Re: I need your responses please

[Guest guest]

I would say something like this...

My child has a dream, the same dream shared by Luther King.

The special ed teacher assists the regular education teacher. Your child is

being taught more than the academic basics - they are taught to be better human

beings by being with their disabled peers. You can't put a price tag on that.

I need your responses please

Hi All:

In my area we have a very popular column in the local newspaper called " Sound

Off " where you can call in (anonymously) about any subject and speak your

mind on it. Well, below is a person's comment and I would love to hear how

you

would respond to it. I am really mad and not thinking clearly about this

person.....so I welcome your comments so I can reply to him/her appropriately

while

getting a very strong message to everyone that reads this column. This

column is one of the first things people read when they get the paper in their

hands. Thanks in advance for your responses. See the " Sound Off " below.

Terry

Mom to Evan, 7, DS and to Kohl, 22 months, NDA SEE BELOW:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-

Inclusion weakens education? :

As a parent of a child in the Baldwin County schools, I would like to know

why there are so many inclusion classes at the high school level. I feel that

this weakens the curriculum for the children who are not classified as special

ed. It also has increased class sizes to an unrealistic size in my child's

school. I'm all for special ed students receiving an appropriate education,

but

not at my child's expense. If the regular ed teacher is providing the

instruction, what is the role of the special ed teacher?

[Guest guest]

Well said, !! Maybe the writer would like to see mandatory classes

like Empathy 101, Compassion and Understanding II???

The typically developing kids are receiving so much more real life skills

when they are being included with kids with disabilities!!

Sue mom to Kate 13 and Karrie 7 w/ds and ?? (who is going to the pumpkin

patch today)

My child has a dream, the same dream shared by Luther King.

The special ed teacher assists the regular education teacher. Your child is

being taught more than the academic basics - they are taught to be better

human beings by being with their disabled peers. You can't put a price tag

on that.

[Guest guest]

I would start with long term social benefits of inclusion, how, while the

original commenter might remain a bigoted person fortunately their children

receiving the benefits of a diverse environment will tear down stereotypes

and break the cycle.

Might mention how proper inclusion does not take away from the class any

more than teaching redheads with blonds. They are just children and if you

can imagine every child in a classroom learning through different

adaptations and deliveries. That is the norm for progressive, collegiate

prep school. Therefore another student taking advantage of adaptations to

learn would fit right in.

The teachers (and subsequent classrooms) with difficulties implementing

inclusion would be your " copy machine queens " those without a delivery

techniques, just using a rigid, cookie cutter, 'read pages 10-20 and do this

worksheet while I sit in the lounge and smoke'. They make every student

learn at the teachers level, nothing is at the students level not

recognizing individuality and intelligence levels.

sorry about the rant

Jeff

I need your responses please

Hi All:

In my area we have a very popular column in the local newspaper called

" Sound

Off " where you can call in (anonymously) about any subject and speak your

mind on it. Well, below is a person's comment and I would love to hear

how you

would respond to it. I am really mad and not thinking clearly about this

person.....so I welcome your comments so I can reply to him/her

appropriately while

getting a very strong message to everyone that reads this column. This

column is one of the first things people read when they get the paper in

their

hands. Thanks in advance for your responses. See the " Sound Off " below.

Terry

Mom to Evan, 7, DS and to Kohl, 22 months, NDA SEE BELOW:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

-

Inclusion weakens education? :

As a parent of a child in the Baldwin County schools, I would like to know

why there are so many inclusion classes at the high school level. I feel

that

this weakens the curriculum for the children who are not classified as

special

ed. It also has increased class sizes to an unrealistic size in my child's

school. I'm all for special ed students receiving an appropriate

education, but

not at my child's expense. If the regular ed teacher is providing the

instruction, what is the role of the special ed teacher?

[Guest guest]

I'm all for special ed students receiving an appropriate

education, but

not at my child's expense.

It is because of statements exactly like this one that inclusion is

necessary. What makes anyones's child More worthy to receive an appropriate

education supported? It is because of statements exactly like this one that

it has taken so long to give ALL children an appropriate education (one that

is still being fought in the courts everyday). As inclusion proves time and

again, when apllied appropriately it benefits ALL children. At least

hopefully we can look forward to a new generation growing up side by side

learning from each other and growing in acceptance and inclusion in all

areas of life. I seem to remeber in the 60's we had the same kind of

problem including another segment of society. Could this just be more of

the same ignorance rearing it's ugly head!!!

