Dive Brief:

• Jurupa Unified School District in Southern California issued an apology this week for having special education students sort trash as part of a functional skills program.  
• The activity, which has been discontinued, took place at Patriot High School in Jurupa Valley, CA.
• The district's apology came after parents got wind of the activity and complained, calling it humiliating and disgusting.  

Dive Insight:

The school was having students sort through campus trash cans to look for recyclables, and aside from the degrading nature, parents also complained that the students were exposed to germs. Perhaps a better plan would have seen educators bring in trash that was already rinsed off, give students gloves, and let them play a game where they have to decide if it's trash or recycling. This may feel less punitive and more educational. This is an activity that could also be helpful for all students on campus — not just special education students.