PROS AND CONS OF LABELING STUDENTS

In mainstream America quantifying human performance is used to describe an individual. There are cons against labeling a student. First, although things have improved since the 12th and 18th centuries some students are still mistreated because of a label. The phrase "no child left behind" is of little consequence. It could be better stated as "no child mistreated". When a child is labeled other students sometimes choose to belittle the person by calling him/her names.

Secondly, discrimination is the biggest obstacle when labeling a child with a disability. Potential employers may think he/she is not qualified for employment if the condition is known.

Thirdly, a student's condition can be misdiagnosed. By labeling a student, who might be going through adolescent changes, he/she could be medicated for a condition which he/she does not have. This could cause irreversible damage to the child both physically and mentally. A student can be marked for life because of a label given to him/her causing them not to achieve their full academic potential. Other students may tease the child resulting in psychological problems that are damaging to the academic performance.

While there are problems with labeling a student, I believe great strides have been made in improving the life of a child with a disability. First, I must say some labels are good. For instance, a child labeled as gifted is recognized as an achiever. A pro of labeling students is their qualification for assistance. Without the label the student may not qualify for special assistance. There are nurses, counselors, special education teachers and other trained professionals to help them in achieving their potential. These students may qualify for technological assistance such as picture boards, pencils with grips, calculators, audio versions of books and electronic organizers to name but a few.

Additionally, there are laws protecting their rights once a student is labeled as having a learning disability. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) made it possible for the concept of universal design that is the physical environment must be adjusted in order to ensure that everyone has an easier time navigating within the learning environment. The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) guarantees a free, appropriate public education to all students with disabilities. The Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides additional support as the child progresses from high school to post secondary life. These and other laws recognize the additional assistance that children with challenges require in order to achieve their full potential.

Lastly, if a student with a disability is diagnosed early evidence supports that many conditions can be improved due to the advancements made in treatment. Christy Brown, an Irishman, had cerebral palsy and at an early age received assistance and learned to read, write and paint and subsequently wrote an extraordinary novel that became an award-winning film, My Left Foot.

The methods used today in labeling students are not perfect but do provide a venue for benefit for properly diagnosed children.

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