Selective Silence to Center Stage: KJ's Voice Emerges in 3DE
At Alburnett High School in Eastern Iowa, students grow up together from kindergarten through 12th grade. So, when KJ stood up to present during a 3DE case challenge, his classmates knew just how significant that moment was.
KJ was selectively mute in elementary school. In middle school, he spoke only in quiet tones and only to those he felt safe with. His resource teacher, Caiti Wyman, began working with him in 7th grade, focusing heavily on communication. “We worked so hard for two years,” she said. “Having conversations, starting one, staying in one. It was a challenge.”
When KJ entered high school and joined 3DE, Caiti was nervous. “I knew he didn’t do well in uncomfortable situations,” she said. “The first case challenge was rough. But by the second, he stepped out a little more. And then I heard he got up and presented—in front of people he didn’t even know! I was shocked. I had tears.”
Later that day, KJ walked into her classroom, beaming. “This is what we have been working so hard for,” she told him.
KJ’s 3DE cohort played a big role in his growth. His classmates are understanding and make him feel comfortable, showcasing their own growth in 3DE skills like Effective Collaboration and Interpersonal Skills. During one presentation, KJ’s notecards got mixed up. He glanced at a teammate, who recognized KJ’s emotions and quickly stepped in to help. “That was the key, having people who would help him,” she said. “And learning that messing up is part of communication.”
During a case challenge solving a problem for Van Meter, Inc., KJ spoke in front of business professionals during the first round of judging, which was a milestone moment. One judge was so impressed by KJ’s thoughtful question that he exclaimed, “My employer hasn’t even asked that!”
That interaction gave KJ a boost of confidence. “He started speaking louder, clearer,” said Tessa, a 3DE team member. “He didn’t need reminders to shake hands or make eye contact.”
KJ’s growth didn’t go unnoticed. His classmates, who had known him for years, understood the significance of his progress. When he presented in front of the entire freshman class during the culminating event of the challenge, they erupted in cheers. “They were so proud of him; they knew how far he’d come” said one staff member.
This year, KJ signed up to be a 3DE Ambassador, a role that includes speaking to prospective students about 3DE, and is participating more actively in class. His resource aide even transitioned to support other students, a testament to KJ’s growing independence.
“KJ’s story shows exactly what 3DE is designed to do,” said Tessa. “It gives students, even quiet ones, a voice. It helps them feel like they belong.”
Caiti agrees. “My job is to help my students become successful citizens after high school. 3DE is also doing that. Together, we’re preparing KJ for life.”
“3DE was important to me because I became more confident. At the beginning of the school year, I would be very nervous about talking in front of my class. I was not sure what to say, or I would forget what to say.
Learning how to speak better in front of others helps me be more confident in my other classes. Learning these good speaking skills will help me get a job in the future and it will help me make new friends!”
- KJ, 3DE Student