6: Reflecting on Burt: What things are missing in this scene that if present could help Burt experience an “inclusive classroom”? How could the teacher enhance Burt’s achievement in the classroom?
In Burt’s case, there is a stigma attached to Tourette’s Syndrome or more generally speaking, a learning disability. As shown by the classroom teacher those with learning disabilities are less expected to succeed. When Ashley spoke to the classroom teacher regarding Burt’s progress on the test, the teacher spoke as if it would be out of line to expect any more from him because he carries the label of “Tourette’s.” In reality it may take students with learning disabilities a little longer to do certain things, such as work sheets or master a topic, but in an ideal learning environment, goals to help guide learning would be in place. Though Burt has Tourette’s syndrome, expectations should still remain in place; they should be altered in accordance with his personal learning style, standards, and