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07/21/2021 08:00 AMGuilford Special Education Parent Teacher Organization (SEPTO) was formed five years ago with a mission in part to create a more inclusive environment for all students through positive collaboration with the school district. It is only natural that we support Guilford Public Schools and the Board of Education in practicing a more equitable and diverse curriculum in our classrooms and addressing difficult conversations about historical events, inclusive of all races and all levels of abilities.
Learning is described in the dictionary as “gaining knowledge or understanding of, or skill in, by study, instruction or experience.” Eleven years ago Jaye Carlson and Kim Beckett brought the End the R Word Campaign to our high school. Each year this national program creates awareness (i.e., understanding) about the harmful effects of the words “retard/retarded,” whether directed towards individuals with or without disabilities. Some parents were concerned that the discussion (instruction) would only encourage students to use these words more often. However, by educating students how this word was once a clinical term but through gross misuse is now considered derogatory, an amazing cultural shift started to occur.
Much like this transformation, SEPTO anticipates some pushback to the new equitable and diverse curriculum, but in the end, there will be a significant gain of knowledge. It is easy to read a headline and form an opinion. It takes time and understanding to research and find truth. Learning is a holistic experience, one where you are presented with information from all sides. SEPTO applauds our district for being committed to this work.
Kim Beckett and Kristy Faulkner, Co-chairs
Guilford SEPTO Board