Guest guest Posted July 25, 2003 Report Share Posted July 25, 2003 When my son was a student at PISD (the first time) and I asked about Lovaas Therapy (ABA), I was told no. Then we moved to MD and was told he would get 30 hours Lovaas Therapy at home plus 2 hrs speech plus 1 hr OT a week. Then we moved back to PISD and they gave him the most they could just so they would not have to do Lovaas Therapy for 30 hours (that was my take on the meeting). Because my son was tired of being at home receiving 1 to 1, we agreed and he truly was happier at school (he didn't have to work so hard). Now we are in CA and he continues to be in public school which he loves. He has the best teacher he has ever had in any public school system. That I know of there are only two teaching methods that have double blind studies backing their progress and one is Lovaas Therapy and I don't remember the other one. This is the approach we took in MD (the double blind study) and why we met with the mediator (or whatever she/he is called and spelled). We told her we had met with the local autism resident home and they were prepared to start an intensive 1 to 1 therapy program with my son and needed it funded by the school. She understood we would not accept anything less and were fully prepared to bring in an attorney. I can't speak for her and tell you that our approach worked but only that we got what we needed. She might have felt sorry for us, don't know. Even though the school paid for the therapy, I paid for any additional items the psychologist needed. If the psychologist wanted my son in a gymboree class, I paid the $60.00 fee. If she wanted my son in day care for 2 hours a day for three days a week, I paid the fee plus my daughters fee so I could have my daughter in day care and I could be free to shadow my son. I never knew what my expenses were going to be for the month (plus the school only paid $10.00 per hour but I had to pay the tech's $12.00 cause no one will work for $10.00) Hope In a message dated 7/25/03 2:59:43 PM Eastern Daylight Time, jreirdon@... writes: > Does anyone know under what circumstances a school district has to provide > ABA? " > > When the moon is Blue? Oh no, sorry. (Just teasing ) Whenever the ARD > committee determines that it is " appropriate " . Since the ARD committee is > primarily composed of School district employees, this rarely happens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2003 Report Share Posted July 25, 2003 When my son was a student at PISD (the first time) and I asked about Lovaas Therapy (ABA), I was told no. Then we moved to MD and was told he would get 30 hours Lovaas Therapy at home plus 2 hrs speech plus 1 hr OT a week. Then we moved back to PISD and they gave him the most they could just so they would not have to do Lovaas Therapy for 30 hours (that was my take on the meeting). Because my son was tired of being at home receiving 1 to 1, we agreed and he truly was happier at school (he didn't have to work so hard). Now we are in CA and he continues to be in public school which he loves. He has the best teacher he has ever had in any public school system. That I know of there are only two teaching methods that have double blind studies backing their progress and one is Lovaas Therapy and I don't remember the other one. This is the approach we took in MD (the double blind study) and why we met with the mediator (or whatever she/he is called and spelled). We told her we had met with the local autism resident home and they were prepared to start an intensive 1 to 1 therapy program with my son and needed it funded by the school. She understood we would not accept anything less and were fully prepared to bring in an attorney. I can't speak for her and tell you that our approach worked but only that we got what we needed. She might have felt sorry for us, don't know. Even though the school paid for the therapy, I paid for any additional items the psychologist needed. If the psychologist wanted my son in a gymboree class, I paid the $60.00 fee. If she wanted my son in day care for 2 hours a day for three days a week, I paid the fee plus my daughters fee so I could have my daughter in day care and I could be free to shadow my son. I never knew what my expenses were going to be for the month (plus the school only paid $10.00 per hour but I had to pay the tech's $12.00 cause no one will work for $10.00) Hope In a message dated 7/25/03 2:59:43 PM Eastern Daylight Time, jreirdon@... writes: > Does anyone know under what circumstances a school district has to provide > ABA? " > > When the moon is Blue? Oh no, sorry. (Just teasing ) Whenever the ARD > committee determines that it is " appropriate " . Since the ARD committee is > primarily composed of School district employees, this rarely happens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2003 Report Share Posted July 25, 2003 , I'm glad to hear that you have had very good luck with your school district but I myself and others that are on the list have not. It is always a constant battle to get anything and it still never changes here. What district are you in? Sandy Noah's Mom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2003 Report Share Posted July 25, 2003 , I'm glad to hear that you have had very good luck with your school district but I myself and others that are on the list have not. It is always a constant battle to get anything and it still never changes here. What district are you in? Sandy Noah's Mom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2003 Report Share Posted July 25, 2003 > " Does anyone know under what circumstances a school district has to provide > ABA? " > > > When