clusters

[Guest guest]

Sad, but true. That's why most of us are always trying to find something better but the reality is that there is so little options for our children.Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®From: Nila Benito Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 23:59:43 -0400To: <deniseslist >Subject: RE: Re: Clusters The research says that clusters do not result in optimal outcomes for our kids. To: deniseslist From: gary00001msnDate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:28:20 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters I once heard a Behaviorist sat that he has never seen a cluster he liked. To: sList From: janvanoyDate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:33:21 -0700Subject: Re: Re: Clusters Thank You. If anyone has more suggestions they are welcomeJeannette From: mytoothaches2003 <mytoothaches2003>To: sList Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 2:09:42 PMSubject: Re: Clusters --WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK!- In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote:>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now. The Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more.

[Guest guest]

Besides you, me and everyone else on this list, who is looking for "optimal" outcomes?

To: deniseslist From: mamanila@...Date: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 23:59:43 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters

The research says that clusters do not result in optimal outcomes for our kids.

To: deniseslist From: gary00001msnDate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:28:20 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters

I once heard a Behaviorist sat that he has never seen a cluster he liked.

To: sList From: janvanoyDate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:33:21 -0700Subject: Re: Re: Clusters

Thank You. If anyone has more suggestions they are welcome

Jeannette

From: mytoothaches2003 <mytoothaches2003>To: sList Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 2:09:42 PMSubject: Re: Clusters

--WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK!- In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote:>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette>

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[Guest guest]

Nila, and all,

So then what, in your opinions, is the optimal way for our children to learn?

>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette>

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[Guest guest]

My son did very well at Lake Forest Elementary, which is just a few blocks south of Hollywood Hills. He was both in the cluster and mainstreamed, depending on what we were trying to achieve that month or year. Working together with the teachers, and school personnel, we found a lot of collaboration and support to help him catch up with his peers. Good luck,

Hilda

Re: Clusters

--WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK!- In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote:>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette>

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[Guest guest]

Hi,

all the schools with autism clusters in Hollywood are good. The older the cluster is at the school, the better (this is the reason why I think there have been so many problems associated with the clusters in Weston, they are too new).

However, just like in gen ed classes, it all depends on the child's teacher. Telling us that you, the parent, do not like your kid's cluster, does not tell us anything. What specifically is it that you don't like? Moving your child to another school may not at all be what is best for you kid. Who, so far, have you addressed your concerns to? See, this is where people on this list can be helpful: sharing experiences that can help you deal more effectively with your problems, or overcome them.

I have seen again and again that parents avoid discussing their problems with the classroom teacher, the autism coach and the schools administration. In order for us to help each other, we need to coach one another through the courageous process called parent-teacher conference, parent-coach conference and parent- adm. process. I can guarantee you it will work. Until then, we will continue to be looking for another cluster or another private school where the grass seems to be greener.

Liz>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette>

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[Guest guest]

For an autistic child to learn he needs not only to focus but continue focusing. And what does this child do when the instructor moves on to the other children. Mine will stim. And when he starts clapping his hands maybe the other children will learn from him. I have also heard the argument that the children learn from each other. This argument is preposterous. Autistic children not only have problems socializing they could care less about "learning" from others. These cluster snippets are not very reliable. Of course if what you want is mediocrity, go for it!!

It's interesting to note that even though it's the school district's answer to "direct" instruction, I could not find the word "cluster" on the IEP. It's deception at its very best. Two and a half hours of "Direct Speech Therapy" and "Direct Language Therapy" is actually divided by the number in the class. 2 1/2 hours divided by anything is not 2 1/2 hours. The child's goals are not goals but statements. The whole form lacks specificity which is a part of any true goal. There is no overriding. You are left with drop down menus to choose. It has to be one or the other.They put goals in such general terms they could mean anything.

I guess I could have answered your question about an "optimal way" by merely stating that it takes two to make a group. Therefore the need for one-to-one is the only optimal way. You have to keep in mind the school district is not looking for the optimal way. One might suggest that something is better than nothing. This is not necessarily true.

To: sList From: deniseslist@...Date: Sat, 12 Sep 2009 10:33:14 -0700Subject: RE: Re: Clusters

Nila, and all,

So then what, in your opinions, is the optimal way for our children to learn?

