General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Obama needs to call Arne Duncan out for his new tactics for special education students. [View all]AnotherMother4Peace
(4,242 posts)his future the best it can be? Will he be preparing for college? possibly a trade school? Maybe a group home? Will he be able to live on his own with home support? Perhaps he will need 24/7 supervision, and living with his family is the only option. Or perhaps living at home will not be an option, and he will need an institution of some type.
I do not know your son, or what his optimum future will be. Whatever lays the foundation for his future should be his curriculum. That can be everything from learning social skills, contributing to a household, learning to use public transportation, learning community safety, learning to shop, learning proper hygiene, learning upper level math (possible learning disability).
Currently many students with special needs are given the same "high stakes" exam given to all gen. ed. students. Accommodations of more time, more breaks, quieter environment, larger desk areas, etc. are given. But all the time and space in the world will not make a difference if the student does not have the ability. It is cruel and unjust to administer this test.
Does Arne plan on doing something different with this new assessment approach? How will Common Core help these students? Are students with special needs not already measured for progress on the objectives and goals that are set for them. Goals that are developed between parents and specialists within the school system?, with reports given to families incrementally throughout the school year.
The whole, special child needs to considered.