the moon is Blue? Oh no, sorry. (Just teasing ) LOL! I was going to say (a la Wayne's World) ... when " monkeys fly out of my a$$ " ... at least in my experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2003 Report Share Posted July 25, 2003 > " Does anyone know under what circumstances a school district has to provide > ABA? " > > > When the moon is Blue? Oh no, sorry. (Just teasing ) LOL! I was going to say (a la Wayne's World) ... when " monkeys fly out of my a$$ " ... at least in my experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2003 Report Share Posted July 25, 2003 I have to agree I think Texas does some things better than others but there is still room for improvement. I also think as a parent you can effect the process greatly. My daughter is very challenging- almost age appropriate w/ cognitive skills however her behavior and mood swings making her functioning level and handling her very challenging. I work very hard in trying to make sure she has everything from me-ie meds, doc appts, etc to ensure her best functioning for school however I beleive there are certain services that are missing that might help her function- that I am standing on peoples toes to get. However the teachers/LSSPs I have met have been outstanding. I think they do the best they can but need more help or consults w/ beh consultants, SI specialists. I still believe school administrators are behind the curve here in Texas. This will be my daughters first year of all day school (she's 5) but prior to that everyday I picked her up and got the Sam update- which sometimes was a mega maalox moment. However I beleive her teacher and I are a team. So I was always aware of what was going in class everyday. However when my normal typical kid needed extra services it was like pulling teeth. They are both in the same school. One reg ed the other special ed. PS I will now put everything in writing, and keep copies. Painful lesson. I think it is noteworthy that TEA recommendations are alot in line w/ Taks performance and special ed kids can opt out of that. So I have doubts if that gives a good idea of how special ed functions in Texas. How do schools rate special ed performance? I also believe that Autism although has its own label for PPCD needs its own track since the needs of kids w/Autism are so different from other populations Hope that helps Jeneane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2003 Report Share Posted July 25, 2003 I have to agree I think Texas does some things better than others but there is still room for improvement. I also think as a parent you can effect the process greatly. My daughter is very challenging- almost age appropriate w/ cognitive skills however her behavior and mood swings making her functioning level and handling her very challenging. I work very hard in trying to make sure she has everything from me-ie meds, doc appts, etc to ensure her best functioning for school however I beleive there are certain services that are missing that might help her function- that I am standing on peoples toes to get. However the teachers/LSSPs I have met have been outstanding. I think they do the best they can but need more help or consults w/ beh consultants, SI specialists. I still believe school administrators are behind the curve here in Texas. This will be my daughters first year of all day school (she's 5) but prior to that everyday I picked her up and got the Sam update- which sometimes was a mega maalox moment. However I beleive her teacher and I are a team. So I was always aware of what was going in class everyday. However when my normal typical kid needed extra services it was like pulling teeth. They are both in the same school. One reg ed the other special ed. PS I will now put everything in writing, and keep copies. Painful lesson. I think it is noteworthy that TEA recommendations are alot in line w/ Taks performance and special ed kids can opt out of that. So I have doubts if that gives a good idea of how special ed functions in Texas. How do schools rate special ed performance? I also believe that Autism although has its own label for PPCD needs its own track since the needs of kids w/Autism are so different from other populations Hope that helps Jeneane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2003 Report Share Posted July 25, 2003 Hi Doll: Texas is ranked 49th in terms of " Spending per pupil on special education services " in the public schools by the UD Department of Education as of the survey done in 2000. Peacefully, Jeff Sell Autism Society of America--1st Vice Chair Chairman--ASA's Gov't Relations Committee www.autism-society.org 713.654.7776 (Houston Office) 832.731.3145 (cell/v-mail) JZSell@... www.JZSLAW.com Re: Texas schools I agree with you...I also keep hearing that we're ranked 49th in Special Education but am curious as to what criteria was used in determining the rankings. I strongly believe that in any state you will find strong and weak programs. It largely depends on the particular school's campus principal and the individual teachers themselves. Also the amount of parent involvement with the school, I think, is extremely important. I feel our boys' programs are good overall only now AFTER being very vocal about what I had felt they were lacking in the past. Luckily, I have school personnel in our district that were willing to listen and act on things that I suggested. ( I realize that this isn't always the case--even in States who's ranking are higher than Texas) One family from Washington State who transferred their son into our school program because they had such a horrendous experience at their home school(within the same dis! trict!) was SO happy with our program. This parent said she went from a horrible experience to a wonderful experience(better than the former program her son was in in Washington) This is one example of how you can't always say a district is " good " or " bad " because often you need to check out each school individually. Just my thoughts based on my own experience. a Re: Texas schools Just curious. Where do you live? Liz --- Lee <christina95132@...