Loree

I need your responses please

>

>

> Hi All:

>

> In my area we have a very popular column in the local newspaper called

> " Sound

> Off " where you can call in (anonymously) about any subject and speak

your

> mind on it. Well, below is a person's comment and I would love to hear

> how you

> would respond to it. I am really mad and not thinking clearly about

this

> person.....so I welcome your comments so I can reply to him/her

> appropriately while

> getting a very strong message to everyone that reads this column. This

> column is one of the first things people read when they get the paper in

> their

> hands. Thanks in advance for your responses. See the " Sound Off "

below.

>

> Terry

> Mom to Evan, 7, DS and to Kohl, 22 months, NDA SEE BELOW:

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

--

> ----

> -

> Inclusion weakens education? :

>

> As a parent of a child in the Baldwin County schools, I would like to

know

> why there are so many inclusion classes at the high school level. I feel

> that

> this weakens the curriculum for the children who are not classified as

> special

> ed. It also has increased class sizes to an unrealistic size in my

child's

> school. I'm all for special ed students receiving an appropriate

> education, but

> not at my child's expense. If the regular ed teacher is providing the

> instruction, what is the role of the special ed teacher?

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'm all for special ed students receiving an appropriate education, but

not at my child's expense.

My response would be. What makes an appropriate education is just that,

APPROPRIATE for ALL children. Why should some children be deemed more

worthy than others, for that is exactly what the writer is requesting. It is

for exactly the sentiments written here that inclusion is not only

appropriate, but necessary. It has been proven, that when the tools

necessary are used correctly to educate ALL children, it is beneficial for

all. I like to think that we have hope in looking forward to this next

generation and the knowlege, as well as acceptance that they will glean,

from growing up together. Side by side gaining an education and moving on

into society. If memorey serves me correctly it was exactly sentiments such

as the writers in the 60's, namely ignorance, that felt the same way about a

segment of society that was not deemed worthy. I think it is something we

should all think about.

I need your responses please

> Hi All:

>

> In my area we have a very popular column in the local newspaper called

" Sound

> Off " where you can call in (anonymously) about any subject and speak your

> mind on it. Well, below is a person's comment and I would love to hear

how you

> would respond to it. I am really mad and not thinking clearly about this

> person.....so I welcome your comments so I can reply to him/her

appropriately while

> getting a very strong message to everyone that reads this column. This

> column is one of the first things people read when they get the paper in

their

> hands. Thanks in advance for your responses. See the " Sound Off " below.

>

> Terry

> Mom to Evan, 7, DS and to Kohl, 22 months, NDA SEE BELOW:

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

> -

> Inclusion weakens education? :

>

> As a parent of a child in the Baldwin County schools, I would like to know

> why there are so many inclusion classes at the high school level. I feel

that

> this weakens the curriculum for the children who are not classified as

special

> ed. It also has increased class sizes to an unrealistic size in my child's

> school. I'm all for special ed students receiving an appropriate

education, but

> not at my child's expense. If the regular ed teacher is providing the

> instruction, what is the role of the special ed teacher?

>

>

> Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for

messages to go to the sender of the message.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Some ideas:

The reason there are so many inclusion students at the high school level is

because the school district is an open minded district that is willing to learn

and give ALL students a fair chance. If YOU were the parent of a sp ed

student YOU would be applauding that. Feel blessed that you can be a part of

this

district.

If the student in " included " properly, they will have support in the

classroom. That means an extra staff in the room, depending on how many students

in

there even MORE staff possibly.

Having children in the classroom with different learning types will open the

lessons up to other types of teaching which will benefit ALL children. The

fact is that in a classroom of 22 only 5 will be able to learn the typical style

that the teachers learn. The rest struggle trying to follow that teaching

style, but with other learning differences in the classroom, all the students

will be exposed to the material in different ways. It will make the lessons

easier for all to learn.

Your child can only benefit from being around a child with a handicap. They

will learn open mindedness and compassion. They will be able to view their

cups as half full instead of half empty. They will be able to open their arms

to others in support.

