Re: NYTimes-article school&innovative educ for ASD children

[Guest guest]

I agree that public schools will not develop programs like this without pressure to do so. I, however, do not believe vouchers will be the driving force for that. I am in NY and many many children here attend private school BUT the tuition is entirely paid for by the city or state and, therefore, because it is paid for by public education funds entirely - it is accessible for all. As a result of this, now NYC public schools are beginning to design unique programs like this one. They have several right now called NEST and CTT - each are unique in approach, methodolgies employed, ratio, related services provision and inclusion opportunities. What drove this was many many people being placed in private schools by public expense - that is what applied the most pressure

and is fostering change...it is not a perfect system either - but, IMHO, offers far more hope for the greater number of children. Texas does not have a history of prioritizing education, let alone the education of children with special needs ... a small voucher that only covers 10% of tuition does not apply enough pressure and limits access to only those that can afford to make up the difference. Worse yet, in my view, Texas legislators will have no reason/motivation to rectify the public schools because they will simply say --- go use your voucher!!

Federal law already requires private placement when schools are not or can not do their job. the problem in Texas is that Federal law is not being implemented. That is where I believe we need to push so that access to this wonderful education is available for all our children.

Lastly, the article you posted (which I thank you for doing so as it briefly touches upon the research based aspects of DIR/Floortime that most people unfamiliar with it ignore), is a school for older children who are capable of expressing their wants and needs (check out admission policy)Consequently, the tuition is lower as they do not have moderately or severely impaired children who require a lower ratio (school has a staff of 12 I think) My son is in a DIR school for children who are more moderately and severely impaired and much younger - in order to get the intervention needed in the appropriate intensity required to facilitate progress - tuition jumps to $72,000.... How is a $2-5,000 voucher going to help the children who require a far more intensive program requiring far greater staffing???

Just some thoughts to think about.

Thanks for listening,

Mara (proud to be a public school advocate for all children with ASD)

NYTimes-article school & innovative educ for ASD children

http://www.nytimes. com/2008/ 10/19/magazine/ 19Autism- t.html?ref= healthtinyurl just in case:http://tinyurl. com/5en9v3I just don't see our public schools ever trying to reach some ofthese children like these private, special need schools will ...building a magic cabinet.Here is a great couple of paragraphs from the article.***Students arrive at T.C.S. trailing long histories of school failureand humiliation, suspension, expulsion, truncated transcripts, socialisolation, victimization, self-loathing, suicidal ideation or yearsof home-schooling patched together by mothers forced to leave theirjobs. "On our first visit with Dave , Ty started screaming: `Ihate this place! I want to leave right now!' "

Judy says. "Most principals don't want to work with a kid like that. Butwhat I saw on Dave 's face was `I can work with a kid likethis.' "Many prospective parents begin to weep during their intake interviewswith . For them and their children, this place representssomething of a last chance.***Hope is when you see a person like Dave shows in his face "Ican work with a kid like this." ... sweet :>)I am proud to be an Texas Autism Scholarship advocate !!!Mark

[Guest guest]

Think Scholarship and outside the box.

We well know that other States provide private placement for all

children.

FAPE is a great principle if its enforced. There is no enforcement

here in Texas. I can see why you went to New York.

Proud to be a public school advocate for all children with ASD and

also for Scholarships for families who pay twice (taxpayer and then

private) and Homeschoolers too :>)

Mark

>

> I agree that public schools will not develop programs like this

without pressure to do so.  I, however, do not believe vouchers will

be the driving force for that.  I am in NY and many many children

here attend private school BUT the tuition is entirely paid for by

the city or state and, therefore, because it is paid for by public

education funds entirely - it is accessible for all.  As a result of

this, now NYC public schools are beginning to design unique programs

like this one.  They have several right now called NEST and CTT -

each are unique in approach, methodolgies employed, ratio, related

services provision and inclusion opportunities.  What drove this was

many many people being placed in private schools by public expense -

that is what applied the most pressure and is fostering change...it

is not a perfect system either - but, IMHO, offers far more hope for

the greater number of children.  Texas does not have a history of

prioritizing

> education, let alone the education of children with special

needs ... a small voucher that only covers 10% of tuition does not

apply enough pressure and limits access to only those that can afford

to make up the difference.  Worse yet, in my view, Texas legislators

will have no reason/motivation to rectify the public schools because

they will simply say --- go use your voucher!!

