More drama. Ugh.
I have a brother who is fifteen. He is autistic and has been to four schools in the past three years because of our district's incompetence. The first one they moved him out of because of his tantrums.
The second we pulled him out of because they kept sending him home in the middle of the day if he had a tantrum or making my aunt come get him (our immediate family does not own a car), and they were threatening to call the cops on my brother, or place him nonconsensually in a mental institution, or call CYS on us because it *must* be *our* fault.
The third one the district put him in temporarily because we sued them under the crap that was going on in the second. Then they were trying to browbeat us into doing Homebound (where the teacher goes to the home and teaches the student), which we couldn't do since my dad works all day. then the district sent my brother back to the second school but kept the same teacher he had at the third school.
Now he is at a fourth school, and more B.S. is going on. Today my brother did not get home until 7:30PM, because the school, which is an hour and a half away, had a "bus issue". My brother threw a tantrum on the bus the day before, so the bus driver refused to pick him up today. My brother is not a bad kid...he is frickin autistic. He was waiting at the school for like three hours while they called another bus to go down and get them. And the bus driver lied and said he talked to my father, which he did not.
I can't believe these things are allowed to go on. Doesn't this constitute discrimination??
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I wish I have problems like that with bus instead of mine ones...
Tough call, but as an independant, you "also" have to feel for the teacher - and other kids.
I mean - my child is at the same school. Class of 30. But "his" education is deprived because this kid with special needs not only hogs all the teacher's attention, but, can also flair up at any time because of what "normally" could be perceived as an insignificant incident.
At the end of the day, my kids education, and safety "may" suffer, and who cares about his rights?
Then on the way home on the bus, other issues are raised where your kin can be a danger to himself and others, and perhaps for the needs of the many (re "Star Trek II") out-weigh the needs of the few?
Don't get me wrong, I am only acting as devil's advocate, and I do have a sensitive, sympathetic nature, but I blame the schools system - not the kids - and certainly not your brother.
My own cousin has severe cerebal palsy (is that the correct term - I'm old enough to recall when he was a spastic), but he attended a recognised Special Needs school which individually addressed his specific learning difficulties - and he loved it. There was no stigmatisation attached, and other kids just viewed him as "normal".
I know that there may be philosphical arguments against this - In my opinion only (and I'm not an educational psychologist) and hey it's only a question - why is it that equal integration in "normal" schools isn't seen for what it is - a cheap and failing alternative for providing specialist care, attention, and facilities for those who really need this service?
I mean you can't expect a cheap off-the-peg suit to compare to an expensive made-to-measure individualised tailor-made suit, so why does education expect a "one-size-fits-all" mentality to work with children's wants and needs?
As I said, I do not wish to upset or offend anyone, but, I do think it is unfair for all concerned, for authorities (and yes even some Bolshi parents) to ignore such glaring differences, and to lump all kids together like some kind of sheep.
I mean - my child is at the same school. Class of 30. But "his" education is deprived because this kid with special needs not only hogs all the teacher's attention, but, can also flair up at any time because of what "normally" could be perceived as an insignificant incident.
At the end of the day, my kids education, and safety "may" suffer, and who cares about his rights?
Then on the way home on the bus, other issues are raised where your kin can be a danger to himself and others, and perhaps for the needs of the many (re "Star Trek II") out-weigh the needs of the few?
Don't get me wrong, I am only acting as devil's advocate, and I do have a sensitive, sympathetic nature, but I blame the schools system - not the kids - and certainly not your brother.
My own cousin has severe cerebal palsy (is that the correct term - I'm old enough to recall when he was a spastic), but he attended a recognised Special Needs school which individually addressed his specific learning difficulties - and he loved it. There was no stigmatisation attached, and other kids just viewed him as "normal".
I know that there may be philosphical arguments against this - In my opinion only (and I'm not an educational psychologist) and hey it's only a question - why is it that equal integration in "normal" schools isn't seen for what it is - a cheap and failing alternative for providing specialist care, attention, and facilities for those who really need this service?
I mean you can't expect a cheap off-the-peg suit to compare to an expensive made-to-measure individualised tailor-made suit, so why does education expect a "one-size-fits-all" mentality to work with children's wants and needs?
