Why are special education students so "looked down" upon by some students and teachers?

[smahala1991]

I work in a high school as a custodian. We have one special needs kid who the football players act all "buddy" with, but when he has his back turned they'd talk about him and mock him because he is special needs. Is it just that people are that mean, or is it more group mentality thinking? Because many special Education and IEP students are actually brilliant and capable.

[genericname85]

because "special" usually means they're slower. meaning other students feel like they're not up to speed and for teachers they often mean more work. plus in school you have many very young people, who don't have developed proper social skills yet to know how to treat somneone that might be a bit slower than them. and them not knowing how to properly interact will usually lead to a preference against interaction or even aggression towards them to keep them away. i hope that explained it without sounding as if i was somehow anti special education students.

[Anonymous]

Group mentality. Kids are mean. But Jr. High and high school to a lesser extent are just 4 to 6 years of harassing and getting harassed. If the kids were truly mean they'd make fun of the kid to his face.

And as far as the teachers go, teachers each year are asked to do more with less. A lot of the special needs kids get shuffled from one teacher to the next without them taking into account where that student is at. Because special needs kids are thought of as less about worth teaching and more about just holding and pushing the on to the next grade.

I know this because my sister teaches autistic kids. And she's always worried about when that kid moves on to another teacher.

[dustybiker2]

Survival of the fittest. I fought against that behavior of others all throughout high school. But I also fought against the isolation of the pressures of top athletes too. Having to keep those perfect records as it's expected. They sat with me to chill from time to time in a no judgement lunch or break area.

Life sucks for everyone.

[Crimsyjo]

I don't know. I guess part of a mentality coupled with insecurities. Especially in school aged/college aged people. By belittling someone else and pointing out flaws they are trying to mask their own and pretend they must be so much better.

I think animals do it too. But more from a weakest link survival instinct.

[AI Opinion]

The behavior you've observed often stems from a lack of understanding and empathy. Sometimes, ignorance and stereotypes about disabilities lead to stigmatization. Group mentality can amplify such behaviors as individuals conform to group norms to fit in. It’s crucial to foster inclusive environments emphasizing empathy and respect for diversity. Educating students and teachers about the strengths and capabilities of special education students can change perceptions. Celebrating individual achievements and creating opportunities for meaningful interactions can promote acceptance and understanding, allowing all students' unique talents to be recognized and appreciated.

[jennifer_bloom]

I had a disability in high school but I was still in the gifted program all through high school, until they discontinued the gifted program, since only 2% of students qualify and it was seen as a waste of resources. Mode 1 gifted is for people who score in the 98% percentile on I. Q. tests. In university, I could memorize 500 pages a day, but I would get D’s on my essays because I lacked maturity and common sense. That is why I never became a psychologist.

[jazzy34]

Any "difference" in someone is seen as "weird" or "strange." Also, they don't think these students are capable of learning.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Ableism

[DonaldDarko]

Football players are special needs too.

[Anonymous]

Because many people underestimate them.