>

> Federal law already requires private placement when schools are not

or can not do their job.  the problem in Texas is that Federal law is

not being implemented.  That is where I believe we need to push so

that access to this wonderful education is available for all our

children.

>

> Lastly, the article you posted (which I thank you for doing so as

it briefly touches upon the research based aspects of DIR/Floortime

that most people unfamiliar with it ignore), is a school for older

children who are capable of expressing their wants and needs (check

out admission policy)Consequently, the tuition is lower as they do

not have moderately or severely impaired children who require a lower

ratio (school has a staff of 12 I think) My son is in a DIR school

for children who are more moderately and severely impaired and much

younger - in order to get the intervention needed in the appropriate

intensity required to facilitate progress - tuition jumps to

$72,000.... How is a $2-5,000 voucher going to help the children who

require a far more intensive program requiring far greater staffing???

>

> Just some thoughts to think about.

>

> Thanks for listening,

> Mara (proud to be a public school advocate for all children with

ASD)

>

>

>

> NYTimes-article school & innovative

educ for ASD children

>

>

> http://www.nytimes. com/2008/ 10/19/magazine/ 19Autism- t.html?ref=

health

>

> tinyurl just in case:

> http://tinyurl. com/5en9v3

>

> I just don't see our public schools ever trying to reach some of

> these children like these private, special need schools will ...

> building a magic cabinet.

>

> Here is a great couple of paragraphs from the article.

>

> ***

> Students arrive at T.C.S. trailing long histories of school failure

> and humiliation, suspension, expulsion, truncated transcripts,

social

> isolation, victimization, self-loathing, suicidal ideation or years

> of home-schooling patched together by mothers forced to leave their

> jobs. " On our first visit with Dave , Ty started screaming: `I

> hate this place! I want to leave right now!' " Judy

> says. " Most principals don't want to work with a kid like that. But

> what I saw on Dave 's face was `I can work with a kid like

> this.' "

>

> Many prospective parents begin to weep during their intake

interviews

> with . For them and their children, this place represents

> something of a last chance.

> ***

>

> Hope is when you see a person like Dave shows in his face " I

> can work with a kid like this. " ... sweet :>)

>

> I am proud to be an Texas Autism Scholarship advocate !!!

>

> Mark

>

[Guest guest]

Mark - would you type out a testimony we can include with Senator s notebook of testimonies from parents????

Senator is for vouchers -- perhaps if we don't have many submitted testimonies on that subject - I can ask someone to read yours, giving credit to you.

Do not submit testimonies for me to print out through this list... If you want to submit a testimony and cannot be there in person, please e-mail it to:

MGuppy@...

M. GuppyMy autism journey isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.... Texas Autism Advocacy: www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org

"There are some aspects of a person's life that we have no right to compromise. We cannot negotiate the size of an institution. No one should live in one. We cannot debate who should get an inclusive education. Everyone should. We cannot determine who does and who does not get the right to make their own choices and forge their own futures. All must."

Subject: Re: NYTimes-article school & innovative educ for ASD childrenTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Sunday, October 19, 2008, 9:47 AM

