Program helps kids develop confidence as they look toward careers

A generation ago, Skye Wisdom might have been told to forget her dream of being a teacher.
Today, the 17-year-old Hannibal High School senior is already on the path to the classroom.
She credits the school’s transition services program, which is hosting an event Tuesday night for students and parents from three area districts.
“You can’t go out in the real world and, just because you have a disability, do nothing,” Wisdom said. “I will do what I have to do. I’m not going to put myself down because of a weakness I have.”
For years, schools struggled with how to handle special needs students.
At one time, they were put in separate classrooms and, if they got any attention at all, were offered training only in low-skilled jobs.
The focus now is on developing strengths so that all will be able to live on their own, get a job or go to college.
“We’re opening doors for kids,” said Lori Wagner, special services teacher. “We’re going to better prepare them for real life.”

‘I thought I was stupid’
Wisdom could very easily have fallen through the cracks.
In grade school, she had trouble understanding what she read and had difficulty with numbers.
“I thought I was stupid,” Wisdom recalled.
As it turned out, a learning disability was responsible. But as with a lot of kids, Wisdom tried to hide it.
“They don’t want to be pulled out of the classroom because they don’t want to show they have a problem,” she said. “They think if they don’t have the right answer, they don’t know anything.”
Wisdom was put in a future planning class that helped her turn things around.
“She didn’t quite understand what she could do,” Wagner said. “It was my role to show her.”
The curriculum is individualized. Strengths are given priority over weaknesses.
Nobody’s pigeonholed. As internal doubts wither, students develop a sense of self-reliance.
“You step up and you work your hardest,” Wisdom said. “I’ve gotten a lot of confidence out of it.”
Transition fair
Hannibal is a leader in transition services, and has been lauded by the state for its efforts.
The district starts the program at the eighth grade level, but hopes to expand the focus to include younger kids.
Administrators also are in the early stages of following up on students who went through the program in its first year.
Meanwhile, the district is hosting its first Transition Fair at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Terry Sampson of the Hannibal Chamber of Commerce will be the keynote speaker. Breakout sessions will focus on educational, job, military and other opportunities.
Ninety students and parents from Hannibal, Monroe City and Highland are expected. The goal is to broaden students’ horizons.
“It’s good to be educated on your options,” said Mike Vaia, Hannibal High’s director of special services. “Hopefully, we’ll have several students who have an ‘Ah-ha moment.’”

More steps to take
Vaia and Wagner are determined to change the stereotype of special education.
They believe the transition services program is a great start.
“We’re at the front of the race, but we’ve still got a long way to go,” Wagner said.
As for Wisdom, she’s in the A+ tuition program, will take the ACT test next spring and, after graduation, attend Moberly Area Community College in the fall.
She is getting a jump start on being a teacher this semester by helping third-graders with their lessons.
Wagner says Wisdom has a “natural ability” to work with kids and doesn’t hesitate to tackle a problem.
“She sees it herself and she goes to do it,” Wagner said. “She has the eye.”
In addition to school, Wisdom works part-time at a local restaurant, where she overcame her fear of numbers when she was put on cash register duty.
“Did I give up?” Wisdom asked. “No. I made the best of it. I’m now really good at money. I didn’t give up.“
The lesson only further served as a boost to Wisdom’s confidence.
“I might have my struggles, but I’ll make the best with what I have,” she said.