Labels, Literacy, and Enabling Learning: Glenn's Story

Abstract

Too often, the school system regards students who do not learn quickly enough or in a conventional manner as "deficient," and labels them in ways that keep them from joining in a dynamic learning process. In this powerful account of what a creative and trusting relationship between teacher and student can accomplish, Colleen Fairbanks tells of a young man's determination to overcome his "learning disabilities"label and of the consequences the labeling process had on his school life. In so doing,her own story emerges as a teacher who encourages him to explore his feelings about his learning as he struggles to confront his school history. Most important, Glenn's story illustrates an overwhelming need to reevaluate our educational practices for learning disabled students.