Think Scholarship and outside the box.We well know that other States provide private placement for all children.FAPE is a great principle if its enforced. There is no enforcement here in Texas. I can see why you went to New York.Proud to be a public school advocate for all children with ASD and also for Scholarships for families who pay twice (taxpayer and then private) and Homeschoolers too :>)Mark>> I agree that public schools will not develop programs like this without pressure to do so. I, however, do not believe vouchers will be the driving force for that. I am in NY and many many children here attend private school BUT the tuition is entirely paid for by the

city or state and, therefore, because it is paid for by public education funds entirely - it is accessible for all. As a result of this, now NYC public schools are beginning to design unique programs like this one. They have several right now called NEST and CTT - each are unique in approach, methodolgies employed, ratio, related services provision and inclusion opportunities. What drove this was many many people being placed in private schools by public expense - that is what applied the most pressure and is fostering change...it is not a perfect system either - but, IMHO, offers far more hope for the greater number of children. Texas does not have a history of prioritizing> education, let alone the education of children with special needs ... a small voucher that only covers 10% of tuition does not apply enough pressure and limits access to only those that can afford

to make up the difference. Worse yet, in my view, Texas legislators will have no reason/motivation to rectify the public schools because they will simply say --- go use your voucher!!> > Federal law already requires private placement when schools are not or can not do their job. the problem in Texas is that Federal law is not being implemented. That is where I believe we need to push so that access to this wonderful education is available for all our children.> > Lastly, the article you posted (which I thank you for doing so as it briefly touches upon the research based aspects of DIR/Floortime that most people unfamiliar with it ignore), is a school for older children who are capable of expressing their wants and needs (check out admission policy)Consequently , the tuition is lower as they do not have moderately or severely impaired children who require a

lower ratio (school has a staff of 12 I think) My son is in a DIR school for children who are more moderately and severely impaired and much younger - in order to get the intervention needed in the appropriate intensity required to facilitate progress - tuition jumps to $72,000.... How is a $2-5,000 voucher going to help the children who require a far more intensive program requiring far greater staffing???> > Just some thoughts to think about.> > Thanks for listening, > Mara (proud to be a public school advocate for all children with ASD)> > > > [Texas-Autism- Advocacy]

NYTimes-article school & innovative educ for ASD children> > > http://www.nytimes. com/2008/ 10/19/magazine/ 19Autism- t.html?ref= health> > tinyurl just in case:> http://tinyurl. com/5en9v3> > I just don't see our public schools ever trying to reach some of> these children like these private, special need schools will ...> building a magic cabinet.> > Here is a great couple of paragraphs from the article.> > ***> Students arrive at T.C.S. trailing long histories of school failure> and humiliation, suspension, expulsion, truncated transcripts, social> isolation, victimization, self-loathing, suicidal ideation or years> of home-schooling patched together by mothers forced to leave their>

jobs. "On our first visit with Dave , Ty started screaming: `I> hate this place! I want to leave right now!' " Judy > says. "Most principals don't want to work with a kid like that. But> what I saw on Dave 's face was `I can work with a kid like> this.' "> > Many prospective parents begin to weep during their intake interviews> with . For them and their children, this place represents> something of a last chance.> ***> > Hope is when you see a person like Dave shows in his face "I> can work with a kid like this." ... sweet :>)> > I am proud to be an Texas Autism Scholarship advocate !!!> > Mark>

[Guest guest]

So does this mean that those who have suggestions on how to make the public system more responsive and, perhaps more importantly, more accountable not permitted to submit testimony? Is this simply an indictment on public schools (something we all agree with) but with the only solution being vouchers???

[Texas-Autism- Advocacy] NYTimes-article school & innovative educ for ASD children> > > http://www.nytimes. com/2008/ 10/19/magazine/ 19Autism- t.html?ref= health> > tinyurl just in case:> http://tinyurl. com/5en9v3> > I just don't see our public schools ever trying to reach some of> these children like these private, special need schools will ...> building a magic cabinet.> > Here is a great couple of paragraphs from the article.> > ***> Students arrive at T.C.S. trailing long histories of school failure> and humiliation, suspension, expulsion, truncated transcripts, social> isolation, victimization,

self-loathing, suicidal ideation or years> of home-schooling patched together by mothers forced to leave their> jobs. "On our first visit with Dave , Ty started screaming: `I> hate this place! I want to leave right now!' " Judy > says. "Most principals don't want to work with a kid like that. But> what I saw on Dave 's face was `I can work with a kid like> this.' "> > Many prospective parents begin to weep during their intake interviews> with . For them and their children, this place represents> something of a last chance.> ***> > Hope is when you see a person like Dave shows in his face "I> can work with a kid like this." ... sweet :>)> > I am proud to be an Texas Autism Scholarship advocate !!!> >

Mark>

[Guest guest]

Now let's not start that --- EVERYONE is welcome to submit testimony!!!

