Meeting the needs of all children

A primary concept of Blankenstein’s book, Failure is Not an Option, is the idea that school leaders must focus their attention on all students, not just those who are high achieving or in special education. The importance of providing a safe, stimulating, caring environment cannot be overlooked; it would be detrimental to all if we allow some students to fail without doing everything we can systemically to provide them with the best education possible.
Response to Intervention is a program that had originally been developed to help special education students achieve to their potential, developing a plan depending on their individual need. After success in special education, RTI has been introduced to general education. I believe this is a step forward for general education. I do not agree with labeling, as I feel it provides an excuse for some students for why they are not successful in school. I would like to see a system in which special education is no longer necessary because all students are given the tools they need to achieve their best. At this point I am not optimistic about the possibilities of the removal of special education because it has been so engrained into our education system.
I do however feel strongly about the importance of gifted and talented programs. Some students need that environment to allow them to reach much further than they would in a regular classroom. People develop at different rates. Those who develop intellectually at a faster rate than their peers should be given opportunities to expand their ideas, and I believe gifted and talented programs play an important role in the development of intellectually advanced students.
School leaders must have programs that cater to students of all academic levels. RTI has helped to even the playing field. Those students who need a challenged should be given the opportunity to show us how much potential they really have.