> wrote: --------------------------------- I've noticed a lot of people on this list telling people either to move out of Texas or not to move to Texas. I keep hearing that Texas is ranked 49th in the state for education. I would like to see some proof of that. I have recently met a mother who moved here from California and says that she is getting much better services from the school district here in Texas, then she ever got in Cali. The people in California told her that her 5 year old son is too severe to benefit from ABA. The school district here in Texas is setting up an ABA program for her son this fall. Maybe some of you have had bad experiences in Texas, but telling people not to move here is not the answer. I for one am also very happy with my school district. We have a low turnover rate, great teachers, and special ed adm. that really listen to the parents. So the next time someone asks this list for information on Texas schools, I hope we can give them a better answer then " Don't move here!! Texas is ranked 49th in education!! " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2003 Report Share Posted July 25, 2003 Hi Doll: Texas is ranked 49th in terms of " Spending per pupil on special education services " in the public schools by the UD Department of Education as of the survey done in 2000. Peacefully, Jeff Sell Autism Society of America--1st Vice Chair Chairman--ASA's Gov't Relations Committee www.autism-society.org 713.654.7776 (Houston Office) 832.731.3145 (cell/v-mail) JZSell@... www.JZSLAW.com Re: Texas schools I agree with you...I also keep hearing that we're ranked 49th in Special Education but am curious as to what criteria was used in determining the rankings. I strongly believe that in any state you will find strong and weak programs. It largely depends on the particular school's campus principal and the individual teachers themselves. Also the amount of parent involvement with the school, I think, is extremely important. I feel our boys' programs are good overall only now AFTER being very vocal about what I had felt they were lacking in the past. Luckily, I have school personnel in our district that were willing to listen and act on things that I suggested. ( I realize that this isn't always the case--even in States who's ranking are higher than Texas) One family from Washington State who transferred their son into our school program because they had such a horrendous experience at their home school(within the same dis! trict!) was SO happy with our program. This parent said she went from a horrible experience to a wonderful experience(better than the former program her son was in in Washington) This is one example of how you can't always say a district is " good " or " bad " because often you need to check out each school individually. Just my thoughts based on my own experience. a Re: Texas schools Just curious. Where do you live? Liz --- Lee <christina95132@...> wrote: --------------------------------- I've noticed a lot of people on this list telling people either to move out of Texas or not to move to Texas. I keep hearing that Texas is ranked 49th in the state for education. I would like to see some proof of that. I have recently met a mother who moved here from California and says that she is getting much better services from the school district here in Texas, then she ever got in Cali. The people in California told her that her 5 year old son is too severe to benefit from ABA. The school district here in Texas is setting up an ABA program for her son this fall. Maybe some of you have had bad experiences in Texas, but telling people not to move here is not the answer. I for one am also very happy with my school district. We have a low turnover rate, great teachers, and special ed adm. that really listen to the parents. So the next time someone asks this list for information on Texas schools, I hope we can give them a better answer then " Don't move here!! Texas is ranked 49th in education!! " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 30, 2003 Report Share Posted July 30, 2003 Jeff Thanks so much for proving the statistic many of us already know so well In Lake Re: Texas schools > > > Just curious. Where do you live? Liz > > --- Lee <christina95132@...> wrote: > > --------------------------------- > I've noticed a lot of people on this list telling > people either to move out of Texas or not to move to > Texas. I keep hearing that Texas is ranked 49th in the > state for education. I would like to see some proof of > that. I have recently met a mother who moved here from > California and says that she is getting much better > services from the school district here in Texas, then > she ever got in Cali. The people in California told > her that her 5 year old son is too severe to benefit > from ABA. The school district here in Texas is setting > up an ABA program for her son this fall. Maybe some of > you have had bad experiences in Texas, but telling > people not to move here is not the answer. I for one > am also very happy with my school district. We have a > low turnover rate, great teachers, and special ed adm. > that really listen to the parents. So the next time > someone asks this list for information on Texas > schools, I hope we can give them a better answer then > " Don't move here!! Texas is ranked 49th in > education!! " > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 30, 2003 Report Share Posted July 30, 2003 Jeff Thanks so much for proving the statistic many of us already know so well In Lake Re: Texas schools > > > Just curious. Where do you live? Liz > > --- Lee <christina95132@...