O’Hara peer mentoring program brings special education students into the classroom

When Cardinal O’Hara High School began its St. Margaret Scholars program this past fall, the staff didn’t quite know what to expect. Special education programs are a rarity at Catholic high schools.

Now, five months in, the staff is stunned by the success of the program.

“It exceeds our expectations dramatically,” said Principal Joleen Dimitroff. “Honestly, our general ed kids are benefiting more from the St. Margaret’s Program than the students with disabilities.”

The program welcomes students with intellectual and cognitive disabilities into the general education classrooms. 

A key component to the program is peer mentoring, where a general ed student sits with one of the special ed students in class and helps him or her take notes and stay focused.

Brittany Day, a 12th grader, sits with Meredith Ogiba in her freshman biology class, helping her take notes, then reviews the lessons during an independent work period.

“She’s grown dramatically as a student,” Day said. “At first, I had to take almost all the notes. She would just highlight. I had an interview today. When I came back to class, all her notes were done. She was understanding it. She was doing her independent work. We graded it. She got almost all the questions right. So, I’m just there for assistance and whatever else she needs explained.”

At a public school, students with developmental disabilities would most likely be in a classroom with only special ed students, taught by one teacher and a number of aides. The other scenario would see students in a gen ed class with an adult aide sitting next to them to offer assistance, which can be a distraction for other young students.

“(Peer mentors) help them fit in more socially, while still receiving the support they need,” explained Maria McGrath, special education teacher.

Having special ed students mixed in with the general ed students helps with socialization for both groups.

“It’s so amazing to see everyone treat them as normal students and friends,” said Day, who often spends non-study time with Meredith in the school game lounge. “In Hawk’s Landing, you’re hanging out with them, and it’s like there’s not even an issue, because there really isn’t.”

Before joining the program, Day had aspirations of becoming a teacher. “I wanted to take a religion class that helped me teach little kids religion,” she explained. When she saw the relationships being formed in the peer mentor program, she wanted to be a part of that as well.

“When I saw it for the first time, I needed to join. It’s just so adorable, the relationships she has with all the students,” she said, adding she is the president of the school’s chapter of Best Buddies International, a non-profit organization that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With Meredith as buddy director, the two organize scavenger hunts, doughnut socials, and Christmas activities.

McGrath works with special ed students in the resource room, helping them complete homework, study for tests and quizzes.

“I’m consulting and collaborating with the gen ed teachers making sure I know what’s going on in the classroom, what assignments and tests they have coming up,” she explained. “I also modify assignments and tests so our students are in line with their individualized educational plan.”

She also teaches a special ed math class.

“Brittany and the other peer mentors are hands-on working with the students in the classroom. I’m a step away working with the teacher to make sure the students and the peer mentors are doing well. That’s also how we relay information. If the teacher is concerned about a peer mentor or one of the students, I can tell the peer mentor, ‘Hey, make sure you’re helping with this.’ You might think they don’t need help but they’re struggling. It’s a support system for whatever is needed.”