Editor’s note: Have you ever wished you could quietly peek into a classroom—not for a special event, but simply to see what an ordinary day looks like? That’s the idea behind our new feature, “A minute in the room,” in which we open the classroom door just a little wider and celebrate the little things that make our schools such special places.
Luke Woodworth’s self-contained classroom at Slauson Middle School supports eight students with a variety of special needs, including autism, cognitive impairments, and other disabilities. The classroom provides individualized academic instruction while also focusing on communication, independence, social skills, and life skills that students can use in their everyday lives.
A typical day includes ELA, math, science, social studies, and life skills, with opportunities for students to participate in general education classes and activities with their peers when appropriate.
“One thing I wish more people understood is that students in a self-contained classroom are capable of so much when they are given the right supports, opportunities, and time to learn in a way that works for them,” says Woodworth. “I have been working in special education for five years, and one of my favorite parts of the job is seeing students grow in their independence and confidence. Even small accomplishments can be huge milestones for our students, and those are the moments that make this work so rewarding.”
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