Dead Children Can't Read: Classrooms of Compassion

School is a demanding and sometimes dangerous place for children and youth with emotional, behavioral, developmental, cognitive, or mental health challenges. In my work as a special educator and clinical mental health counselor, I learned the dangers of an academic system that pushes academic success without giving consideration to the individual child's mental status, development, and overall safety. I have walked into schools where children were physically harming themselves, cutting or b...