ALL testimonies I am sent to that e-mail address -- will be printed out and put in a notebook to give to Senator Dan that night....

ALL of them....

Submit to:

MGuppy@...

ANY issue relating to Autism, Disability Issues, Public School Special Education Issues....

It WAS irresponsible of me to convey only voucher sides wanted. I want ALL sides.

M. GuppyMy autism journey isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.... Texas Autism Advocacy: www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org

"There are some aspects of a person's life that we have no right to compromise. We cannot negotiate the size of an institution. No one should live in one. We cannot debate who should get an inclusive education. Everyone should. We cannot determine who does and who does not get the right to make their own choices and forge their own futures. All must."

From: mark colditz <markdebctx (DOT) rr.com>Subject: [Texas-Autism- Advocacy] Re: NYTimes-article school & innovative educ for ASD childrenTo: Texas-Autism- Advocacy@ yahoogroups. comDate: Sunday, October 19, 2008, 9:47 AM

Think Scholarship and outside the box.We well know that other States provide private placement for all children.FAPE is a great principle if its enforced. There is no enforcement here in Texas. I can see why you went to New York.Proud to be a public school advocate for all children with ASD and also for Scholarships for families who pay twice (taxpayer and then private) and Homeschoolers too :>)Mark>> I agree that public schools will not develop programs like this without pressure to do so. I, however, do not believe vouchers will be the driving force for that. I am in NY and many many children here attend private school BUT the tuition is entirely paid for by the

city or state and, therefore, because it is paid for by public education funds entirely - it is accessible for all. As a result of this, now NYC public schools are beginning to design unique programs like this one. They have several right now called NEST and CTT - each are unique in approach, methodolgies employed, ratio, related services provision and inclusion opportunities. What drove this was many many people being placed in private schools by public expense - that is what applied the most pressure and is fostering change...it is not a perfect system either - but, IMHO, offers far more hope for the greater number of children. Texas does not have a history of prioritizing> education, let alone the education of children with special needs ... a small voucher that only covers 10% of tuition does not apply enough pressure and limits access to only those that can afford

to make up the difference. Worse yet, in my view, Texas legislators will have no reason/motivation to rectify the public schools because they will simply say --- go use your voucher!!> > Federal law already requires private placement when schools are not or can not do their job. the problem in Texas is that Federal law is not being implemented. That is where I believe we need to push so that access to this wonderful education is available for all our children.> > Lastly, the article you posted (which I thank you for doing so as it briefly touches upon the research based aspects of DIR/Floortime that most people unfamiliar with it ignore), is a school for older children who are capable of expressing their wants and needs (check out admission policy)Consequently , the tuition is lower as they do not have moderately or severely impaired children who require a

lower ratio (school has a staff of 12 I think) My son is in a DIR school for children who are more moderately and severely impaired and much younger - in order to get the intervention needed in the appropriate intensity required to facilitate progress - tuition jumps to $72,000.... How is a $2-5,000 voucher going to help the children who require a far more intensive program requiring far greater staffing???> > Just some thoughts to think about.> > Thanks for listening, > Mara (proud to be a public school advocate for all children with ASD)> > > > [Texas-Autism- Advocacy]

