How
Do You Find a Good School District?
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My son
is in special ed. kindergarten and receiving great services. We have
to move to another state because of my husband's job. How do different
states compare in special ed services?
During
my consultations with parents and attorneys around the country, I've
found that special ed problems are nearly always the same, even when
one state is supposedly "better" than another. I've found that differences
in quality within states is very high, just as it is in schools within
the same jurisdiction.
If you
are debating where to live, analyze the quality of programs at different
public schools in the jurisdiction. Do not rely on the economic status
of the neighborhood. Affluent school systems are sometimes very arrogant
- and do not provide what they claim to provide. These districts often
do a good job of marketing their program.
The real
issue is whether a school focuses on teaching children how to read,
write, spell and do arithmetic - or if the school focuses on socialization,
let's improve our self esteem and allow children to "discover" skills"
at their own pace.
Some schools
use modifications and accommodations instead of teaching children the
"basic skills" they need. Our children need to learn the three "R's"
to be successful.
Parents
are usually your best source of information. Visit the Yellow
Pages for Kids with Disabilities. Find out if there is a state listserv
- people on the list should be able to advise you about good schools
and school districts and school districts you should avoid.
Good luck!
Pete