>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette>

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[Guest guest]

Clusters are restrictive, not as restrictive as Centers and more than inclusion. My daughter is in a cluster with 6 kids, one teacher, 2 aids, and the coach available if needed. When she has a meltdown or removes her clothing they remove the other kids from the class sometimes. I couldn't imagine her with 20 some other kids. She is getting almost 1-1 most of the time, and she is PROGRESSING! She reads, writes, does arithmetic. Considering her background and disibility that is AWESOME! She is right where she needs to be.

Jayne MIki the (Marvelous's) Mom

[Guest guest]

I echo Hilda's sentiments. My son went to Lake Forest since he was completely non-verbal at 3 years old and was there for 9 years until he graduated 5th grade. The clusters were excellent, the teachers and aides compassionate, and we moved back and forth between mainstreaming and the cluster depending on what his needs were for that particular year.

In my opinion, sometimes the least restrictive environment is not always necessarily the best thing. In certain cases, being in a cluster protects the child from the harshness and cruelty of the outside world which they cannot handle. I know of some middle school age children who prefer being in the cluster so they don't get picked on, etc. It depends on you and your child's set of circumstances. Lake Forest's clusters were remarkable.

Joyce

>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette>

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[Guest guest]

Everyone's opinion of the cluster or self-contained classroom will differ because their experience with it is different mainly because their children are in spectrum and like the finger print, there are no two children the same.

My argument with the Broward School District is they attempt to place as many as these children into a specific program with as little program variation as possible. In doing so they require conformity for children who are very much different. The Program fails to recognize the differences. There may be some very good teachers that are able to work around the Program but the Program itself doesn't encourage it. The Program encourages conformity. And why is it?

It is this way because the school district prefers to have it this way. Look at your IEP and count the number of specific goals that are actually measurable. I sometimes think they would prefer to have an IEP with only one sentence: "We will help your child." Try and measure that!

No doubt there are children who benefit from the cluster and many who don't. My objection is they put children in a cluster whether or not it's going to help. They make the process to easy for themselves and our children suffer.

To: sList From: shirlygilad@...Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:54:39 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters

The most important thing is obviously to give each unique child the opportunity to maximize his potential. For each of our kids the aim should be the least restrictive environment that he can benefit from. In an ideal world the school system will provide 1 to 1 ABA for where it is needed and full inclusion where it is beneficial. I do realize the world is far from ideal…..We as parents and even more often school personal do not give enough credit for the abilities that kids with autism posses and with the low expectations come unsatisfactory outcomes. This makes me very sad.

Shirly

Shirly Gilad BCBA,RN, FNP, MS

Behavioral Therapy and then some.

Work:

Fax:

shirlyshirlygilad

www.shirlygilad.com

From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of CarrollSent: Sunday, September 13, 2009 9:16 AMTo: deniseslist Subject: RE: Re: Clusters

So just like everything else about autism, this dicussion has varying points of view. Should every kid on the spectrum in our schools receive 1 on 1 ABA therapy for their entire school day (most restrictive)?? or should every kid on the spectrum in our schools go into a general education classroom with every other kid in a much larger class all day(least restrictive )?? Is there a definitive answer here? To say that all spectrum kids should be in this setting or that setting is not going to dissolve the issue. Personally, my kid would not do well in either of these settings all school day long and that is why he is in a cluster (and gen ed. for reading) where he is doing well.

To: sList From: shirlygiladDate: Sun, 13 Sep 2009 07:38:37 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters

Clusters are a restrictive environment. They are the extreme opposite to inclusion. IDEA states that children should be in a least restrictive environment. The argument is that in the cluster our kids can receive more intense therapy and services. The reality should be that they get all that they need but in an inclusive setting.

Shirly

Shirly Gilad BCBA,RN, FNP, MS

Behavioral Therapy and then some.

Work:

Fax:

shirlyshirlygilad

www.shirlygilad.com

From: sList [mailto:sList ] On Behalf Of Nila BenitoSent: Saturday, September 12, 2009 12:00 AMTo: deniseslist Subject: RE: Re: Clusters

The research says that clusters do not result in optimal outcomes for our kids.

