Comments on: What Do YOU Expect?

By: Maddy

Maddy — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:53:04 +0000

Excellent. I couldn’t agree more. Sadly for you, it makes me realise or rather reminds me, of how exceptionally lucky we are that my children both enjoy intuitive, imaginative, creative and first class teachers, both in the mainstream class and the two special education classes.
Very best wishes

By: Katie

Katie — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:51:44 +0000

I am a huge fan of behavior mod, but I also know that behavior is a way of communicating. People just don’t realize that if a child does not have words to communicate wants and needs, he or she will resort to behavior. Another interpretation of Ashley’s pushing the peg board aside could be her saying, “I’m bored and restless, I want to do something else!” And instead of saying that she isn’t using her time wisely by looking at the snow globe, why don’t they have a conversation with her about it? Do they ever ask her what she wants to do and learn?
*gets off SLP-in-training soap box*

By: Kim Ayres

Kim Ayres — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:33:12 +0000

I love this post. We likewise have 2 kids at the opposite ends of the “academic” spectrum, but have always encouraged creativity and thinking beyond the rules.

By: Crystal Jigsaw

Crystal Jigsaw — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:14:20 +0000

I don’t have the best relationship with Amy’s school anymore after some trouble at the beginning of this year but I do know they have given her good support and inclusion. I am currently almost at begging stage for Amy’s transition to run as smoothly.

I hope these problems get sorted out.

Crystal Jigsaw x

By: Nicole

Nicole — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:21:36 +0000

Yes, Yes YES! I so see this. Great post!

By: jollyholly

jollyholly — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:03:37 +0000

Couldn’t have been said better! Thanks for reminding me I’m not the only mom feeling this way!
Anybody out there have more flexible, creative, and tolerant school staff? I’d like to move to your town!

By: Melody

Melody — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:36:59 +0000

Yes, the proverbial double standard.

Keep speaking up everyone…here, there and everywhere.

Well-written Deborah.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:00:07 +0000

What an insight. I really hadn’t thought of things in quite that way, but you’re absolutely correct! My oldest (now 18) was in the gifted program all the way through school. Not only were kids allowed and encourage to think outside the box, but behaviors were accepted that NEVER would have been allowed in other rooms…such as throwing desks, cussing at the teacher, and hitting children. They would never remove a child from the gifted program!

By: Amazing_Grace

Amazing_Grace — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:51:57 +0000

Frogs Mom- You are so right! Fighting so hard for things isn’t worth it because the services you finally get from the school system are not worth it.

By: Frogs Mom

Frogs Mom — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:14:16 +0000

This is exactly why we left the school district. My non-verbal Frog said “no” – in his own way, and that was unacceptable. He was labeled avoidant, aggressive, escaped, and non-compliant. When I went in to observe I saw him, time and time again try to tell them no only to have the adults force the issue. I told the district that is was developmentally appropriate for Frog to say no sometimes. That a program that demanded 100% compliance was teaching him that he could not self-advocate and put him in a more vulnerable position than he was already in. They looked at me with no suggestions, but worried faces (I’m an attorney). I knew better than to fight with this district. Even if we won, I didn’t believe the district would be compliant!