Metro Special Ed Overhaul, and Not A Minute Too Soon
Last week, the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Special Education released the results of a six-month study of Metro’s SpEd programs. It recommended greater inclusion of children with disabilities into regular-ed classrooms. Apparently the mayor is willing to back the recommendations with cash and reforms.
This is a huge deal for parents of children with disabilities.
While reporting this story, I was told again and again how our schools have failed to integrate these students into regular classrooms. The practice is called “mainstreaming.” Many parents and SpEd advocates say that children with disabilities actually regress when they only see other children with disabilities all day. When they are able to watch other kids model typical behavior—speech, peer interaction, etc.—they at least have a template of normative behavior. Metro schools have done a terrible job at mainstreaming, according to advocates, parents and even a state audit.
Erin Richardson who works for The Arc of Tennessee told me that “Metro schools are, in my view, way behind the curve on inclusion.”
In addition to educational pitfalls, separating children can be just plain hurtful.
Rosemary Sumner, whose young son Bryce is autistic and attends middle school, told me many stories of her son being left out of Christmas parties, Halloween parades, and other things. “He was left out and he felt left out,” Sumner told me last October.
Whatever path the mayor and Metro schools take toward mainstreaming, it will not be easy or cheap. Some children with disabilities exhibit behavior--such as non-stop, high-pitched keening and flailing of limbs--that could be charitably described as disruptive. Some will need full time aides by their side from the opening bell to the end of the day. Teachers will need training as well. Every disability is different and requires a unique approach. Many teachers have never had to consistently teach disabled children, especially while trying to educate a classroom full of non-disabled children.
This will likely be an uphill slog at first. Many parents point to Williamson County schools as the model for SpEd programs in the state, specifically because of inclusion. That program required a total overhaul as well, with outside experts and everything. Only time will tell whether Metro can achieve similar success. Ten years ago, another SpEd taskforce made very similar recommendations to another mayor and nothing happened. Given the disaster that special needs education in Nashville has become, we can only hope that Karl Dean is serious about change.
Comments
A good place to start would be closing Harris Hillman, a school specifically for kids with special education needs. It serves more as a day care for students that regular schools don't want than a real school.
Posted 08/22/2008 at 04:38:40 PMPhil, what experience with Harris Hillman do you base that description on?
Posted 08/23/2008 at 08:38:16 PM3 Practicums, a student teaching placement, and several consultations with families of students.
Posted 08/24/2008 at 01:44:40 AMSorry, meant 2 practicums.
Posted 08/24/2008 at 01:47:36 AM