To: deniseslist From: gary00001msnDate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:28:20 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters

I once heard a Behaviorist sat that he has never seen a cluster he liked.

To: sList From: janvanoyDate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:33:21 -0700Subject: Re: Re: Clusters

Thank You. If anyone has more suggestions they are welcome

Jeannette

From: mytoothaches2003 <mytoothaches2003>To: sList Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 2:09:42 PMSubject: Re: Clusters

--WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK!- In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote:>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette>

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[Guest guest]

Hi:

would you tell me the address or phone for the Lake Forest. I am confused when I google because I see different schools under this name but not this location.

Thank U

Jeannette

To: sList Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 12:17:40 PMSubject: RE: Re: Clusters

I echo Hilda's sentiments. My son went to Lake Forest since he was completely non-verbal at 3 years old and was there for 9 years until he graduated 5th grade. The clusters were excellent, the teachers and aides compassionate, and we moved back and forth between mainstreaming and the cluster depending on what his needs were for that particular year.

In my opinion, sometimes the least restrictive environment is not always necessarily the best thing. In certain cases, being in a cluster protects the child from the harshness and cruelty of the outside world which they cannot handle. I know of some middle school age children who prefer being in the cluster so they don't get picked on, etc. It depends on you and your child's set of circumstances. Lake Forest's clusters were remarkable.

Joyce

>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette>

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[Guest guest]

> >>

> >> Hi:

> >> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby

sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is

because he is able to see other children.

> >> Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood,

City, etc.

> >> Thank You,

> >> Jeannette

> >>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >________________________________

> Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now.

> >

> >The

> >________________________________

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Facebook. Find out more.

> >

> >________________________________

> Ready for Fall shows? Use Bing to find helpful ratings and reviews on digital

tv's. Click here.

>

[Guest guest]

by "mainstreamed" do you mean thrown out at recess with another class of general ed. students? this does not set the child up for successful social interaction. In fact, most teachers use this time to talk to each other and/or put out fires. There is not usually social skills instruction at this time---even though research indicates this is when it is most valuable and needed.

and lunch, is with their class (secluded) while the general ed. kids are with their respective classes but they call this "mainstreaming"

From: Wihlborg

Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 9:07 AM

To: sList

Subject: Re: Re: Clusters

I have been reading the posts. My son is in a cluster and is mainstreamed for lunch and recess. He is doing good.

To: deniseslist Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2009 10:25:32 AMSubject: RE: Re: Clusters

Shirley, I'm not really concerned about the restrictive environment in reference to clusters because just by being in Special class, they are in a restrictive environment. Since they are in one, let's make the best of it. The cluster instruction is not the answer.

To: sList@ yahoogroups. comFrom: shirlygilad@ yahoo.comDate: Sun, 13 Sep 2009 07:38:37 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters

Clusters are a restrictive environment. They are the extreme opposite to inclusion. IDEA states that children should be in a least restrictive environment. The argument is that in the cluster our kids can receive more intense therapy and services. The reality should be that they get all that they need but in an inclusive setting.

Shirly

Shirly Gilad BCBA,RN, FNP, MS

Behavioral Therapy and then some.

Work:

Fax:

shirlyshirlygilad (DOT) com

www.shirlygilad. com

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Nila BenitoSent: Saturday, September 12, 2009 12:00 AMTo: deniseslist@ yahoogroups. comSubject: RE: Re: Clusters

The research says that clusters do not result in optimal outcomes for our kids.

To: deniseslist@ yahoogroups. comFrom: gary00001msn (DOT) comDate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:28:20 -0400Subject: RE: Re: Clusters

I once heard a Behaviorist sat that he has never seen a cluster he liked.

To: sList@ yahoogroups. comFrom: janvanoyyahoo (DOT) comDate: Fri, 11 Sep 2009 06:33:21 -0700Subject: Re: Re: Clusters

Thank You. If anyone has more suggestions they are welcome

Jeannette

From: mytoothaches2003 <mytoothaches2003@ yahoo.com>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 2:09:42 PMSubject: Re: Clusters

--WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK!- In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote:>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette>

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[Guest guest]

Generalizations are very difficult to use for children with autism. Your statement is not true for my child. Any setting is only as good as the people who are leading it, and the services rendered to the child.

is high functioning and has a June birthday. I had him repeat 5th grade to give him some time to gain emotional maturity. In making this decision, we also opted for two to three hours of cluster time so he could be 1:1 with teachers and speech coach. THis was beneficial to his growth.

