BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – It’s not every day that students with autism are given the spotlight, but on Thursday, November 21, at 11 a.m., autism students at Birmingham City’s Carver High School will shine center stage. Students will present a mime performance as the culminating event of a Thanksgiving luncheon that they will share with peers, parents and other school personnel.
Students began mime lessons in September when Carver senior and regular education student Anthony Horton found himself with extra time in the afternoon. Rather than “hanging around”, Horton wanted to do something useful and productive and approached Special Education teacher Wanda Shorter about working with her class to teach students the art of miming. Since then, Horton has worked regularly with students, and choreographed and will direct the upcoming student performance. During this time, students have also been learning to sign, as well.
This is the second year that students will have the opportunity to participate in a performing arts production. Last year, Shorter and orchestra teacher Heather Rittscher came together to expand students’ horizons. Recognizing the value of music,the two teachers brought together their professional expertise, squeezed out extra time in their schedules, and implemented their vision – providing students an opportunity to learn to play the violin. With a new means of self-expression, students presented an orchestral performance to peers and parents. The performance was evidence of student success and validation of the teachers’ vision.
“It’s rare that this special group of students gets spotlighted in a positive way,” said Shorter, when asked about her approach to exposing her students to non-traditional means of teaching. “If I can do anything to create more opportunities for students, and at the same time highlight their abilities, then I’ll go out of my way to make things happen for them.”
