Re: School Districts!!!!!!

[Guest guest]

i have heard good things about strongsville and middleburg heights. we live in pepper pike and are relatively pleased. beachwood is another possibility.

good luck!

shari

[Guest guest]

Which districts are 'good'? Gosh, I wish I could give you an easy answer. Depends on what type of program you are looking for. If you are looking for a sensory/eclectic type of program, the last time I was checking around I found that Solon, Orange/Pepper Pike were really the top ones. I *think* that even the districts that do not have these autism focus programs are trying to set up one and model it after one or another private school such as the Achievement centers, Monarch, or ABA type interventions. It's more cost effective for them that way. Most districts will stay clear from ABA type things but I have heard about 1 1/2 years ago that Chagrin Falls district was actually trying to run their own ABA program for a few kids that needed/demanded it. I have not done much research on this for awhile since we are not moving again any time soon. Things are really

changing as we speak and so you will need to check into things really thoroughly yourself by phoning the school districts, telling them that you are considering moving there with an ASD child, and would like to see potential classrooms for him...this is what I did before I moved. Also, I have the feeling that anywhere you are parents that are strong advocates for their child will get the services that child NEEDS or what is APPROPRIATE for that child. May not be what OTHER CHILDREN may have needed or demanded in that district, but it may be necessary for that particular child's learning. Know the law, take good notes of everything, all conversations taking place over the phone, in person etc, know your chuild and what he needs to succeed, specific learning styles, needs for supports, and so on. Take an advocate with you or hire an attorney if you think your child is not receiving what he needs. I believe you can make things

work in any district you are in!!! fofosharigoldberg22@... wrote: i have heard good things about strongsville and middleburg heights. we live in pepper pike and are relatively pleased. beachwood is another possibility. good luck! shari

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[Guest guest]

I have heard good things about Beachwood.

- I have to agree with you. Wherever you are, if you are a

good advocate for your child, and if you know the law, I think you

can make anywhere work. It's just a matter of how much resistance

the school gives. Chris

> i have heard good things about strongsville and

middleburg heights. we live in pepper pike and are relatively

pleased. beachwood is another possibility.

> good luck!

> shari

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> Messenger with Voice. PC-to-Phone calls for ridiculously

low rates.

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/23/2006 9:27:42 AM Eastern Standard Time, logansvoice@... writes:

Can anyone PLEASE give me some feedback about school districts in ourarea that are good. Hi there. I am new to the forum, but not to theworld of living with someone with autism. I live in Lake County rightnow, and we are looking to move to Cuyahoga County, or possibly MedinaCounty (Brunswick) this summer. Right now, my son, Logan is inWickliffe Elementary in a class with all autistic kids. He has beenthere for 4 years. He is non-verbal, and uses an assistedcommunication device. I would appreciate any feedback I can get!

Brunswick schools are pretty nasty and unhelpful. Have not heard a good story out of there yet from anyone.

While you can say that any school can be a good school if you just know the laws and advocate, it isn't that simple. The other part of the equation is the attitude of the administration. If you have people who actively resist working with parents and who could care less about helping kids with autism learn, you are not going to get anywhere. They will not care all the way to due process. When we first moved to Medina city, the administration was awful. The reputation that they had great schools for sped kids was all over but the truth was, they were gutting their programs. The ass director went to any meeting where a parent was going to ask for anything. lol. She was a witch. She's gone on to be a witch somewhere else now. We filed due process several times, with and without a lawyer and she never cared. It wasn't her money, after all. And I swear she enjoyed doing the whole due process/mediation thing - like she was "important" or something. We would get what we wanted in the end - it was just her job to throw every road block in our path that she could. And she excelled at her job. Her boss was worse and the super did not care. Finally, everyone retired or was let go due to budget concerns and WOW. The change is radical. Kids are not magically getting everything, teachers do not magically know what to do, but you have a chance to make changes and make a program work for your child. If you know the law and are able to prove the need, you will get the services. And that is how it should be done.

Just my 2 cents.

Roxanna ô¿ôDon't take life too seriously; No one gets out alive.