And the biggest benefit from having so many sp needs students included in the

regular ed classes, when OUR children are adults, they will not even THINK of

complaining about having a sp needs student in their child's class. They

will be smart enough to know that they AND their children are fortunate.

[Guest guest]

It Could Have Been

It could have been your son,

walking with that brace,

the one you didn't want

to allow to join the race.

It could have been your daughter,

trying to dance ballet,

and you kept her from the rest,

saying she didn't have a say.

It could have been your nephew,

that asked to be on your team

but you didn't want him with you,

he wouldn't know what you mean.

It could hve been your Grandchild

swinging high at the park.

You stared as she stumbled away

knowing her world was dark.

It could have been your brother

stuck in that wheelchair.

Wanting to be included...

When you didn't want him there.

It could have been a loved one......

and for you today I pray:

Let them know the love and joy

My son brings me today.

Let them feel the heart he brings

and let them learn the love,

and, please, dear God, let them learn

he's a gift sent from above.

[Guest guest]

Terry

I am working on my thoughts for this, however, being familiar with Sound

Off, it might require a Letter to the Editor for the response, rather than a

called in response to Sound Off. They limit the length of the Sound Off

responses, and you could always reference the Sound Off message.

Sharon H.

Mom to , (12, DS) and , (8)

South Carolina

I need your responses please

> Hi All:

>

> In my area we have a very popular column in the local newspaper called

" Sound

> Off " where you can call in (anonymously) about any subject and speak your

> mind on it. Well, below is a person's comment and I would love to hear

how you

> would respond to it. I am really mad and not thinking clearly about this

> person.....so I welcome your comments so I can reply to him/her

appropriately while

> getting a very strong message to everyone that reads this column. This

> column is one of the first things people read when they get the paper in

their

> hands. Thanks in advance for your responses. See the " Sound Off " below.

>

> Terry

> Mom to Evan, 7, DS and to Kohl, 22 months, NDA SEE BELOW:

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

> -

> Inclusion weakens education? :

>

> As a parent of a child in the Baldwin County schools, I would like to know

> why there are so many inclusion classes at the high school level. I feel

that

> this weakens the curriculum for the children who are not classified as

special

> ed. It also has increased class sizes to an unrealistic size in my child's

> school. I'm all for special ed students receiving an appropriate

education, but

> not at my child's expense. If the regular ed teacher is providing the

> instruction, what is the role of the special ed teacher?

>

>

> Click reply to all for messages to go to the list. Just hit reply for

messages to go to the sender of the message.

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/28/2003 7:49:43 PM US Mountain Standard Time,

jbocci55@... writes:

> That says it all, doesn't it

It said what I needed to say when I needed to say it. And that's what

matters. It was for me.

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much for sharing that, . That is one of the most beautiful

poems I've seen to date. That says it all, doesn't it?

Jackie, Mom to 15ds, 13, and Bradley 9

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/28/2003 8:22:29 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

Michdock@... writes:

> It Could Have Been

>

> It could have been your son,

> walking with that brace,

> the one you didn't want

> to allow to join the race.

>

,

Do you know who wrote this. I'd like to use it again. My little part of the

world has a lot to learn when it comes to inclusion. I'm thinking of writing

for our local paper and this poem says what I want to communicate very well.

Kathy, Liam's mom( 5)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/29/2003 4:28:50 AM US Mountain Standard Time, Mom2lfm

writes:

> ,

> Do you know who wrote this

me

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/29/03 9:07:19 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

writes:

> By the way, the superintendant is blind

He may be unable to see, but he is a true visionary.

nancy

[Guest guest]

There are a variety of responses to this, but first .. what is the real

situation in Baldwin County? Is inclusion really increasing class size

or it it other management decisions, or pehaps there has been no

increase in class size? Is the education program suffering as teachers

(presumably with some help) work to address a wider spectrum of

students. Is the problem really inclusion or is inclusion merely

something to point a finger at. At the high school level, there

generally are or should be options, some of which (like algrbra and

geometry) usually exclude many kids, not just those with special needs.

Is this the case in Baldwin County or is every kid in high school taking

exactly the same curriculum?

