The district says it's following federal and state laws that require special education students to have the option of regular classes or to learn in the least restrictive classroom. At the same time, about 40 Detroit schools have no programs for special education students. School officials say that will soon change, so students can move easily from a specialized class to one for all students. The change in Detroit coincidentally comes at the same time the state is looking to change rules governing special education and leave more decisions to the local level. Critics say the state is trying to reduce its responsibility to fund special education and worry the consequences will be bigger classes and reduced services.
Parents are leery and feeling stressed, but that's typical with change.
Starting this fall, students at Jacoby, Smith and Lee schools will either move to other schools or will get additional students in their schools. Some parents believe the move is being made to save money, not to benefit students. Both Cooley and Kettering high schools have empty classrooms. When Dexter student Nancy Dale heard about the move, she wondered if she will fit into the new school. When you are talking about specially challenged children, the schools are not prepared to receive them.