Ms. Thornborrow4thHourComposition

Disparities in education have been ongoing for generations. In a large study of individuals 65 years and older, 20.9 percent without a disability failed to complete high school, compared to 25.1 and 38.6 percent of individuals with a nonsevere or severe disability, respectively, who failed to complete high school (Steinmetz, 2006). Great disparities exist when comparing the attainment of higher degrees. According to the 2006 Census, about 6 percent of persons aged 16-64 with a disability have obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher, while 17 percent of individuals in the same age category with no disability have attained the same educational status (U.S. Census Bureau, 2006).

In 1882, however, Keller contracted an illness—called "brain fever" by the family doctor—that produced a high body temperature. The true nature of the illness remains a mystery today, though some experts believe it might have been scarlet fever or meningitis. Within a few days after the fever broke, Keller's mother noticed that her daughter didn't show any reaction when the dinner bell was rung, or when a hand was waved in front of her face. Keller had lost both her sight and hearing. She was just 18 months old. As Keller grew into childhood, she developed a limited method of communication with her companion, Martha Washington, the young daughter of the family cook. The two had created a type of sign language, and by the time Keller was 7, they had invented more than 60 signs to communicate with each other. But Keller had become very wild and unruly during this time. She would kick and scream when angry, and giggle uncontrollably when happy. She tormented Martha and inflicted raging tantrums on her parents. Many family relatives felt she should be institutionalized.

I firmly believe it's because students have a stronger sense of belonging, self-value and a greater number of positive adult role models to support them on their journey to adulthood.

The value of the specific activity or whether we won or lost the game that night wasn't as influential or as powerful as the opportunity to help develop our youth into strategic thinkers, effective problem-solvers and people who can connect with others of any age in a meaningful way.