On the other side are classroom teachers, desperately trying to adjust their lessons to respond to the changes mandated by Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests and the rigors of the reform movement. The state Department of Education proposed tightening state special education regulations yesterday to make it harder for parents to get second opinions if their child is not deemed eligible for special ed. This week, in the spirit of the New Year, Lesson Plan offers six resolutions for education initiatives we would like to see addressed this year. A selective list, of course, and readers are welcome to send in their ideas for other goals. Saying that special education programs in Massachusetts public schools are not monitored closely enough and give uneven services, about 35 parents and advocates spoke before a federal team yesterday that is looking at how the state educates students with disabilities.
All children are special.
This is not a sentimental truism but a realistic appreciation of the undoubted fact that no two people are identical. I know this not merely as someone who helped to raise nine children but as someone who has taught thousands of students. Each child in our schools is a special-needs child. Click here for assistance .