The important thing to understand is that there will be many who will

feel that inclusion (or integration of students whose first language

isn't English .. or racial balancing orother factors are harming the

education of their child (or of children like their chidl). The real

question is whether this is one individual's opinion or is it a strong

undertone in the community. There are certainly going to be some in the

community who feel that too much money is spent supporting special

education students .. wherever they are.

Inclusion is very difficult to do well. It is easy to have problems

that affect others. It is easy to have an environment which is

patronizing rather than accepting. It is easy to have an abusive

undertone that is hurtful. The aim shouldn't simply be inclusion for

inclusion's sake, but rather the ability of all parents to work to get

the best education for their child. That will naturally involve some

degree of conflict since there isn't just a single best solution, but

rather compromises that some will regard as hurtful.

Rick .... dad to 30 year old Jan

in response to: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Inclusion weakens education? :

As a parent of a child in the Baldwin County schools, I would like to

know

why there are so many inclusion classes at the high school level. I feel

that

this weakens the curriculum for the children who are not classified as

special

ed. It also has increased class sizes to an unrealistic size in my

child's

school. I'm all for special ed students receiving an appropriate

education, but

not at my child's expense. If the regular ed teacher is providing the

instruction, what is the role of the special ed teacher?

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

[Guest guest]

I knew it!!!! Very -ish!!! Great poem, sentiment and heart!!

Sue mom to Kate 13 and Karrie 7 w/ds and ??

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/29/2003 9:44:25 AM US Mountain Standard Time,

karriemom@... writes:

> Very -ish!!!

LOL.....thanks. I think??

[Guest guest]

So,

Since I already printed it out and plan to use it on " Awarness Sunday " at our

church (among other places), should I attach your name to it?

- give yourself the credit for it- you deserve it!

[Guest guest]

OH OH OH! We are doing an awareness Sunday also! Or so my Pastor informed

me.....what are you going to do ? I am looking for ideas. I will be co

leading the intergenerational Sunday School class.

HELP!

[Guest guest]

, what a beautiful thing to write! Knowing you wrote it makes me love it

even more!

Jackie

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/30/2003 5:17:21 AM US Mountain Standard Time, Wildwards

writes:

> What do you think and what do you have to put on my list!

>

These are GREAT...how about some for adults?

[Guest guest]

Hey, this may fit right into some of your activities! I need suggestions, right

away!

I want to do a handout for our Buddy Walk, this Saturday, that is entitled " How

to be a Buddy all year long! " I plan to format it by age group. For example,

for babies and toddlers, things like:

Hold me, rock me, tell me I'm cute

Tell my mom what a beautiful baby I am

Play with me

For youngsters, things like:

Ask me what I did this weekend

Play with me on the playground

Sit with me at lunch

Call me on the phone

Invite me over for some playtime

What do you think and what do you have to put on my list!

Cheryl

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/30/2003 9:03:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Michdock writes:

> These are GREAT...how about some for adults?

,

I want to have some for EVERY age range!!

For adults I envision suggestions like:

Invite me to a movie with you

Come to my house for lunch

Meet me somewhere for lunch

Spend some " hanging " out time!

Offer me a ride to somewhere I may need to go or want to go

Talk to me about my weekend, my life, my job, my girlfriend

Compliment me on my outfit

[Guest guest]

How about:

Lets go shopping

or to a ball game

or for a drink

or to a party

or to a dance....

the library, a museum, a poetry reading, art gallery, concert, fancy

restuarant

the beach, a pool, to shoot pool

I think the list is endless!

( I keep thinking of more!!!!!!)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/30/2003 10:21:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Linman42

writes:

> ( I keep thinking of more!!!!!!)

>

THEN KEEP SENDING THEM TO ME!!! ;-)

(PLEASE!)

Cheryl

People with disabilities are here today to remind us that equal justice under

the law is not a privilege but a fundamental birthright in America.

                            Senator Ted Kennedy, during the Senate's passage

of ADA-July 13, 1990

[Guest guest]

How about being my buddy,

and invite me to the park ,

Come over and help with my homework

read me a story, or just hold my hand

Call me on the phone and ask me about my day,

Lets meet for a bike ride, play a game, and

talk about new video games

and play with my new puppy named Sam.

See I really dont care what we do............. I just need my friend.

Jeanette