Some of the teachers fears and concerns have now dropped away. Experience is a good teacher for parents and professionals alike. I know that this is still the first month of school. I know that it is not this pleasant for everyone. But it seems that all too often we tell the horror stories, without the recognition that progress is being made.
Some people feel special education as a system of services doesn t work, is too costly and wasteful.
Some think we are spending too much on kids who are not worth it, and that the standards for children with special needs are too high. My family s school district recently published a new mission statement. It states that we are working together for the maximum possible development of all children who are students in our schools. Perhaps we all need to remind the legislators and policy makers that every child needs the opportunity to learn and grow and reach his or her own maximum development, whether disabled or not. Educational standards are never too high when they mean that children with special needs, so easily discarded in the past, now have a real chance to learn, grow, and thrive.