Every Child's Right to an Education

Well today led to another very enlightening conversation with my mother. Lets start with what began the conversation and then I will explain the ramifications that are occurring in our school system.

This morning we went to our morning program. I will refrain from naming the group because it is not their fault as I will explain further. This program is for children ages 2-5 to start to learn waiting their turn and organized interaction with other children. Generally includes things such as Duck Duck Goose, taking turns on an obstacle course, taking turns with hula hoops etc. There is a 10 children to 1 instructor ratio at all times. Yet today a new child was put in the group.

Now when I say a new child was put in the group let me explain, his mother dropped him off and went to do something else she did not stay with him. Normally this would be understandable, but in this case the child had Downs Syndrome. Now let me begin by saying I have helped build group homes for disable individuals and understand how difficult and brave these individuals are. YET, there is no way this child is mentally capable of following the directions and he was VERY strong.

The instructor had no assistance and there was nothing he could do as the class size was still under 10, yet the ENTIRE class was spent watching this single child. There was no organized activity because the teacher could not devote enough time to any task before this little boy was out of control again. He also hit my daughter during the class. She understood that there was something different and she didn't hit back but I clearly can't explain in detail the difference to her.

So, I did what I always do when I have educational questions and called my mother. Yes, I am 32 and still call my mom for information, but let me explain a little more. My mother has won the Governor's award, Teacher of the year 3 times (voted on by her peers), the Presidential Award, etc. She does know what she is talking about. She told me how last year she would have told me to possibly take her out of the class. This year new laws were put in place and I should keep her in the class (but always stay to supervise and make sure this other child does not hurt her).

Here is the new law: Every child has a right to an education and no child has to be tested. Even if the child is tested and is documented as unable to have the mental capacity to stay with his/her peers they are mandated to be allowed in the public school system in the regular classes.

Lets take a moment and think about this for a moment. My mother who has a proven track record and is very good is getting the lowest ratings EVER. This affects her pay, her status and her ranking in the school. Why is her ranking so low? She has 2 children in her class that make it where she can not do anything with the others because these 2 take all her time. How could this be?

One is severely autistic, yet his mother and father refuse to have him tested. Previously teachers could document and require testing be done to get the child where they could benefit the most (usually in a special class with specialized teachers).

The second child HAS been tested. The child has the mentality of a 2 and a half year old and will remain there for the rest of their life. This child too is in a main stream classroom that has no assistant teacher and the teacher while good is not specialized to help these two children. This child WILL be advanced next year to the next grade, even though mentally they will unfortunately never develop.

Yet, with all this, the teacher's scores on which theyis rated as a teacher and her entire livelihood are lowering and the students are getting a MUCH lower level of education because the new laws are that no one can be discriminated against and the teachers can do nothing about it. The teachers are also expected to change these children's diapers daily. While this may not seem like a big deal to some when the children are 5-6 please remember that these children WILL advance the teachers are REQUIRED to advance them, they will one day be in High School.

How can anyone be expected to teach like that? How can the other children be expected to learn? Is it right to sacrifice the other 25+ students in the class for these 2 to not have their rights "infringed on"?

We are becoming a society where we are going so far to the extreme side of "everything is OK" and "everyone is equal" that our children are the ones being sacrificed. BOTH groups of children are being given a huge disservice. Those with special needs, NEED someone specially trained to help them develop to the best of their abilities. Those without special needs NEED to be in an learning environment with their peers. How have things gotten this way?