A Teacher Who Doesn't Teach

Yesterday I subbed in what was once referred to as a Special Ed. classroom. I no longer know what the politically correct term for these classes are, so I'll just refer to it as that special assignment. How'd the special assignment go? Great, because I ignored the assistant's instructions and went with my gut instinct. Why'd I turn my back on the assistant's suggestions? Because, if I listened to her, the special students wouldn't learn a goddamn thing.

Excuse the language, but I was shocked at "Mrs. Right's" suggestion that I should complete the problems on the board, "so at least the kids get the answer right." (the name of the assistant has been changed to protect my liable ass).

Um??
Huh??
What??

Maybe my years spent at a fundamental school warped my brain during those important developmental years of my youth, but kids need to DO THE WORK! And, no, copying isn't acceptable. And, no, I didn't complete the problems on the board. But, yes, I did teach, and provided those youngin's enough information to complete their work. I let them sniff around the problem set before providing some one-on-one help.

I understand the students with special needs run at a slower clip, but hoisting them on your back and carrying them across the finish line serves.... it serves...um... wait a second... I just had the answer!... shoot!!... what was it?... oh yah...it serves no one. Sure, after the group lesson I ran about the class answering individual questions, sometimes answering the same question five different times, but at least the kids were engaging with the lesson. That's teaching! The answer is meaningless if the student doesn't get the process.