Hilda

Re: Clusters

--WE CAN GIVE YOU 2 GREAT OPTIONS THAT WORKED FOR US. CHALLENGER ELEM. HAS A GREAT PRE-K PROGRAM MS. BARBARA IS AN ANGEL WITHOUT THE WINGS. THE OTHER OPTION IS SANDPIPER IN SUNRISE WHERE OUR SON NIKOLAS GOES SINCE KINDERGARTEN AND WE ARE VERY HAPPY THERE. GOOD LUCK!- In sList@ yahoogroups. com, jeannette vanoy <janvanoy@.. .> wrote:>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette>

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[Guest guest]

I would like to see ABA (if needed), academics and social therapies (if needed) in the proportion that the child needs. Therefore a high functionng autistic child's needs would be a lot different than a severely autistic child. I would start with the academic area first. Oh my!! This would require thinking first and then planning and not the other way around!

To: sList From: Wamtzem@...Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:40:56 -0400Subject: Re: Clusters

To answer this:

Should every kid on the spectrum in our schools receive 1 on 1 ABA therapy for their entire school day (most restrictive)?? or should every kid on the spectrum in our schools go into a general education classroom with every other kid in a much larger class all day(least restrictive )??

My opinion has for a long time been, they need both. Half day 1:1 in which to learn requisite skills, and then half day integrated within which to apply skills.

Anyone else feel this way? To make them learn in a setting which is not condusive to their learning is insidious, as is not giving them an opportunity to learn from and apply learned skills with typical peers.

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[Guest guest]

it appears as though those who are writing such posts do not seem to think about those that do work in clusters or have in the past. Do you realize what kind of slap in the face hearing that our HARD work is seen as purely babysitting? if babysitting is all that goes on in your child's classroom, then maybe you can do something; else like home school. If those who spent tens of thousands of dollars on schooling and better educating themselves in order to educate children with Autism are nothing more than babysitters, I that tells me that we have all wasted our time, your child's time, and our hard earned money. Nothing in life is perfect, but trust in the fact that babysitting happens at day care and "grandma's" house, not at school. Be sure when you post things, think about those it concerns and how others may feel when they read them. If you are not fully

informed about any situation or curriculum or specifics in the federal and state laws; I would suggest you learn as much as you can before stating false or hurtful accusations.>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette>

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[Guest guest]

I would be the last one to say that teachers in a special ed class are mere babysitters. But I'm the first to say that how things are taught could be better.

To: sList From: montadoj@...Date: Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:31:59 -0700Subject: RE: Re: Clusters

it appears as though those who are writing such posts do not seem to think about those that do work in clusters or have in the past. Do you realize what kind of slap in the face hearing that our HARD work is seen as purely babysitting? if babysitting is all that goes on in your child's classroom, then maybe you can do something; else like home school. If those who spent tens of thousands of dollars on schooling and better educating themselves in order to educate children with Autism are nothing more than babysitters, I that tells me that we have all wasted our time, your child's time, and our hard earned money. Nothing in life is perfect, but trust in the fact that babysitting happens at day care and "grandma's" house, not at school. Be sure when you post things, think about those it concerns and how others may feel when they read them. If you are not fully informed about any situation or curriculum or specifics in the federal and state laws; I would suggest you learn as much as you can before stating false or hurtful accusations.>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette>

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[Guest guest]

thank you Ms Montado- our hard work in the schools is often way undervalued!>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette>

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[Guest guest]

I am very inform and remember... they get paid and need to do their jobThat is not FREE. Are you a cluster teacher?

Jeannette

To: deniseslist Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 3:48:41 PMSubject: RE: Re: Clusters

I would be the last one to say that teachers in a special ed class are mere babysitters. But I'm the first to say that how things are taught could be better.