As I said, I do not wish to upset or offend anyone, but, I do think it is unfair for all concerned, for authorities (and yes even some Bolshi parents) to ignore such glaring differences, and to lump all kids together like some kind of sheep.
And after saying all that, I hope your brother receives all the proper care and attention which he duly deserves, and I agree that to be passed about from pillar to post is B.S.
Let's hope someone is willing to grasp the nettle and to do the proper thing for him (and thousand like him), and not forget about him - or leave him to his own devices in the middle of a classroom. As that too, is not righ.
Let's hope someone is willing to grasp the nettle and to do the proper thing for him (and thousand like him), and not forget about him - or leave him to his own devices in the middle of a classroom. As that too, is not righ.
I have one thing to say.
the public school system is fucked.
that said, go bitch at the school til he gets what he needs!
and I hope the rest of your brother's stay at school will go a little more smoothly.
the public school system is fucked.
that said, go bitch at the school til he gets what he needs!
and I hope the rest of your brother's stay at school will go a little more smoothly.
I know what it's like to have been abused by the school system, since I myself have Asperger's Syndrome, a lower but more high-functioning form of Autism.
I used to get teased a LOT by kids in Elementary and Junior High, because they never understood what Autism was, as I had thought myself to have had back then (I was only re-diagnosed in 2001, properly this time too), and because I liked a bunch of things they didn't, and that I acted and talked differently.
The teachers did shit about any of that crap, and I believe that is still happening today, at those schools I went to.
In fact, I got physically abused back at the school I went to in Quebec for 2 years back in the mid-1990's, and so I only have horrible memories about that school I went to. I never told my parents about what they did, and I now regret not having told them.
It was because of that that I couldn't trust teachers for a long time, or anyone in general when it came to peers in school.
It's also probably because of those memories that I feel worthless these days, and feel like committing suicide, and I am seriously not joking there...I seriously do feel these things, and I hate it.
And yes, FGT, that IS discrimination against your brother. You should report the school(s) and related people to the proper authorities, whatever they may be, whether it's the school board, school bus authorities, etc. etc.
I feel bad for your brother, 'cos I can actually RELATE with him.
I'm just only lucky in some ways that I can actually have more or less full control of myself, partly with help from the 2 meds I'm on (one of which is an anti-depressant), and that I can do things independantly, be aware of my surroundings, make decisions for myself.
But I also hate being totally aware of myself and my surroundings and everything else that comes with it, because I realize too what a shit world this is (even though I realize for one that the gov't in my province is great in providing a pension for those of us that can't hold jobs because of our disabilities, and I'm only lucky that I'm living in that province and no other in Canada), and it makes me very depressed in some ways.
I used to get teased a LOT by kids in Elementary and Junior High, because they never understood what Autism was, as I had thought myself to have had back then (I was only re-diagnosed in 2001, properly this time too), and because I liked a bunch of things they didn't, and that I acted and talked differently.
The teachers did shit about any of that crap, and I believe that is still happening today, at those schools I went to.
In fact, I got physically abused back at the school I went to in Quebec for 2 years back in the mid-1990's, and so I only have horrible memories about that school I went to. I never told my parents about what they did, and I now regret not having told them.
It was because of that that I couldn't trust teachers for a long time, or anyone in general when it came to peers in school.
It's also probably because of those memories that I feel worthless these days, and feel like committing suicide, and I am seriously not joking there...I seriously do feel these things, and I hate it.
And yes, FGT, that IS discrimination against your brother. You should report the school(s) and related people to the proper authorities, whatever they may be, whether it's the school board, school bus authorities, etc. etc.
I feel bad for your brother, 'cos I can actually RELATE with him.
I'm just only lucky in some ways that I can actually have more or less full control of myself, partly with help from the 2 meds I'm on (one of which is an anti-depressant), and that I can do things independantly, be aware of my surroundings, make decisions for myself.
But I also hate being totally aware of myself and my surroundings and everything else that comes with it, because I realize too what a shit world this is (even though I realize for one that the gov't in my province is great in providing a pension for those of us that can't hold jobs because of our disabilities, and I'm only lucky that I'm living in that province and no other in Canada), and it makes me very depressed in some ways.
