STUDENTS AND THE BOOM OF MEDICAL REPORTS
Translated by: Aglaia Ruffino Jalles
The Growth of Medical Reports in Schools: What Does This Mean for the Students?
In the current educational scenario, one significant feature has stood out: the increase in the issuance of medical reports on mental disorders, in general, for young students in school settings. But what does this mean, and how is it affecting the education and development of young students? In this post, we will explore this trend and discuss its implications.
What Are Medical Reports?
Firstly, it is important to understand what medical reports are. These documents are typically prepared by health professionals such as psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and doctors. Their goal is to identify possible special needs or learning difficulties in the students. They may identify issues such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, among others.
The Increase in Medical Reports: An Emerging Trend
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the issuance of medical reports for young students. There are several reasons for this trend. One of them is a growing awareness of the diverse needs of young students, leading to a more active search for help and support to ensure that all have equal opportunities in education.
Furthermore, schools are becoming more inclusive, seeking to accommodate the different needs of their students. This results in a higher demand for assessments that can guide individualized teaching strategies.
Implications for Young Students and for Education
The increase in school reports has significant implications for students and for the education system as a whole:
Early Identification of Special Needs: Fundamental to ensuring that students receive adequate support from a young age.
Inclusive Education: Creating inclusive learning environments where all students, regardless of their needs, have the opportunity to learn and develop.
Each and every student has specific educational needs.
It is the duty of the teacher to plan educational activities that address these needs.
On the flip side, the increase in reports also brings challenges. It is crucial to avoid the excessive medicalization of education, where all differences are labeled as "problems," leading to stereotypes and low self-esteem in the students. Instead, it is important to see each child as unique, with their own abilities and challenges, without labeling and considering them as a "scapegoat" (deeming them as outside the social and educational norm).
Every student will have specific needs, with or without mental disorders. Some will be more energetic, while others will be calmer, some will be more easily motivated than others; and it is the duty of the teacher and of the school to address these needs as much as possible. If a student seems disinterested or is struggling in their learning, it is important for the teacher to investigate and reflect on the situation in order to find ways that work better for that specific student’s learning. Of course, the teacher should not bear this responsibility alone; the school must provide the necessary support for the teacher to attend to all students’ needs, no matter how different they may be.
A medical report can help students receive the necessary support they need. However, on its own, the medical report does not change the reality of the classroom. The students’ differences require attention and reflection from the teacher and the school to bring about the necessary changes to help all of them to have better learning experiences. In fact, the medical report is the next step to be taken after changes have already been made in the classroom regarding the student's specific needs. If these changes have not been effective, and the student continues to show difficulties, only then medical attention should be advised.
Furthermore, the process of requesting and conducting tests for a medical report is very delicate for the students. If not done sensibly and carefully, it can lead the student to build a negative self-image, which can generate even more difficulties and problems in their learning. During the process, the student, especially children and adolescents who are still developing their personality and sense of self, may create a narrative of themselves as someone who doesn't learn, isn't intelligent, is messy, and such a narrative can lead the student to intensify these behaviors even more. Thus, the process to obtain a medical report must be done very delicately, with psychological support for the student and a lot of support from teachers, family, and health professionals so that it does not become another problem in the student's life.
Therefore, medical reports can improve the quality of education and ensure that all young students have the chance to reach their full potential. However, it is fundamental that the education system maintains balance, avoiding excessive stigmatization and ensuring that each student is seen as unique. The ultimate goal is to create an educational environment that is inclusive and empowers all children to thrive, while also promoting the training and continuous support for teachers!