NYTimes-article school & innovative educ for ASD children> > > http://www.nytimes. com/2008/ 10/19/magazine/ 19Autism- t.html?ref= health> > tinyurl just in case:> http://tinyurl. com/5en9v3> > I just don't see our public schools ever trying to reach some of> these children like these private, special need schools will ...> building a magic cabinet.> > Here is a great couple of paragraphs from the article.> > ***> Students arrive at T.C.S. trailing long histories of school failure> and humiliation, suspension, expulsion, truncated transcripts, social> isolation, victimization, self-loathing, suicidal ideation or years> of home-schooling patched together by mothers forced to leave their>

jobs. "On our first visit with Dave , Ty started screaming: `I> hate this place! I want to leave right now!' " Judy > says. "Most principals don't want to work with a kid like that. But> what I saw on Dave 's face was `I can work with a kid like> this.' "> > Many prospective parents begin to weep during their intake interviews> with . For them and their children, this place represents> something of a last chance.> ***> > Hope is when you see a person like Dave shows in his face "I> can work with a kid like this." ... sweet :>)> > I am proud to be an Texas Autism Scholarship advocate !!!> > Mark>

[Guest guest]

My question was not intended to start up anything at all. It was simply an inquiry, because of your specific request for another parent to provide written testimony on vouchers, into what this town meeting was for...that is all. I am glad to hear that Sen. is interested in all viewpoints and possible solutions...thank you.

[Texas-Autism- Advocacy] NYTimes-article school & innovative educ for ASD children> > > http://www.nytimes. com/2008/ 10/19/magazine/ 19Autism- t.html?ref= health> > tinyurl just in case:> http://tinyurl. com/5en9v3> > I just don't see our public schools ever trying to reach some of> these children like these private, special need schools will ...> building a magic cabinet.> > Here is a great couple of paragraphs from the article.> > ***> Students arrive at T.C.S. trailing long histories of school failure> and humiliation, suspension, expulsion, truncated transcripts, social> isolation, victimization,

self-loathing, suicidal ideation or years> of home-schooling patched together by mothers forced to leave their> jobs. "On our first visit with Dave , Ty started screaming: `I> hate this place! I want to leave right now!' " Judy > says. "Most principals don't want to work with a kid like that. But> what I saw on Dave 's face was `I can work with a kid like> this.' "> > Many prospective parents begin to weep during their intake interviews> with . For them and their children, this place represents> something of a last chance.> ***> > Hope is when you see a person like Dave shows in his face "I> can work with a kid like this." ... sweet :>)> > I am proud to be an Texas Autism Scholarship advocate !!!> >

Mark>

[Guest guest]

Yes, I will. Thank you. I am a super big fan of Senator .

His August 18th questioning of Advocacy Inc and the for-profit

attorney Borreca (he actually makes a living beating the snot

out of our families ... sort of infuriates me and makes me lose

rational thought !!!)

Senate Committee on Education

August 18, 2008

At about 2 hours 54 minutes into the testimony

I will always remember his wonderful defense of Special Need families

in Texas.

http://www.senate.state.tx.us/avarchive/

Of course, Hilda Bowen's transcript of his defense of our families

was incredible. A portion is below:

***

Senator : But if the PARENT believes that. If the PARENT

believes that. In any other aspect of life, if a parent is not

satisfied with the service they are getting, wherever it may be.

Borreca: Um-hm.

Senator : They don't have to sit there and go to court over

the person saying, " I'm not going to let you go as a customer. "

I'm just not going to let you go as a customer. The parent simply

says, " I'm not satisfied with this service for my child ...

Borreca: Um-hm

Senator : or for myself, but we're talking about children

here, and they simply go somewhere else, that they believe will

provide a better service. Why SHOULD, in this situation, and I

would argue that parents with special needs children um have ah

additional burdens and challenges ...

Borreca: Um-hm

Senator : that others do not, and if they believe in

THEIR heart that an alternative option, a private school, is a better

option, why should they not be able to go.

