Testing for Intelligence

I think that assessments are necessary in school.  These tests help parents and educators understand the needs of the individual child.  Today, so many students need to be on Individualized Educational Plans (IEP’S).  These plans are based on the child’s needs and what is going to be best for their education.  These plans and the tests required help teachers to differentiate lessons, modify teaching tehniques/strategies that will benefit the child.  We need to remember that children are different and we all learn in different ways.  In the school I work, the teachers use to have Phonic Ears in the classrooms.  These were worn by teachers and the helped students with hearing and language deficiencies.  Unfortunately, with budget cuts, these were the first things that were removed from the classrooms. 

In Japan, there are schools set up for children with disabilities.  These special schools are designed for students with specific disabilities such as visual, hearing or cognitive.  The disadvantage of these schools is that students are not with non-disabled students.  The mainstreaming would be beneficial for these students.

I also learned that every school is also set up with a special needs committee and the team is required to visit mainstream schools when necessary.

Childrens growth and development are measured at 4 months, 8 months, 18 months and 3 before entering school.  These evaluations have proven to be beneficial in detecting disabilities at an early age. 

 For more information check out these websites:

http://www.childrenwebmag.com/articles/education/the-special-needs-education-system-in-mainstream-japanese-schools

http://www.jicafriends.jp/vocational/gi2005/material/resume/1022_school.html