> wrote: > > --------------------------------- > I've noticed a lot of people on this list telling > people either to move out of Texas or not to move to > Texas. I keep hearing that Texas is ranked 49th in the > state for education. I would like to see some proof of > that. I have recently met a mother who moved here from > California and says that she is getting much better > services from the school district here in Texas, then > she ever got in Cali. The people in California told > her that her 5 year old son is too severe to benefit > from ABA. The school district here in Texas is setting > up an ABA program for her son this fall. Maybe some of > you have had bad experiences in Texas, but telling > people not to move here is not the answer. I for one > am also very happy with my school district. We have a > low turnover rate, great teachers, and special ed adm. > that really listen to the parents. So the next time > someone asks this list for information on Texas > schools, I hope we can give them a better answer then > " Don't move here!! Texas is ranked 49th in > education!! " > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 30, 2003 Report Share Posted July 30, 2003 >They provide the Chevy model of education, not the Cadillac. I have actually been told that< Me too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 30, 2003 Report Share Posted July 30, 2003 >They provide the Chevy model of education, not the Cadillac. I have actually been told that< Me too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2003 Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 >They provide the Chevy model of education, not the Cadillac. I have actually been told that< Me too!!! This must be a common phase used in their training. Jack Re: Re: Texas schools >They provide the Chevy model of education, not the Cadillac. I have actually been told that< Me too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2003 Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 >They provide the Chevy model of education, not the Cadillac. I have actually been told that< Me too!!! This must be a common phase used in their training. Jack Re: Re: Texas schools >They provide the Chevy model of education, not the Cadillac. I have actually been told that< Me too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2003 Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 It is actually sited in a court paper in which the school district won a due process hearing. --- " CRAIG, JACK " <jack.craig@...> wrote: --------------------------------- >They provide the Chevy model of education, not the Cadillac. I have actually been told that< Me too!!! This must be a common phase used in their training. Jack Re: Re: Texas schools >They provide the Chevy model of education, not the Cadillac. I have actually been told that< Me too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2003 Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 It is actually sited in a court paper in which the school district won a due process hearing. --- " CRAIG, JACK " <jack.craig@...> wrote: --------------------------------- >They provide the Chevy model of education, not the Cadillac. I have actually been told that< Me too!!! This must be a common phase used in their training. Jack Re: Re: Texas schools >They provide the Chevy model of education, not the Cadillac. I have actually been told that< Me too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2003 Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 Have you noticed that the same 3 people are the ones that use that line: " stay away from our state? " I totally feel for those families I believe them 100% when they say they've had a bad experience. But not everyone in Texas has horrid experiences. Not all school districts are equal (this is true as well with so called " good states " ). We've had a great experience with my district as well. Every time I mention this, I get shot down many people on this newsgroup. It's not all bad in this state. JM Texas Schools Here's my usually quiet 2 cents worth. I am also tired of reading the " stay away from Texas " advice. We have been very pleased with the service we receive from our school district here in Katy, Texas (suburb west of Houston). It's not perfect but we don't think the school is responsible to solve every problem we encounter so we have found a happy medium which is in our favor. I do worry that Jr. High will be more difficult but we aren't there yet. Texas has a lot of rural area especially compared to most other states. Special ed or even general ed services are more difficult to provide over such a broad area so it makes sense to me that Texas would be lagging by some measures. We have our bright spots as well. The high school near me has finished in the top 5 in the national academic decathalon Division 5A nearly every year since I've been watching. Last year, 2 other Texas schools finished higher. Also, some good friends of ours with a PDD/NOS son moved to New Jersey from Katy because they had read all the " great " things about NJ and the " terrible " things about Texas. After 2 years in NJ, they are quick to tell you that the Texas schools were much better for their