Neurodiversity

 

Talking Points:

“Instead of thinking of people with autism or ADHD as needing to be ‘fixed,’ we put a spotlight on things that they’re good at and help with things that they’re working on.” This aligned with Renkly and Bertoloni’s Shifting the Paradigm… focusing on a student’s strengths and talents rather than weaknesses.

“There is no single ‘correct’ way for the brain to work.”
This challenges traditional thinking in that there is one standard way to learn or behave. It shows the need for teachers to recognize different learning styles instead of expecting all students to fit into the same mold.

“A wide range of perceptions and responses to the world should be accepted and encouraged.”
This suggests that differences are not just okay, they’re valuable. Encouraging diverse ways of thinking can lead to more creativity, problem-solving, and a more inclusive classroom environment.

Argument Statement:

Education must embrace neurodiversity, because when schools move away from standardization and instead promote learning environments that value differences, they create more equitable and effective opportunities for all students.

This connects to Renkly and Bertoloni’s Shifting the Paradigm which calls for a change in how we view students and learning. Instead of seeing differences as deficits that need to be fixed, the focus is on a student’s strengths and talents. Both ideas challenge us to rethink the system itself. It emphasizes moving away from rigid, standardized education toward more inclusive and flexible approaches.

Links:

https://www.mywellnesshub.in/blog/what-is-neurodiversity-guide-for-parents/

https://www.seemeneurodiverse.org/general-resources

https://web.uri.edu/disability/nduri/

ICE in Schools

 

These articles show the real-life fear and instability that immigration enforcement brings to children and their families. The story of Silverio Villegas-González, a father simply trying to provide for his family, shows how quickly an ordinary day can turn into a devastating tragedy. What would have happened if he still had his kids in the car? I can’t imagine the the level of fear and anxiety this causes, living with the threat of losing a loved one while just trying to go about your day.     

These incidents negatively impact entire school communities. Schools are meant to be safe places where students can learn and grow. The threat of ICE entering that space robs them of their sense of safety and security. It also causes children to become anxious, distracted, and fearful. They are worrying about what could happen to their families at home instead of focusing on school. How are they expected to succeed under those conditions? 

Educators and communities now have to think about their role in protecting students and their families. The texts show how schools can take active steps to support immigrant families, such as creating clear policies, educating staff, and building trust with students and parents. 

It was nice to read that the LA teachers provided so much support to their families. They came together by patrolling for ICE and reporting back to help keep their community safe as well as providing groceries to those in need.    

The way the teachers advocated for their vulnerable students and families in Recipes for Resistance was very moving. It gave the families something positive to enjoy together in a safe setting and opened the door for important conversation. The teachers were able to provide them with valuable support and resources to help them protect themselves..  

This isn’t an issue that seems to be a top priority where I work. I can’t recall a time when anyone has even brought it up. I tried looking through the policies out of curiosity to see there was anything written on this topic but I wasn’t able to locate any information. Though our population consists of primarily white students, I do remember the district sending a letter to the families addressing the issue and reassuring them that their children would be safe in school.    

It is important to remember that these issues affect real people: parents, children, and entire communities. The articles show the importance of empathy, advocacy, and awareness. It’s our responsibility as educators to ensure that all students feel safe and supported so they are able to succeed in school.  

https://www.nilc.org/resources/know-your-rights-immigrant-students-and-schools/

https://www.aclu.org/documents/immigration-enforcement-guidance-for-schools

https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/public_education_for_immigrant_students_understanding_plyer_v_doe.pdf

https://riag.ri.gov/press-releases/attorney-general-neronha-and-commissioner-infante-green-issue-guidance-schools

Rethinking Schools

 

Recommitting to the Joyful Classroom argues that joy should be the main focus of education and not just an extra or reward. The authors emphasize that classrooms can be places of curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connection, even while addressing serious academic and social issues.

The article explains that many schools have become overly focused on testing, rigid curriculum, and control, which can drain joy from both students and teachers. Joyful classrooms prioritize student voice, collaboration, cultural relevance, and engaging learning experiences. Joy is described as something more than just fun, it includes feeling valued, safe, challenged, and connected.

I agree with the authors that joy is especially important for equity. Students who feel respected and seen are more likely to engage and succeed. Teachers play an important role by building relationships, designing inclusive lessons, and creating a space for students to explore and express themselves.

"They need lessons that intimately link the struggles of their families and communities to past and present struggles for justice around the world. They need a curriculum that teaches them to unravel the cause of racism, our climate crisis, the vast and growing economic inequality, houselessness, and war. They need to probe social reality through activities that can simultaneously build their literacy and numeracy skills and their capacity to imagine a different world - and, at the same time, fire them to life." This section stood out to me because it shows how education should go beyond basic academics and connect to students’ real lives and the world around them. It emphasizes the importance of helping students think about social issues in addition to building essential skills. This approach not only makes learning more meaningful, but it also empowers students to see themselves as capable of creating change. When students feel that what they are learning matters, they are more engaged and motivated.

This article asks teachers to intentionally “recommit” to joy by resisting the overly restrictive systems that are currently in place. Instead they should promote classrooms where all students can thrive academically as well as emotionally.

Khan's The Broken Model relates to this as both texts argue that education should be centered around students as whole people. It should not focus solely on academic performance. Real learning happens when students feel engaged, valued, and connected.

https://inspiredtogetherteachers.com/8-simple-ways-to-create-a-joyful-classroom/

https://girlsleadership.org/blog/5-ways-to-make-your-classroom-space-joyful-and-healing/

https://teachempowered.com/10-ways-to-bring-joy-into-the-classroom/