There is a lacking on the part of the school district your brother goes to if this is what is happening to him. There isn't enough time or space in this post to explain the appropriate way this situation should be dealt with. To try and make it short, your brother has a right to an education just as every other student does. Get a copy of your school district's Rights for their students. On top of this, your brother should have a more detailed set of rights with regard to his disability. I am not versed on Pennsylvannia's laws but in Kentucky, children with special needs, and there are varying degrees of special needs, ie. EBD (Early Behavior Disorders), learning disabilities, Austism, Down's, etc. In my school district we have special needs rooms in each school that has the need for one; if there are kids in that particular school that require this service, it is there. If the need is not there, then the room is not there. In Kentucky, a child that has been identified with a learning disability or a physical disability, etc., an IEP is developed. An IEP is an Individualized Education Plan. It is just what it states. No child learns the same or has the same barriers to learning so the plan for their education must be individualized. I've explained this bc this IEP dictates how much "regular" class time the child with a learning or physical disability receives. The children should be integrated in to the regular classroom as much as possible without impeding on the rights of the other children's education, or on their own! If the child with a special need is not benefiting from being in a regular classroom setting, they will be removed. All it boils down to is what is beneficial for the classroom as a whole and for the special needs child. It is not a difficult process as soon as what works is discovered. The process to find out what is beneficial for the classroom as a whole and for the special needs child can be trying as different methods are evaluated to see what is effective. It is a team effort on the part of the school AND THE PARENTS. It is essential that the parents are involved in the plan of action.
So there!! Lesson 101!
So there!! Lesson 101!
Lisser: Good mail.
PS - I was talking specifically about the failings of the UK system - I guess things are not that different in the US?
PS - I was talking specifically about the failings of the UK system - I guess things are not that different in the US?
I know an autistic person who doesn't throw tantrums. He's fairly quiet, as most autistic people are.
Seems like that "NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND" program is really working.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]John S Stuart wrote: [/QUOTENAME]Lisser: Good mail.
PS - I was talking specifically about the failings of the UK system - I guess things are not that different in the US?[/QUOTE]
I can't speak for each individual state. I do know that the laws and regulations on the special education needs of school age children are federally regulated though...so FGT's brother ought to be protected under the same guidelines as the children in my school.
Yes, of course there are situations that are not ideal. There are breakdowns in the method. It happens when there are a lot of hands in the pot. So many people are involved in an IEP. the Guidance Counselor, Regular Ed Teacher, Special Ed Teacher, Speech Pathologists, School Psychologist, Behavior Specialists, Diagnosticians, sometimes Principals, or Asst. Principals, Social Workers (Me), Cabinet workers, Parents, etc. It just depends on the severity of the issue(s). I can't stress enough though how important it is for the parent(s) to be involved in the plan of action. If guidelines are set at school but are not followed through in the home, it is too confusing for the child and nothing is accomplished. It happens all too often here in my school where we have almost no parental involvement or support. It is such a shame.
Nothing is solved in a month, or even 3 months so I hate to say that our education system completely sucks, bc it doesn't. It just requires a lot of time, dedication, patience, and work. Things, some people aren't willing to put forth on a consistent basis. You can't ever give up on a child. That is what disturbs me the most about FGT's story. Why has this child been shuffled around so many times? Is there no where that is competent to handle his situation? Are his parents not demanding that someone assist them? Get him an advocate who will make sure that his rights are enforced. He should be in school, learning to his capacity, not being moved from here to there. I'm confident that he is not the only special needs child in that state, or probably even on his street!!! He needs someone to stop the merry-go-round and demand that he get the educational services he is entitled to. I'm not sure who that person is, but I'd say at this point, it needs to be his parent(s).
PS - I was talking specifically about the failings of the UK system - I guess things are not that different in the US?[/QUOTE]
I can't speak for each individual state. I do know that the laws and regulations on the special education needs of school age children are federally regulated though...so FGT's brother ought to be protected under the same guidelines as the children in my school.