***

STOP the litigation against our Special Need families. Senator

was a great advocate for our families that day and always has

been !!!! Yeah Senator

Mark

> >

> > I agree that public schools will not develop programs like this

> without pressure to do so.  I, however, do not believe vouchers

will

> be the driving force for that.  I am in NY and many many children

> here attend private school BUT the tuition is entirely paid for by

> the city or state and, therefore, because it is paid for by public

> education funds entirely - it is accessible for all.  As a result

of

> this, now NYC public schools are beginning to design unique

programs

> like this one.  They have several right now called NEST and CTT -

> each are unique in approach, methodolgies employed, ratio, related

> services provision and inclusion opportunities.  What drove this

was

> many many people being placed in private schools by public expense -

> that is what applied the most pressure and is fostering change...it

> is not a perfect system either - but, IMHO, offers far more hope

for

> the greater number of children.  Texas does not have a history of

> prioritizing

> > education, let alone the education of children with special

> needs ... a small voucher that only covers 10% of tuition does not

> apply enough pressure and limits access to only those that can

afford

> to make up the difference.  Worse yet, in my view, Texas

legislators

> will have no reason/motivation to rectify the public schools

because

> they will simply say --- go use your voucher!!

> >

> > Federal law already requires private placement when schools are

not

> or can not do their job.  the problem in Texas is that Federal law

is

> not being implemented.  That is where I believe we need to push so

> that access to this wonderful education is available for all our

> children.

> >

> > Lastly, the article you posted (which I thank you for doing so as

> it briefly touches upon the research based aspects of DIR/Floortime

> that most people unfamiliar with it ignore), is a school for older

> children who are capable of expressing their wants and needs (check

> out admission policy)Consequently , the tuition is lower as they do

> not have moderately or severely impaired children who require a

lower

> ratio (school has a staff of 12 I think) My son is in a DIR school

> for children who are more moderately and severely impaired and much

> younger - in order to get the intervention needed in the

appropriate

> intensity required to facilitate progress - tuition jumps to

> $72,000.... How is a $2-5,000 voucher going to help the children

who

> require a far more intensive program requiring far greater

staffing???

> >

> > Just some thoughts to think about.

> >

> > Thanks for listening,

> > Mara (proud to be a public school advocate for all children with

> ASD)

> >

> >

> >

> > [Texas-Autism- Advocacy] NYTimes-article

school & innovative

> educ for ASD children

> >

> >

> > http://www.nytimes. com/2008/ 10/19/magazine/ 19Autism- t.html?

ref=

> health

> >

> > tinyurl just in case:

> > http://tinyurl. com/5en9v3

> >

> > I just don't see our public schools ever trying to reach some of

> > these children like these private, special need schools will ...

> > building a magic cabinet.

> >

> > Here is a great couple of paragraphs from the article.

> >

> > ***

> > Students arrive at T.C.S. trailing long histories of school

failure

> > and humiliation, suspension, expulsion, truncated transcripts,

> social

> > isolation, victimization, self-loathing, suicidal ideation or

years

> > of home-schooling patched together by mothers forced to leave

their

> > jobs. " On our first visit with Dave , Ty started screaming:

`I

> > hate this place! I want to leave right now!' " Judy

> > says. " Most principals don't want to work with a kid like that.

But

> > what I saw on Dave 's face was `I can work with a kid like

> > this.' "

> >

> > Many prospective parents begin to weep during their intake

> interviews

> > with . For them and their children, this place represents

> > something of a last chance.

> > ***

> >

> > Hope is when you see a person like Dave shows in his

face " I

> > can work with a kid like this. " ... sweet :>)

> >

> > I am proud to be an Texas Autism Scholarship advocate !!!

> >

> > Mark

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you for offering to do this, . I look forward to telling

our story of how our school district filed suit on my three year old

because they did not have a regular classroom to offer, and that no

amount of teacher training or selection of methodologies or offer of

related services resulting from additional funding would have changed

that. They have easily spent over ten times what an appropriate

placement would have cost them.

Are you also seeking testimony from out-of-state residents, or is this

input limited to stakeholders in Texas who must rely on our

legislators to make FAPE available to our children? I think it would

be very upsetting to parents who do not have the option of moving out

of state to learn that those who are not even reliant on the system in

our state are fighting to keep educational options from the kids who

need them. Just my $.02.

