Family fought Cobb school board for 4 years over autistic child's education ...
Been where you are wrote - We have a child in the CCSD that is autistic as well. What they do to these children is unreasonable and should be heavily monitored. No every child does not learn the same way and should not be treated the same when they have disabilities. I am not the least bit impressed by CCSD and how they handle special needs children cases. Our son is represented by counsel and it will remain that way as long as he's in the CCSD. Take my advice parents of special needs children .... write everything down, keep log of every incident and try and communicate as much as possible with the teacher through written communication. That way you have it writing.
A teacher wrote - Step back parents and look at the reality and if you don't like it become a teacher in the public schools and do the job you are asking so many to do and see how unrealistic your expectations are and then see if you feel the same way! I promise you your view point will change and you will realize your ideas are not reality!
Deb D. wrote - The problem seems to be the school's willingness to put forth the effort. It appears they would rather fight parents than work with them. My family is experiencing similar issues in another state. I am consistently there advocating for my child, and yet the school district ignores me at every turn. Schools seem to want to offer a one size fits all education, and that just is not effective. While I do understand that there are many uninvolved parents (I worked in a school for 8 years and my husband is also a teacher) it continues to amaze me that schools ignore active and involved parents to the degree that they do. I am involved! I am there to help and I know better than anyone what my child's triggers are. HOW will they (school) be more effective with out me the parent? The truth is they won't be, and in the long run everyone pays for it, especially the child.
Autiehomeschooler wrote - I homeschool my 10 year old with Asperger's/high functioning autism. I can assure that his social skills are better than they ever would have been had he gone to school, public or a larger private. Homeschooling enabled him to develop and learn in an environment he was most comfortable with, and freed up his time for other social activities and lots of playdates. He leads a pretty typical childhood full of good friends, sports, and other extra curricular activities. Teachers commenting here should be outraged that a district would rather spend in excess on legal fees to refuse proper education to a child than to provide said education.
Regular ed advocate wrote - The child with a special education plan gets all the cash. I am sorry that she feels her child was not served correctly but who is advocating for the millions of regular ed children who don't get half the services? The most underserved child per dollar is the regular ed student ... and now law suits like this take more money away from them.
A Cobb mom wrote - How Cobb has let us all down (those of us with special needs kids) is ridiculous! And I agree. The teachers are phenomenal!! It's the administration at schools and the board that need to be replaced with professional individuals with a vision and passion for teaching all children!!
Ael wrote - I completely understand the frustration. I have a child with a disability under the Autism spectrum who is attending Frey Elementary in Cobb County. We too have had to fight to have appropriate accommodations made for him. It has been 3 years of constant discrimination. The teachers are great, willing to go beyond the call of duty. However, we continuously find ourselves blocked by the principal. It has finally come to the point of hearings and attorneys. It's so sad ... really it is. We moved to Cobb due to its reputation. What a mistake!
Anonymous wrote - Wow! I am an educator and I cannot believe some of you are not seeing both sides to this story. Parents: Why don't you understand there are good teachers out there doing the best they can with what they have. Where is your support? Funny how when teachers need support, all the parents run for the hills. But when the parent needs support the teachers and staff do what they can to help all children. Something wrong here? Yes there is!
Robin H. wrote - Part of the problem lies in the training of school staff. They cannot discern the difference between the Autistic child and the emotionally disturbed child. In order for any therapy to work, it has to be directed at the source of the disability. The tactics that work for an emotionally disturbed child are NOT effective for an autistic child and will escalate the behaviors.
A special ed teacher wrote - I think many of you are missing the mark. Yes every child should be educated, however the reality is a school can not effectively teach all. I think parents forget there are a lot of children out there that the regular school setting is near impossible for both the student and the teachers. Some children have extreme behavior that is not appropriate for a regular school setting b/c it is not safe for others. I have been in situations where it was very scary for myself and my other students.
Proud aunt wrote - Libby is a bright, caring child and gifted artist. She struggles deeply with the world and how to interact in it. Should she be completely 'mainstreamed'? Probably not. But I hope you all agree she deserves the same opportunity to be educated as 'above average' children. For what it's worth, my 'above average' children have been in school with many 'special needs' children. Oddly enough it seems to breed compassion and understanding, qualities that supersede test scores or college admissions. Maybe we all needed that experience in our childhoods?
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