To: sList@ yahoogroups. comFrom: montadojyahoo (DOT) comDate: Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:31:59 -0700Subject: RE: Re: Clusters

it appears as though those who are writing such posts do not seem to think about those that do work in clusters or have in the past. Do you realize what kind of slap in the face hearing that our HARD work is seen as purely babysitting? if babysitting is all that goes on in your child's classroom, then maybe you can do something; else like home school. If those who spent tens of thousands of dollars on schooling and better educating themselves in order to educate children with Autism are nothing more than babysitters, I that tells me that we have all wasted our time, your child's time, and our hard earned money. Nothing in life is perfect, but trust in the fact that babysitting happens at day care and "grandma's" house, not at school. Be sure when you post things, think about those it concerns and how others may feel when they read them. If you are not fully informed about any situation or curriculum or specifics in the federal and state

laws; I would suggest you learn as much as you can before stating false or hurtful accusations.>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette>

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[Guest guest]

Please make sure that you know "freedom of expression is a right" and specially when I know and others also know from specific experiences.

Please do not take it as accusations. That is a fact but does not apply to all clusters or all teachers from clusters.I have also positive experiences, out of 5 clusters only 2 did their job.

If you are a cluster teacher and you practice your job with ethics, do not worry about please.

I appreciate your understanding

Thank You,

Jeannette

To: sList Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 11:31:59 AMSubject: RE: Re: Clusters

it appears as though those who are writing such posts do not seem to think about those that do work in clusters or have in the past. Do you realize what kind of slap in the face hearing that our HARD work is seen as purely babysitting? if babysitting is all that goes on in your child's classroom, then maybe you can do something; else like home school. If those who spent tens of thousands of dollars on schooling and better educating themselves in order to educate children with Autism are nothing more than babysitters, I that tells me that we have all wasted our time, your child's time, and our hard earned money. Nothing in life is perfect, but trust in the fact that babysitting happens at day care and "grandma's" house, not at school. Be sure when you post things, think about those it concerns and how others may feel when they read them. If you are not fully informed about any situation or curriculum or specifics in the federal and state

laws; I would suggest you learn as much as you can before stating false or hurtful accusations.>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette>

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[Guest guest]

I would really like your input regarding clusters in my article... I hope you'll respond to the request I made earlier.: )

 

it appears as though those who are writing such posts do not seem to think about those that do work in clusters or have in the past. Do you realize what kind of slap in the face hearing that our HARD work is seen as purely babysitting? if babysitting is all that goes on in your child's classroom, then maybe you can do something; else like home school. If those who spent tens of thousands of dollars on schooling and better educating themselves in order to educate children with Autism are nothing more than babysitters, I that tells me that we have all wasted our time, your child's time, and our hard earned money. Nothing in life is perfect, but trust in the fact that babysitting happens at day care and " grandma's " house, not at school. Be sure when you post things, think about those it concerns and how others may feel when they read them. If you are not fully

informed about any situation or curriculum or specifics in the federal and state laws; I would suggest you learn as much as you can before stating false or hurtful accusations.

[Guest guest]

I shouldn't have to home school my kid because his school can't get it together,

are you serious? Did it ever cross anybody's mind that maybe if I felt there was

something wrong with my kid's school I should talk to them and they should have

it investigated and corrected? Why is all the responsibility on the parents?

Aren't, or shouldn't the schools be responsible as well? There are many posts

complaining about clusters, so that gives you something to think about.

There's good teachers and bad teachers, good school and bad schools, that's all.

I can be as informed as the next guy about the curriculum, if the school doesn't

know how to implement it, then what?

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I'd like to answer this one because its very important.

When it is said, as below "Did it ever cross anybody's mind that maybe if I felt there wassomething wrong with my kid's school I should talk to them and they should haveit investigated and corrected," the answer is YES! If you feel there is something wrong with your child's class, first discuss it with the teacher. If there is no resolution, go to the school ESE Director. Still no resolution, go to the principal. If there is still an issue, at that point go to your area office. In my experience, many issues are resolved way before this point.

I can't emphasize this too strongly: if you don't like something in your child's class, don't just complain about it, DO SOMETHING.

And if the school, as said below, doesn't know how to implement something, offer to help. Get involved.

We can't drop off our kids at the school house door, pick them up at the end of the day, and have no interaction in between. If we don't push for a solution, if we don't become part of the solution, then shame on us.

