Ch.

3 No Double Standards Rhema Stewart 4340 26

The statement, “While it may seem to some that I was employing a double standard by

saving Eric from expulsion and pulling strings for him at the firehouse, Eric’s situation as student

caught within a cycle of abuse came first” reminded me of the importance of fairness within

inclusive classrooms (Schwarz, 2006, p. 23). The perception of fairness is often misconstrued as

rewarding destructive behavior. For example, Eric physically hit the students who upset him in

the classroom. From an outsider’s viewpoint, Eric is rewarded with a works-study opportunity.

Based the common definition of the word fair, Eric did not receive punishment. However, from

the perceptive of Dr. Schwarz, Eric’s success as a student is more important. The idea of fairness

in an inclusive setting is not the same as the common definition. In fact, fairness states that every

student receives what they need, which may not be the same as other students.

In the same way, a student’s overall academic and personal success is more important

than the “appearance” of a double standard. Therefore, employing fairness is more important

than avoiding the perception of a double standard. In Eric’s case and those like his, expulsion

would create a negative outcome. He would have dropped out of school and not fulfilled his

purpose in life. Who wins in this situation? No one. Therefore, Dr. Schwarz chose Eric’s future

success over the “appearance” of employing a double standard.

Upon reflection, I realized the importance of fairness in an inclusive classroom. The

practice of fairness allows special education teachers to be inventive with lessons plans, projects,

and activities. In my opinion, it is comforting to know that every student’s education looks

different. I will not be teaching a subject in the same way, every single day. I have a bit of

freedom to plan and implement instruction in a more effective way. Every day brings a new

challenges, artistic moments, and creativity. More importantly, it is my responsibility to

implement fair instruction, which comes with its excitement.