Yes, of course there are situations that are not ideal. There are breakdowns in the method. It happens when there are a lot of hands in the pot. So many people are involved in an IEP. the Guidance Counselor, Regular Ed Teacher, Special Ed Teacher, Speech Pathologists, School Psychologist, Behavior Specialists, Diagnosticians, sometimes Principals, or Asst. Principals, Social Workers (Me), Cabinet workers, Parents, etc. It just depends on the severity of the issue(s). I can't stress enough though how important it is for the parent(s) to be involved in the plan of action. If guidelines are set at school but are not followed through in the home, it is too confusing for the child and nothing is accomplished. It happens all too often here in my school where we have almost no parental involvement or support. It is such a shame.
Nothing is solved in a month, or even 3 months so I hate to say that our education system completely sucks, bc it doesn't. It just requires a lot of time, dedication, patience, and work. Things, some people aren't willing to put forth on a consistent basis. You can't ever give up on a child. That is what disturbs me the most about FGT's story. Why has this child been shuffled around so many times? Is there no where that is competent to handle his situation? Are his parents not demanding that someone assist them? Get him an advocate who will make sure that his rights are enforced. He should be in school, learning to his capacity, not being moved from here to there. I'm confident that he is not the only special needs child in that state, or probably even on his street!!! He needs someone to stop the merry-go-round and demand that he get the educational services he is entitled to. I'm not sure who that person is, but I'd say at this point, it needs to be his parent(s).
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Mr.Jingles wrote: [/QUOTENAME]Seems like that "NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND" program is really working.[/QUOTE]
This program is absolutely crap. The only facet of this program that I love is the pre-screening that is done on all incoming Kindergarteners. This is a great assessment tool for the teachers to see where these kids are coming in at. The date is starting to show that some children are starting school ALREADY BEHIND!!! It is astonishing but understandable since most of the mothers of these children, had little or no prenatal care. It's all related.
This program basically removes all accountability from the Federal Govt. on assisting with the education of our children. States can be fined if test scores aren't at the required levels. What good does this do when the Federal Govt. isn't funding the States adequately in the first place? Not to mention how poorly teachers are paid.
I can't stand this program to say the least but I LOVE the pre-K assessment.
This program is absolutely crap. The only facet of this program that I love is the pre-screening that is done on all incoming Kindergarteners. This is a great assessment tool for the teachers to see where these kids are coming in at. The date is starting to show that some children are starting school ALREADY BEHIND!!! It is astonishing but understandable since most of the mothers of these children, had little or no prenatal care. It's all related.
This program basically removes all accountability from the Federal Govt. on assisting with the education of our children. States can be fined if test scores aren't at the required levels. What good does this do when the Federal Govt. isn't funding the States adequately in the first place? Not to mention how poorly teachers are paid.
I can't stand this program to say the least but I LOVE the pre-K assessment.
Thanks for the advice, guys :)
My dad IS getting involved, which is why we took him out of the second school. The district just does not care, which is why the school he is in now is an Approved Private School (a private school that the district will pay for my bro to attend, and will supply transportation to). They had to agree to put him in an APS due to a settlement we had in a hearing (it got so ridiculous that we went through the legal system. Surprise surprise, as we did this CYS shows up at our door, just like the district threatened. However, that situation got resolved, luckily). After this latest stunt, we will probably be going thru the legal system yet again.
My brother is not intruding on anyone's education. He does not go to a mainstream school, he doesn't go to school with me. He goes to a school that has a program specifically for students with autism.
The thing is, legally, we have to send him to school. So what are we supposed to do? We have to send him, but the district fucks with his education.
And, yes, NCLB is indeed bullshit. Bush-supporter as I am, that was a stupid plan.
My dad IS getting involved, which is why we took him out of the second school. The district just does not care, which is why the school he is in now is an Approved Private School (a private school that the district will pay for my bro to attend, and will supply transportation to). They had to agree to put him in an APS due to a settlement we had in a hearing (it got so ridiculous that we went through the legal system. Surprise surprise, as we did this CYS shows up at our door, just like the district threatened. However, that situation got resolved, luckily). After this latest stunt, we will probably be going thru the legal system yet again.
My brother is not intruding on anyone's education. He does not go to a mainstream school, he doesn't go to school with me. He goes to a school that has a program specifically for students with autism.
The thing is, legally, we have to send him to school. So what are we supposed to do? We have to send him, but the district fucks with his education.
