Beret E. Strong and John Tweedy's Song of Our Children looks at the shift in education policies for working with special-needs children. Beginning with archival black-and-white film clips of institutionalized kids, the program moves on to examine contemporary accommodations in Colorado mainstream classrooms for elementary, middle, and high school special-needs children, focusing in particular on four students who are assisted by paraprofessionals and/or classmates. Featuring interview clips with both parents and educators, the film emphasizes that each child is an individual with different needs and abilities, but most everyone onscreen insists that all children should be mainstreamed out of “special ed,” which is treated as if it were a sort of leper colony. While it is best to have children in the “least restrictive environment” in accordance with congressional law, sometimes special education classrooms are more comfortable and welcoming environments for special-needs students. One mother here sadly recounts how her son doesn't get invited to birthday parties like the other kids--but he very likely would be if he were in special ed, where likeminded parents would be sure to include him. A solid discussion starter on the controversial issue of inclusion for special-needs children, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (R. Reagan)
Song of Our Children
(2005) 58 min. VHS or DVD: $30: individuals; $100: institutions (w/PPR). Landlocked Films. Color cover. ISBN: 0-9707666-4-5 (dvd). Volume 20, Issue 4
Song of Our Children
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