> >

> > I agree that public schools will not develop programs like this

> without pressure to do so.  I, however, do not believe vouchers will

> be the driving force for that.  I am in NY and many many children

> here attend private school BUT the tuition is entirely paid for by

> the city or state and, therefore, because it is paid for by public

> education funds entirely - it is accessible for all.  As a result of

> this, now NYC public schools are beginning to design unique programs

> like this one.  They have several right now called NEST and CTT -

> each are unique in approach, methodolgies employed, ratio, related

> services provision and inclusion opportunities.  What drove this was

> many many people being placed in private schools by public expense -

> that is what applied the most pressure and is fostering change...it

> is not a perfect system either - but, IMHO, offers far more hope for

> the greater number of children.  Texas does not have a history of

> prioritizing

> > education, let alone the education of children with special

> needs ... a small voucher that only covers 10% of tuition does not

> apply enough pressure and limits access to only those that can afford

> to make up the difference.  Worse yet, in my view, Texas legislators

> will have no reason/motivation to rectify the public schools because

> they will simply say --- go use your voucher!!

> >

> > Federal law already requires private placement when schools are not

> or can not do their job.  the problem in Texas is that Federal law is

> not being implemented.  That is where I believe we need to push so

> that access to this wonderful education is available for all our

> children.

> >

> > Lastly, the article you posted (which I thank you for doing so as

> it briefly touches upon the research based aspects of DIR/Floortime

> that most people unfamiliar with it ignore), is a school for older

> children who are capable of expressing their wants and needs (check

> out admission policy)Consequently , the tuition is lower as they do

> not have moderately or severely impaired children who require a lower

> ratio (school has a staff of 12 I think) My son is in a DIR school

> for children who are more moderately and severely impaired and much

> younger - in order to get the intervention needed in the appropriate

> intensity required to facilitate progress - tuition jumps to

> $72,000.... How is a $2-5,000 voucher going to help the children who

> require a far more intensive program requiring far greater staffing???

> >

> > Just some thoughts to think about.

> >

> > Thanks for listening,

> > Mara (proud to be a public school advocate for all children with

> ASD)

> >

> >

> >

> > [Texas-Autism- Advocacy] NYTimes-article school & innovative

> educ for ASD children

> >

> >

> > http://www.nytimes. com/2008/ 10/19/magazine/ 19Autism- t.html?ref=

> health

> >

> > tinyurl just in case:

> > http://tinyurl. com/5en9v3

> >

> > I just don't see our public schools ever trying to reach some of

> > these children like these private, special need schools will ...

> > building a magic cabinet.

> >

> > Here is a great couple of paragraphs from the article.

> >

> > ***

> > Students arrive at T.C.S. trailing long histories of school failure

> > and humiliation, suspension, expulsion, truncated transcripts,

> social

> > isolation, victimization, self-loathing, suicidal ideation or years

> > of home-schooling patched together by mothers forced to leave their

> > jobs. " On our first visit with Dave , Ty started screaming: `I

> > hate this place! I want to leave right now!' " Judy

> > says. " Most principals don't want to work with a kid like that. But

> > what I saw on Dave 's face was `I can work with a kid like

> > this.' "

> >

> > Many prospective parents begin to weep during their intake

> interviews

> > with . For them and their children, this place represents

> > something of a last chance.

> > ***

> >

> > Hope is when you see a person like Dave shows in his face " I

> > can work with a kid like this. " ... sweet :>)

> >

> > I am proud to be an Texas Autism Scholarship advocate !!!

> >

> > Mark

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Issues, parents, etc -- only in Texas please.....

You can mention other state programs for Texas to adopt, but we want him to hear how to help programs in Texas.

Sincerely

M. GuppyMy autism journey isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.... Texas Autism Advocacy: www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org

"There are some aspects of a person's life that we have no right to compromise. We cannot negotiate the size of an institution. No one should live in one. We cannot debate who should get an inclusive education. Everyone should. We cannot determine who does and who does not get the right to make their own choices and forge their own futures. All must."