And, yes, NCLB is indeed bullshit. Bush-supporter as I am, that was a stupid plan.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]John S Stuart wrote: [/QUOTENAME]Tough call, but as an independant, you "also" have to feel for the teacher - and other kids.
I mean - my child is at the same school. Class of 30. But "his" education is deprived because this kid with special needs not only hogs all the teacher's attention, but, can also flair up at any time because of what "normally" could be perceived as an insignificant incident.
At the end of the day, my kids education, and safety "may" suffer, and who cares about his rights?
Then on the way home on the bus, other issues are raised where your kin can be a danger to himself and others, and perhaps for the needs of the many (re "Star Trek II") out-weigh the needs of the few?
Don't get me wrong, I am only acting as devil's advocate, and I do have a sensitive, sympathetic nature, but I blame the schools system - not the kids - and certainly not your brother.
My own cousin has severe cerebal palsy (is that the correct term - I'm old enough to recall when he was a spastic), but he attended a recognised Special Needs school which individually addressed his specific learning difficulties - and he loved it. There was no stigmatisation attached, and other kids just viewed him as "normal".
I know that there may be philosphical arguments against this - In my opinion only (and I'm not an educational psychologist) and hey it's only a question - why is it that equal integration in "normal" schools isn't seen for what it is - a cheap and failing alternative for providing specialist care, attention, and facilities for those who really need this service?
I mean you can't expect a cheap off-the-peg suit to compare to an expensive made-to-measure individualised tailor-made suit, so why does education expect a "one-size-fits-all" mentality to work with children's wants and needs?
As I said, I do not wish to upset or offend anyone, but, I do think it is unfair for all concerned, for authorities (and yes even some Bolshi parents) to ignore such glaring differences, and to lump all kids together like some kind of sheep. [/QUOTE]cmacadamy.org works
I mean - my child is at the same school. Class of 30. But "his" education is deprived because this kid with special needs not only hogs all the teacher's attention, but, can also flair up at any time because of what "normally" could be perceived as an insignificant incident.
At the end of the day, my kids education, and safety "may" suffer, and who cares about his rights?
Then on the way home on the bus, other issues are raised where your kin can be a danger to himself and others, and perhaps for the needs of the many (re "Star Trek II") out-weigh the needs of the few?
Don't get me wrong, I am only acting as devil's advocate, and I do have a sensitive, sympathetic nature, but I blame the schools system - not the kids - and certainly not your brother.
My own cousin has severe cerebal palsy (is that the correct term - I'm old enough to recall when he was a spastic), but he attended a recognised Special Needs school which individually addressed his specific learning difficulties - and he loved it. There was no stigmatisation attached, and other kids just viewed him as "normal".
I know that there may be philosphical arguments against this - In my opinion only (and I'm not an educational psychologist) and hey it's only a question - why is it that equal integration in "normal" schools isn't seen for what it is - a cheap and failing alternative for providing specialist care, attention, and facilities for those who really need this service?
I mean you can't expect a cheap off-the-peg suit to compare to an expensive made-to-measure individualised tailor-made suit, so why does education expect a "one-size-fits-all" mentality to work with children's wants and needs?
As I said, I do not wish to upset or offend anyone, but, I do think it is unfair for all concerned, for authorities (and yes even some Bolshi parents) to ignore such glaring differences, and to lump all kids together like some kind of sheep. [/QUOTE]cmacadamy.org works
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]John S Stuart wrote: [/QUOTENAME]Tough call, but as an independant, you "also" have to feel for the teacher - and other kids.[/QUOTE]
No, I don't have to feel for the teacher. It's their job to teach special ed kids. If they don't like it, they need to get another job.
[QUOTE] I mean - my child is at the same school. Class of 30. But "his" education is deprived because this kid with special needs not only hogs all the teacher's attention, but, can also flair up at any time because of what "normally" could be perceived as an insignificant incident. [/QUOTE]
FYI, my brother's classes are of ALL students of special needs. He is not in a mainstream HS. I don't think he could ever be in a mainstream HS.
[QUOTE]At the end of the day, my kids education, and safety "may" suffer, and who cares about his rights?[/QUOTE]
"May" doesn't mean B.S. My brother's education and rights ARE suffering.