son. Sure the NJ schools will give you money to send a child to a private school but this is not they answer our friends wanted for their high-functioning son. However, that's what they have now been told. I suspect that many of us who complain suffer from the " grass is always greener " syndrome and I hope everyone finds their utopia; just don't bash Texas along the way. Rick & Sook Hall , 12 yo, GT Kelli , 9 yo, PDD/NOS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2003 Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 Have you noticed that the same 3 people are the ones that use that line: " stay away from our state? " I totally feel for those families I believe them 100% when they say they've had a bad experience. But not everyone in Texas has horrid experiences. Not all school districts are equal (this is true as well with so called " good states " ). We've had a great experience with my district as well. Every time I mention this, I get shot down many people on this newsgroup. It's not all bad in this state. JM Texas Schools Here's my usually quiet 2 cents worth. I am also tired of reading the " stay away from Texas " advice. We have been very pleased with the service we receive from our school district here in Katy, Texas (suburb west of Houston). It's not perfect but we don't think the school is responsible to solve every problem we encounter so we have found a happy medium which is in our favor. I do worry that Jr. High will be more difficult but we aren't there yet. Texas has a lot of rural area especially compared to most other states. Special ed or even general ed services are more difficult to provide over such a broad area so it makes sense to me that Texas would be lagging by some measures. We have our bright spots as well. The high school near me has finished in the top 5 in the national academic decathalon Division 5A nearly every year since I've been watching. Last year, 2 other Texas schools finished higher. Also, some good friends of ours with a PDD/NOS son moved to New Jersey from Katy because they had read all the " great " things about NJ and the " terrible " things about Texas. After 2 years in NJ, they are quick to tell you that the Texas schools were much better for their son. Sure the NJ schools will give you money to send a child to a private school but this is not they answer our friends wanted for their high-functioning son. However, that's what they have now been told. I suspect that many of us who complain suffer from the " grass is always greener " syndrome and I hope everyone finds their utopia; just don't bash Texas along the way. Rick & Sook Hall , 12 yo, GT Kelli , 9 yo, PDD/NOS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2003 Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 I actually posted that I had heard very good things the Katy district, and someone wrote in that her sister had had terrible experiences there. . . . I think the important thing is to avoid the dogmatism, focus on what's working, and try to create more situations that work for the kids. I'm also 5th generation Texan, DRT even, but I do post telling people not to come to Texas. I believe in the Texas can do spirit, but after attending the CASD conference, I realized how truly behind we've gotten in dealing with this problem. It's like we're 30 years behind. On the one hand the state used to have a program for autism--about 15 years ago, but then dropped it. North Texas university is one of the best ABA training programs in the country, but a large majority of the graduates leave to work for states that are pro-actively addressing the ASD problem. We've got the state autism commission charged with producing a plan, and instead they produced a lame, pie-in-the-sky wishlist that no one with any real position can take seriously. The Texas Pediatric Society has yet to come out with any statement on ASD awareness or training physicians in either the CHAT or STAT. When I testified to the Public Health committee in the Texas Legislature, no one even was aware of the ASD epidemic or what those numbers mean in terms of dollars. Texas Children's (in the Houston medical center) Hospital's response is an embarrasment. There isn't a single DAN M.D. in the entire city of Houston. ly, on this list, there are more negative school experiences than posted than positive. We chose to take care of everything privately up to now. My husband was laid off a couple of weeks ago, and so I'm looking at the public schools now too. I had my first talk with the special ed director, and I gotta tell you, she was great on buzzwords, but low on substance. At one point when I was questioning her about one teacher's training, she said, " her focus is developmental delays, not autism. " hello? Only because I knew enough to ask the right questions, did I get any decent answers. Woe to the parent who goes to the school trusting. We've just gotta keep nudging forward, looking those professionals willing to listen, work with us, and make a difference. They are out there. We just need to keep going, and eventually there will be more with us, than against us. It's already better than it was even 5 years ago. Maybe those who have good experiences, tell us what works, how it works etc. Maybe it'll give someone an idea of something else to try. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.489 / Virus Database: 288 - Release Date: 6/10/03 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2003 Report Share Posted July 31, 2003 I actually posted that I had heard very good things the Katy district, and someone wrote in that her sister had had terrible experiences there. . . . I think the important thing is to avoid the dogmatism, focus on what's working, and try to create more situations that work for the kids. I'm also 5th generation Texan, DRT even, but I do post telling people not to come to Texas. I believe in the Texas can do spirit, but after attending the CASD conference, I realized how truly behind we've gotten in dealing with this problem. It's like we're 30 years behind. On the one hand the state used to have a program for autism--about 15 years ago, but then dropped it. North Texas university is one of the best ABA training programs in the country, but a large majority of the graduates leave to work for states that are pro-actively addressing the ASD problem. We've got the state autism commission charged with producing a plan, and instead they produced a lame, pie-in-the-sky wishlist that no one with any real position can take seriously. The Texas Pediatric Society has yet to come out with any statement on ASD awareness or training physicians in either the CHAT or STAT. When I testified to the Public Health committee in the Texas Legislature, no one even was aware of the ASD epidemic or what those numbers mean in terms of dollars. Texas Children's (in the Houston medical center) Hospital's response is an embarrasment. There isn't a single DAN M.D. in the entire city of Houston. ly, on this list, there are more negative school experiences than posted than positive. We chose to take care of everything privately up to now. My husband was laid off a couple of weeks ago, and so I'm looking at the public schools now too. I had my first talk with the special ed director, and I gotta tell you, she was great on buzzwords, but low on substance. At one point when I was questioning her about one teacher's training, she said, " her focus is developmental delays, not autism. " hello? Only because I knew enough to ask the right questions, did I get any decent answers. Woe to the parent who goes to the school trusting. We've just gotta keep nudging forward, looking those professionals willing to listen, work with us, and make a difference. They are out there. We just need to keep going, and eventually there will be more with us, than against us. It's already better than it was even 5 years ago. Maybe those who have good experiences, tell us what works, how it works etc. Maybe it'll give someone an idea of something else to try. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.489 / Virus Database: 288 - Release Date: 6/10/03 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2003 Report Share Posted August 1, 2003 I agree that regardless of where you are, there are good and bad districts, schools, and teachers. I have been extremely lucky. My PDD-NOS daughter has had good teachers, has responded well to the DAN! protocol beginning at an early age. I am a high school special education teacher, and therefore I am aware of what to ask for. The school is generally not going to volunteer anything they do not have to, especially with current budget cuts. The biological issues our kids face, and the behaviors that they exhibit are different from child to child, so is the education plan that works best for them. My experience is that no teacher knows EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING, and just as most of us have experienced with our medical professionals, you have to educate yourself and advocate for your child. This does not seem to vary by location within the US. States like NJ and CA have sky-high state income and property taxes, so you can be trading one set of problems for another. We lived in NJ for six months, and the ECI serves were less than what we received in Houston. Robin, Mom to Caitlin, 4 yrs, PDD-NOS > Have you noticed that the same 3 people are the ones that use that line: > " stay away from our state? " I totally feel for those families I believe > them 100% when they say they've had a bad experience. > > But not everyone in Texas has horrid experiences. Not all school districts > are equal (this is true as well with so called " good states " ). > > We've had a great experience with my district as well. Every time I mention > this, I get shot down many people on this newsgroup. It's not all bad in > this state. > > JM > > Texas Schools > > Here's my usually quiet 2 cents worth. I am also tired of reading the " stay > away from Texas " advice. We have been very pleased with the service we > receive from our school district here in Katy, Texas (suburb west of > Houston). It's not perfect but we don't think the school is responsible to > solve every problem we encounter so we have found a happy medium which is in > our favor. I do worry that Jr. High will be more difficult but we aren't > there yet. > Texas has a lot of rural area especially compared to most other states. > Special ed or even general ed services are more difficult to provide over > such a broad area so it makes sense to me that Texas would be lagging by > some measures. We have our bright spots as well. The high school near me has > finished in the top 5 in the national academic decathalon Division 5A nearly > every year since I've been watching. Last year, 2 other Texas schools > finished higher. > Also, some good friends of ours with a PDD/NOS son moved to New Jersey from > Katy because they had read all the " great " things about NJ and the > " terrible " things about Texas. After 2 years in NJ, they are quick to tell > you that the Texas schools were much better for their son. Sure the NJ > schools will give you money to send a child to a private school but this is > not they answer our friends wanted for their high-functioning son. However, > that's what they