Ability Level

In my class this year I have been getting this question a lot, “What do you think their ability level is?” It is an impossible question, but I believe I have come up with a reliable answer.

Especially when I have students on my caseload with multiple disabilities, that are non-verbal, that have extreme behavior exacerbations, or a combination of all of the above, it can be difficult to know a student's

true cognitive level. In those moments, I always assume ability and instruct my staff to do likewise. Avoiding baby-talk, and not talking about the student when they are right there, but rather addressing them directly and treating them as if they are a member of the team (which they are!) can go a long way.

I once had a student who was non-verbal and presented with some severe behaviors. for years teachers passed this student along, assuming that there was no ability present. The student was placed in front of a TV, watching movies most days, and had minimal interaction with others. It was not until adulthood that a teacher stopped to observe the student and noticed that they had some ability. After obtaining an AAC device, it was later learned that this student was cognitively grade-level. Years of being overlooked, misunderstood, and generally treated like they could not learn, caused the student to (understandably) act out!

I can’t imagine what it would feel like to be trapped in your own mind and have others treating you as less just because you can’t communicate with them the way the rest of society does. So always assume ability and treat all students with human dignity, kindness, and expectations of growth. Small or large, every student can achieve progress. It is our job to find the right key to open their minds. Education specialists are not babysitters, but highly trained professionals, and in some instances, we may be the only adults to treat a student with respect and believe that they can accomplish more.

❤️