“I believe that there are solutions to this problem, but they will cost money. These kids need the best possible education and the tools to become as independent and productive as possible - but that’s not going to happen in the “typical” mainstream classroom.”
I don’t disagree with what you wrote. I think if a child can’t act appropriately in a normal class then inclusion shouldn’t be an option, but the ADA is why special ed gets funded, and why there are more special kids getting an education. I remember when special ed was just a big room where the kids spent all day separated and out of sight.
As the parent of an autistic kid, I think it would be a waste of everyones time to try to include my son, so I’d much rather he remain in life skills.
You seem like one of the many caring and practical parents I’ve worked with to best serve their child.
However - my area in not special ed and I worry when I see a kid pushed into a US History classroom, for example. for “exposure” and no one is asking “What is going to happen to this person when they are done with high school?”
As you mentioned earlier, many of these parents are in denial or (I think) subconsciously believe their kid is going to be “cured” by mainstreaming.
As a father, my heart very very deeply goes out to the parents of kids with disabilities. I had a severely retarded cousin who was institutionalized for most of her life and I agree that those places were barbaric.
As a teacher and taxpayer - I’m frustrated and angry. There has to be a better way. It looks to me that someone like you could be a force for positive change.
Got time to run for School Board? ;)