have now been told. > I suspect that many of us who complain suffer from the " grass is always > greener " syndrome and I hope everyone finds their utopia; just don't bash > Texas along the way. > Rick & Sook Hall > , 12 yo, GT > Kelli , 9 yo, PDD/NOS > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 1, 2003 Report Share Posted August 1, 2003 I agree that regardless of where you are, there are good and bad districts, schools, and teachers. I have been extremely lucky. My PDD-NOS daughter has had good teachers, has responded well to the DAN! protocol beginning at an early age. I am a high school special education teacher, and therefore I am aware of what to ask for. The school is generally not going to volunteer anything they do not have to, especially with current budget cuts. The biological issues our kids face, and the behaviors that they exhibit are different from child to child, so is the education plan that works best for them. My experience is that no teacher knows EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING, and just as most of us have experienced with our medical professionals, you have to educate yourself and advocate for your child. This does not seem to vary by location within the US. States like NJ and CA have sky-high state income and property taxes, so you can be trading one set of problems for another. We lived in NJ for six months, and the ECI serves were less than what we received in Houston. Robin, Mom to Caitlin, 4 yrs, PDD-NOS > Have you noticed that the same 3 people are the ones that use that line: > " stay away from our state? " I totally feel for those families I believe > them 100% when they say they've had a bad experience. > > But not everyone in Texas has horrid experiences. Not all school districts > are equal (this is true as well with so called " good states " ). > > We've had a great experience with my district as well. Every time I mention > this, I get shot down many people on this newsgroup. It's not all bad in > this state. > > JM > > Texas Schools > > Here's my usually quiet 2 cents worth. I am also tired of reading the " stay > away from Texas " advice. We have been very pleased with the service we > receive from our school district here in Katy, Texas (suburb west of > Houston). It's not perfect but we don't think the school is responsible to > solve every problem we encounter so we have found a happy medium which is in > our favor. I do worry that Jr. High will be more difficult but we aren't > there yet. > Texas has a lot of rural area especially compared to most other states. > Special ed or even general ed services are more difficult to provide over > such a broad area so it makes sense to me that Texas would be lagging by > some measures. We have our bright spots as well. The high school near me has > finished in the top 5 in the national academic decathalon Division 5A nearly > every year since I've been watching. Last year, 2 other Texas schools > finished higher. > Also, some good friends of ours with a PDD/NOS son moved to New Jersey from > Katy because they had read all the " great " things about NJ and the > " terrible " things about Texas. After 2 years in NJ, they are quick to tell > you that the Texas schools were much better for their son. Sure the NJ > schools will give you money to send a child to a private school but this is > not they answer our friends wanted for their high-functioning son. However, > that's what they have now been told. > I suspect that many of us who complain suffer from the " grass is always > greener " syndrome and I hope everyone finds their utopia; just don't bash > Texas along the way. > Rick & Sook Hall > , 12 yo, GT > Kelli , 9 yo, PDD/NOS > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 2, 2003 Report Share Posted August 2, 2003 Robin, Can you tell me what the district HAS to provide for a child with autism? Is there anything by law that has to be provided? Pam Texas Schools > > Here's my usually quiet 2 cents worth. I am also tired of reading the " stay > away from Texas " advice. We have been very pleased with the service we > receive from our school district here in Katy, Texas (suburb west of > Houston). It's not perfect but we don't think the school is responsible to > solve every problem we encounter so we have found a happy medium which is in > our favor. I do worry that Jr. High will be more difficult but we aren't > there yet. > Texas has a lot of rural area especially compared to most other states. > Special ed or even general ed services are more difficult to provide over > such a broad area so it makes sense to me that Texas would be lagging by > some measures. We have our bright spots as well. The high school near me has > finished in the top 5 in the national academic decathalon Division 5A nearly > every year since I've been watching. Last year, 2 other Texas schools > finished higher. > Also, some good friends of ours with a PDD/NOS son moved to New Jersey from > Katy because they had read all the " great " things about NJ and the > " terrible " things about Texas. After 2 years in NJ, they are quick to tell > you that the Texas schools were much better for their son. Sure the NJ > schools will give you money to send a child to a private school but this is > not they answer our friends wanted for their high-functioning son. However, > that's what they have now been told. > I suspect that many of us who complain suffer from the " grass is always > greener " syndrome and I hope everyone finds their utopia; just don't bash > Texas along the way. > Rick & Sook Hall > , 12 yo, GT > Kelli , 9 yo, PDD/NOS > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.