Grow the Grass

"When elephants fight, it's the grass that gets trampled". This African proverb, which was mentioned in the Beyond F.A.T. City video, is an eye opening statement concerning students with disabilities. It is crucial that everyone who is involved in the IPP process, take their seat at the table and bring their positive input. Every specialist, teacher, and parent is there to offer their knowledge and support; every angle must be taken into consideration in order for the child to fully benefit from the IPP process. Although these angles will be different, each must be valued and respected.

The most powerful aspect related to a child's success with learning disabilities is that the parents are involved in the process. Parents, without a doubt, know the child the best. They know the child's every strength, weakness, and desire. Teachers must use this information to create the most effective plan for a student. Also, a parent must respect the effort that the rest of the participants are putting forward and realize that growth will not be made if they are a lone wolf.

It has been said that it takes an entire village to raise a child. I agree with this statement. Everyone individual involved in the IPP process is contributing their knowledge so that the child has the best opportunity for success. Cohesion and trust among the support services is vital to a child's growth and success. We must plant the seeds, nourish and water the soil, and provide warmth for grass to grow. We all have to work together for a child to grow and succeed to their fullest potential.