Retard

Our society values exceptional children who achieve. But when children do not achieve, society's reaction may cause shame and embarrassment. Retard is about such children. It is also about a sensitive and caring teacher who made a "difference" in the lives of those children. Retard is about substandard teaching conditions that are so prevalent in many cities and communities. You are invited to visit the children's class for one year - to know them, to share the pain and joy that come from their progress when trust and affection develop between teacher and student. Unhappy, disruptive, and unproductive children begin a slow transformation. Pride develops and the educationally mentally handicapped children learn to relate to their classmates and teacher in a positive and humane fashion, despite the negative feelings of some teachers, students, and administrators toward them. Retard questions the testing and placement procedures of EMH children. ! Diane O'Reilly has offered the experiences of one teacher. Her work is receiving national attention. It is a call for help for these children.