OPPORTUNITY: Special education students now have the option to obtain credit for a four-year university.
By Jasmine Arenas, Staff Writer
On the first week of school, coach, resource specialist and special education teacher Mr. Ted Lopez explained to his students that they would have a choice to earn credit for college through Environmental Science. Prior to the incorporation of Environmental Science into the program, special education students were only able to take Earth Science, which limited them to a junior college. With the addition Environmental Science, they will have the choice to attend a junior college or four-year university. Poly is the first school in the Riverside Unified School District to offer this opportunity to all special education students. “Pigeonholing the students does not help them improve,” Lopez said.
Students Jessie Arballo (10), Desiree Carranza (10) and Benjamin Arteaga (11) all reaped the benefits that the new class offered them. Arballo always wanted to attend college but did not realize she was limited to a junior college. Arballo said “[she] feels lucky and grateful that [she has] this opportunity.” She added that her attitude has changed and “my grades [are] more of a priority this year.” Carranza said that the class is not harder than her other classes and that she is grateful for the opportunity. Like all students, Arteaga still procrastinates from time to time but said that “entering [environmental science] each day makes [him] realize that there is more beyond high school.”
The parents and guardians of these students had mixed emotions about the changes being made to the curriculum. Arballo’s parents did not understand why their child is only now being offered credit towards college. Carranza’s father motivates his child even more in her school work. He pushes her to do her best and “seek out every opportunity [Poly] has to offer.” Each of these parents and guardians sees that offering Environmental Science has had a positive impact on the students.
With the expansion of educational opportunities, the special education students at Poly feel more equal to their peers. This change in the curriculum shows promising potential to help benefit the students’ self-confidence, attitude and work ethic. The parents are beyond pleased with the change—as are the students.