[QUOTE]Then on the way home on the bus, other issues are raised where your kin can be a danger to himself and others, and perhaps for the needs of the many (re "Star Trek II") out-weigh the needs of the few?[/QUOTE]
Hmm, then what do you propose we do? We legally have to send him to school. We don't have a car. I don't think there's any free TAXIS around. Bussing him is the school district's problem, and if they didn't want to bus him, they had no right to bring him to school and then pretty much hold him hostage there. Disability is a legally protected status. It is just as if a bus driver came to the school and went "all the little white children can get on my bus, but not the black kids." and then just left them there.
[QUOTE]Don't get me wrong, I am only acting as devil's advocate, and I do have a sensitive, sympathetic nature, but I blame the schools system - not the kids - and certainly not your brother.[/QUOTE]
I understand where you're coming from, but imagine you had a child that could not talk or defend for himself, and you had no car, and you got a phone call from a school nearly two hours away in the middle of nowhere, saying that the bus has refused to pick him up. The school was considering calling an ambulance and having the ambulance transport my brother home...
[QUOTE]My own cousin has severe cerebal palsy (is that the correct term - I'm old enough to recall when he was a spastic), but he attended a recognised Special Needs school which individually addressed his specific learning difficulties - and he loved it. There was no stigmatisation attached, and other kids just viewed him as "normal". [/QUOTE]
My brother also attends a recognized Special Needs school... And he would like it if the bus would actually pick him up FROM the school and bring him home!
[QUOTE]I know that there may be philosphical arguments against this - In my opinion only (and I'm not an educational psychologist) and hey it's only a question - why is it that equal integration in "normal" schools isn't seen for what it is - a cheap and failing alternative for providing specialist care, attention, and facilities for those who really need this service? [/QUOTE]
Well, we've never sent my brother to a mainstream school, so we wouldn't know.
No, I don't have to feel for the teacher. It's their job to teach special ed kids. If they don't like it, they need to get another job.
[QUOTE] I mean - my child is at the same school. Class of 30. But "his" education is deprived because this kid with special needs not only hogs all the teacher's attention, but, can also flair up at any time because of what "normally" could be perceived as an insignificant incident. [/QUOTE]
FYI, my brother's classes are of ALL students of special needs. He is not in a mainstream HS. I don't think he could ever be in a mainstream HS.
[QUOTE]At the end of the day, my kids education, and safety "may" suffer, and who cares about his rights?[/QUOTE]
"May" doesn't mean B.S. My brother's education and rights ARE suffering.
[QUOTE]Then on the way home on the bus, other issues are raised where your kin can be a danger to himself and others, and perhaps for the needs of the many (re "Star Trek II") out-weigh the needs of the few?[/QUOTE]
Hmm, then what do you propose we do? We legally have to send him to school. We don't have a car. I don't think there's any free TAXIS around. Bussing him is the school district's problem, and if they didn't want to bus him, they had no right to bring him to school and then pretty much hold him hostage there. Disability is a legally protected status. It is just as if a bus driver came to the school and went "all the little white children can get on my bus, but not the black kids." and then just left them there.
[QUOTE]Don't get me wrong, I am only acting as devil's advocate, and I do have a sensitive, sympathetic nature, but I blame the schools system - not the kids - and certainly not your brother.[/QUOTE]
I understand where you're coming from, but imagine you had a child that could not talk or defend for himself, and you had no car, and you got a phone call from a school nearly two hours away in the middle of nowhere, saying that the bus has refused to pick him up. The school was considering calling an ambulance and having the ambulance transport my brother home...
[QUOTE]My own cousin has severe cerebal palsy (is that the correct term - I'm old enough to recall when he was a spastic), but he attended a recognised Special Needs school which individually addressed his specific learning difficulties - and he loved it. There was no stigmatisation attached, and other kids just viewed him as "normal". [/QUOTE]
My brother also attends a recognized Special Needs school... And he would like it if the bus would actually pick him up FROM the school and bring him home!
[QUOTE]I know that there may be philosphical arguments against this - In my opinion only (and I'm not an educational psychologist) and hey it's only a question - why is it that equal integration in "normal" schools isn't seen for what it is - a cheap and failing alternative for providing specialist care, attention, and facilities for those who really need this service? [/QUOTE]
Well, we've never sent my brother to a mainstream school, so we wouldn't know.