By 1999, it was 31. Math scores followed a similar pattern, rising from 15 percent at or above norms in 1996 to 37 percent in 1999. When they were in self-contained classes, they had no one to model. I think some of them also suffered from low self-esteem. But in an inclusive environment, they want to fit in, and they imitate their classmates.
Parents see a difference, too.
I was nervous at first. Sometimes the kids in the general ed program are a little more aggressive, and he thought they'd tease him. But that hasn't happened. He's learning more, and tells me he doesn't feel like he's stupid. Next year, Shelley hopes to expand the program to 5th grade, even as the Education Connections grant runs out.