Julie Stafford, the special-ed teacher who supervises Meghan's work, says the power of modeling is at work here. In segregated special-ed classes, often a lot of the kids are not very verbal. The biggest change I see is she lights up when she sees her friends, and she makes an effort to communicate with the other students. Stafford moves between classrooms, modifying in-class assignments and homework for several students. While the rest of the class may be learning to write a letter, Meghan focuses on how to hold the pencil.
Aides provide continual help throughout the day.
They learn to accept human differences. They are the buddies and they can help them. And it's not fake help. One of the biggest factors for any kid's school success is support from home. It is in this that Meghan is most blessed.