[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 28, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 
284, which recognizes the important role that special education 
teachers play in our Nation's schools. I thank my colleague, 
Congressman Sessions for introducing this resolution.
  In 1972, the United States Supreme Court ruled that children with 
disabilities have the same right to receive a quality education as 
their nondisabled peers. Today, approximately 10 percent of our student 
population receives special education services.
  It truly takes a special person to work with our special needs 
students. These teachers often work well beyond the normal school day 
in designing individualized lesson plans for their students. Special 
education teachers have a tremendous amount of patience, flexibility, 
and creativity in dealing with special needs students. These teachers 
must also be able to adapt their teaching styles to accommodate the 
unique behavioral, social, emotional, or physical needs of their 
students.
  Mr. Speaker, I would personally like to recognize the approximately 
955 special education teachers in Los Angeles County. These individuals 
work extremely hard to provide a quality education to over 6,500 
special education students. These extraordinary individuals work 
tirelessly and without complaint in trying to achieve successful 
outcomes for their students.
  Lastly, Mr. Speaker, we should pay tribute to the special education 
aides that assist the teacher in the classroom. These individuals are 
often overworked and underpaid and are frequently underappreciated for 
the positive contributions they make to our special needs students.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Con. 
Res. 284 in recognizing the important role that special education 
teachers play in our schools.

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