Students Partner with Those with Special Needs for Elective Class

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Mansfield ISD students are helping their classmates who have special needs through a program that is proving to be mutually beneficial.

The district’s Partners Program gives special needs students a general education companion for their art or P.E. elective class. MISD’s director of special education, Lesa Shocklee, said the focus of the program is to offer an interactive and inclusive environment.

“This program provides access to the general education setting for students with the most significant disabilities in a positive way,” Shocklee explained. “It’s also a great experience for the non-disabled students because it allows them an opportunity to mentor and partner with students.”

The Partners Program was implemented in MISD more than 10 years ago. Although it helps special needs students engage in the different art and physical activities, many participants find themselves bonding with their partner as well.

The students with special needs get assistance to complete their assignment.

“The partnerships, the friendships, last a lifetime really,” said Shane Skinner, Legacy High School art teacher. “I have some college students now who were in the program for a few years. They have actually come back. And every year, we share a little meal, and they hang out with the kids because they form these relationships with these kids.”

Sierra Skidmore, a junior at Legacy High School, has been a partner for two years. She believes that this program has helped her become a better person.

“You really learn who you are and who they are by talking to them and learning from them. You become more open minded,” she said.

The Partners Program class counts as one elective credit and is usually run by the general education students. Each six weeks, the general education students switch partners.

“It’s really fun from the beginning of the semester to see the growth of some of the students and also for my general education students—to see the excitement as they’ve helped the student and see them grow, even in something as simple as touching their toes,” said Lacy Beckler, head track coach at Legacy High.

The classes meet throughout the week. Beckler noted that most of the students who become partners go on to pursue a career helping people with special needs.

To become a partner, interested high school students fill out an application form and are selected by the teacher. For more information about MISD’s Partners Program, contact the Special Education Department.