SCHOOLS

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We moved to a school district because of their excellent reputation. Come to find out it was based on academics. The teachers thrive on students who are great achievers and the special kids are always left out. Is there any way to find schools who have excellent ratings for compromised children? Thanks- Paul

I am so sorry for what you are going through. I am on medical (read: psychiatric) leave from being a teacher right now, and I have no intention of returning. We homeschool my own son, partly because of what I have witnessed professionally in public schools, a horrendous lack of training and understanding on the part of administrators and teachers--even special education teachers for working with children on the spectrum. Plus there are the politics of test scores that are driving everything right now, including teachers' evaluations, and many places are already on the road to merit pay (the better your students' test scores, the more you get paid). So, yes, schools and districts want high performers. But schools are required to post their "report cards" online an you should be able to compare how different schools' SPED populations are faring. Plus there are a lot of laws governing SPED, and districts don't like them because they are expensive. Sometimes you have to advocate very hard, reminding them of their obligations. It's not easy, but I wish you the best.

Hi, Paul. I'm sorry that your hopes and expectations fell flat, and I wish it were easier to get a good feel for a district--that's hard to do when all you really have are numbers, but yes, you should be able to find at least something on the county's web site; you have a right to that information. Perhaps members of a local advocacy or support group could give you first-hand accounts about some of the nearby schools, too.

Unfortunately, it's often hard for even the best school systems to get good special ed teachers. It's just not a job that a lot of people want to do, and one that not everyone is well-suited for. Burnout rate is high for teachers in general (and personally, I think it has at least a little to do with the fact that our society just doesn't value them), and the stress and workload of a special ed position can be higher still. I wish things were different, but it's a complex issue with no easy solution. Personally, I give thanks that the majority of people with whom I've worked have been talented, well-educated and well-trained, and sometimes even well-supported by admin. I remind myself that my power is very limited; I can only do my best for my students, with my teammates....but that doesn't ease my heart much when I think of everyone else.

I hope things get better for you and your family soon.

Word of mouth is often the best way to find out.

That and visiting the schools in question and speaking directly to the teachers your child will have.

Good luck and I'm sorry about your experience.