I helped these students by tutoring both students during my plan period two days a week and setting a scheduling chart for assignments due for class. I gave these students alternative assignments to aid with their learning, but weren't as lengthy as my other students. I felt proud when both students graduated at the end of the year. In fact, one student registered at CCAC and began taking classes this fall. I believe this is true, more so when students are labeled and begin to believe that they cannot learn.
People can learn anything they put their minds to.
MHeffelfinger - I have just posted a learning log entry discussing how educators need to discover students' hopes and dreams. Kohl stated that the ability to see world other than it is plays a major role in sustaining hope. It keeps one's mind free of the burden of everyday misery and can become a corner of sanity as one struggles to undo the horrors of an unkind and mad world. I could not agree with Kohl more. I have participated in home visits where the children were sleeping on tarps on the floor, with cockroaches roaming around the house.