complete the assignment together. I will address any questions during the lesson. But for the most part, the class flows very well with its current setup."
The results have been impressive, with life-skills students learning from their general education peers and general education students learning teaching skills.
"Many of our general education students in this course are curious about or intend to pursue a career in Special Education or education in general," Craven said. "I believe that through this course, students can gain further understanding of the role and responsibilities of a teacher."
Some of the benefits that life skills students received from the unified class initiative include:
- Academic Progress: The partnership allows general education students to assist life skills students with their class assignments, contributing to improved learning outcomes and academic progress.
- Increased Self-esteem and Confidence: Life skills students experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence from the support they receive from their general education peers.
- Personalized Learning: The one-to-one pairing of students allows for individualized instruction and tailored support for each life skills student needs.
- Lifelong Friendships: Many life skills students and their general education partners form strong bonds and friendships that can last well beyond the program.