parent AND teacher

[Guest guest]

I do not wish for this to turn into a bashing thing. I am first and foremost a parent and a parent of a child with special needs. Just because I may disagree with something someone says does not lessen my worthiness as a parent or my opinion. All of us are entitled to speak our minds. I think some of us (parents) tend to think of public schools are the enemy and some of us (parents) do not. I have been advocating for over 19 years for my daughter and for others and the road has not been easy. Until someone walks in my shoes and parents my daughter, they do not know what I have encountered. I do try to offer my opinion as an educator, too. I try to see things from both sides. I feel fortunate that I am able to see many different things. I hate hearing about lousy educators and there are some. But not all educators are bad or have bad intentions and sometimes I feel like the posts do nothing bu

t bash education. I just as vehemently defend parents to teachers and administrators. I am honestly not one side or the other - I am for what is right for children.

I am a firm believer in inclusion. That is probably where I have some disagreements with some on these list serves. I have fought long and hard for my daughter and others to be included. I will never believe in vouchers until ALL schools have to accept ANY child. I do understand specialty schools but my I am looking globally - find an inclusive school that will accept my mentally-retarded, non-verbal daughter who just recently started having seizures and has regressed significantly in her self-help skills at the age of almost 20. The voucher issue for me was not about choice because any child with MR still does not have a choice. I find it discriminatory for a school to decide who they want to teach. Level the playing field - accept all or no one.

Over the past 19 and a half years, I have attended many IEPs for my daughter and many others. Children are and always will be my concern. I got into education to initially help me with my daughter and then to help others. I would love to say that teachers are great but we all know good and bad. But I also know good and bad parents. My point is not all schools and not all teachers are the enemy - there are many of us who believe and love what we do and will do what is right for children. It isn't all negative.

As far as psycho-ed centers, I can only base my opinion on the one I am familiar with and that is the one called North Metro in North Fulton. I do not agree with the time-out rooms but I also know that the "procedures" call for a child to never be left alone. It is incumbent upon anyone who knows of these violations to assist others. If a parent, any parent has had any paper "ripped from their hands" then we (parents) need to help that parent - that is not right! But it is also not right for a parent to say the DOE intentionally held the input sessions on the new regs to avoid input from parents - they (DOE) intentionally held meetings around the state and at various times in one location to get input.

I am a parent on the state advisory panel and I resent anyone trying to say I do not belong there because I am a teacher, too. I was a parent of a child with special needs before I was a teacher. I do think I am a good teacher and I feel good knowing that in my job I am also able to have a positive impact in helping children and parents. I have worked my way from the bottom and have become knowledgeable about special ed - I have earned the right to be on committees, panels, boards, etc. as a parent. And because of I have had to do this in 3 different states. I did not walk into Georgia with them opening doors and arms. I navigated and negogiated the school systems to ensure not only my child but other child get a FAPE.

Sorry this is long and thanks for those that listened.

Kathy Everett