Subject: Re: NYTimes-article school & innovative educ for ASD childrenTo: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Date: Monday, October 20, 2008, 8:15 AM

Thank you for offering to do this, . I look forward to tellingour story of how our school district filed suit on my three year oldbecause they did not have a regular classroom to offer, and that noamount of teacher training or selection of methodologies or offer ofrelated services resulting from additional funding would have changedthat. They have easily spent over ten times what an appropriateplacement would have cost them.Are you also seeking testimony from out-of-state residents, or is thisinput limited to stakeholders in Texas who must rely on ourlegislators to make FAPE available to our children? I think it wouldbe very upsetting to parents who do not have the option of moving outof state to learn that those who are not even reliant on the system inour state are fighting to keep educational options from the kids whoneed them. Just my $.02.> >> > I agree that public schools will not develop programs like this > without pressure to do so. I, however, do not believe vouchers will > be the driving force for that. I am in NY and many many children > here attend private school BUT the tuition is entirely paid for by > the city or state and, therefore, because it is paid for by public > education funds entirely - it is accessible for all. As a result of > this, now NYC public schools are beginning to design unique programs > like this one. They have several right now called NEST and CTT - > each are unique in approach, methodolgies employed, ratio, related > services

provision and inclusion opportunities. What drove this was > many many people being placed in private schools by public expense - > that is what applied the most pressure and is fostering change...it > is not a perfect system either - but, IMHO, offers far more hope for > the greater number of children. Texas does not have a history of > prioritizing> > education, let alone the education of children with special > needs ... a small voucher that only covers 10% of tuition does not > apply enough pressure and limits access to only those that can afford > to make up the difference. Worse yet, in my view, Texas legislators > will have no reason/motivation to rectify the public schools because > they will simply say --- go use your voucher!!> > > > Federal law already requires private placement when schools are not > or can not do

their job. the problem in Texas is that Federal law is > not being implemented. That is where I believe we need to push so > that access to this wonderful education is available for all our > children.> > > > Lastly, the article you posted (which I thank you for doing so as > it briefly touches upon the research based aspects of DIR/Floortime > that most people unfamiliar with it ignore), is a school for older > children who are capable of expressing their wants and needs (check > out admission policy)Consequently , the tuition is lower as they do > not have moderately or severely impaired children who require a lower > ratio (school has a staff of 12 I think) My son is in a DIR school > for children who are more moderately and severely impaired and much > younger - in order to get the intervention needed in the appropriate >

intensity required to facilitate progress - tuition jumps to > $72,000.... How is a $2-5,000 voucher going to help the children who > require a far more intensive program requiring far greater staffing???> > > > Just some thoughts to think about.> > > > Thanks for listening, > > Mara (proud to be a public school advocate for all children with > ASD)> > > > > > > > [Texas-Autism- Advocacy] NYTimes-article school & innovative > educ for ASD children> > > > > > http://www.nytimes. com/2008/ 10/19/magazine/ 19Autism- t.html?ref=

> health> > > > tinyurl just in case:> > http://tinyurl. com/5en9v3> > > > I just don't see our public schools ever trying to reach some of> > these children like these private, special need schools will ...> > building a magic cabinet.> > > > Here is a great couple of paragraphs from the article.> > > > ***> > Students arrive at T.C.S. trailing long histories of school failure> > and humiliation, suspension, expulsion, truncated transcripts, > social> > isolation, victimization, self-loathing, suicidal ideation or years> > of home-schooling patched together by mothers forced to leave their> > jobs. "On our first visit with Dave , Ty started screaming: `I> > hate this place! I want to leave right now!' " Judy

> > says. "Most principals don't want to work with a kid like that. But> > what I saw on Dave 's face was `I can work with a kid like> > this.' "> > > > Many prospective parents begin to weep during their intake > interviews> > with . For them and their children, this place represents> > something of a last chance.> > ***> > > > Hope is when you see a person like Dave shows in his face "I> > can work with a kid like this." ... sweet :>)> > > > I am proud to be an Texas Autism Scholarship advocate !!!> > > > Mark> >>