Re: Clusters

I shouldn't have to home school my kid because his school can't get it together,are you serious? Did it ever cross anybody's mind that maybe if I felt there wassomething wrong with my kid's school I should talk to them and they should haveit investigated and corrected? Why is all the responsibility on the parents?Aren't, or shouldn't the schools be responsible as well? There are many postscomplaining about clusters, so that gives you something to think about.There's good teachers and bad teachers, good school and bad schools, that's all.I can be as informed as the next guy about the curriculum, if the school doesn'tknow how to implement it, then what?

Wed Sep 16, 2009 1:24 pm

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[Guest guest]

Agreed...

It is important to have a positive relationship with the teacher, support staff and administration at the school. I don't believe these individuals, in general, purposefully try to exclude our kids. I think they don’t have the support and resources to do it appropriately. I believe most do the best they can with what they have....Hey, like us!!!

From: Karp

Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 2:31 PM

To:

Subject: Re: Clusters

Hi everyone,

I'd like to answer this one because its very important.

When it is said, as below "Did it ever cross anybody's mind that maybe if I felt there wassomething wrong with my kid's school I should talk to them and they should haveit investigated and corrected," the answer is YES! If you feel there is something wrong with your child's class, first discuss it with the teacher. If there is no resolution, go to the school ESE Director. Still no resolution, go to the principal. If there is still an issue, at that point go to your area office. In my experience, many issues are resolved way before this point.

I can't emphasize this too strongly: if you don't like something in your child's class, don't just complain about it, DO SOMETHING.

And if the school, as said below, doesn't know how to implement something, offer to help. Get involved.

We can't drop off our kids at the school house door, pick them up at the end of the day, and have no interaction in between. If we don't push for a solution, if we don't become part of the solution, then shame on us.

Re: Clusters

I shouldn't have to home school my kid because his school can't get it together,are you serious? Did it ever cross anybody's mind that maybe if I felt there wassomething wrong with my kid's school I should talk to them and they should haveit investigated and corrected? Why is all the responsibility on the parents?Aren't, or shouldn't the schools be responsible as well? There are many postscomplaining about clusters, so that gives you something to think about.There's good teachers and bad teachers, good school and bad schools, that's all.I can be as informed as the next guy about the curriculum, if the school doesn'tknow how to implement it, then what?

Wed Sep 16, 2009 1:24 pm

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[Guest guest]

Absolutely. Parents need to work with the school and the teachers, that's why I

was appalled by the suggestion that I should homeschool my kid if I didn't think

the teachers weren't doing their jobs. What I need to do is get on their case

and make sure they do. Every way I can. And teachers need to take a look at

these responses and discussions regarding clusters or any other programs and try

to see what could be wrong with the system. If you read a parent say they think

their teachers are mere babysitters, what could be giving them this impression?

Work with us, please.

>

> Hi everyone,

>  

> I'd like to answer this one because its very important. 

>  

> When it is said, as below " Did it ever cross anybody's mind that maybe if I

felt there was

> something wrong with my kid's school I should talk to them and they should

have

> it investigated and corrected, "   the answer is YES!  If you feel there is

something wrong with your child's class, first discuss it with the teacher.  If

there is no resolution, go to the school ESE Director.  Still no resolution, go

to the principal.  If there is still an issue, at that point go to your area

office.  In my experience, many issues are resolved way before this point.

>  

> I can't emphasize this too strongly:  if you don't like something in your

child's class, don't just complain about it, DO SOMETHING.

>  

> And if the school, as said below, doesn't know how to implement something,

offer to help.  Get involved. 

>  

> We can't drop off our kids at the school house door, pick them up at the end

of the day, and have no interaction in between.  If we don't push for a

solution, if we don't become part of the solution, then shame on us.

>  

>

>  

>  

>  

>

>

>

>

>

> Re: Clusters

>

> I shouldn't have to home school my kid because his school can't get it

together,

> are you serious? Did it ever cross anybody's mind that maybe if I felt there

was

> something wrong with my kid's school I should talk to them and they should

have

> it investigated and corrected? Why is all the responsibility on the parents?

> Aren't, or shouldn't the schools be responsible as well? There are many posts

> complaining about clusters, so that gives you something to think about.

> There's good teachers and bad teachers, good school and bad schools, that's

all.

> I can be as informed as the next guy about the curriculum, if the school

doesn't

> know how to implement it, then what?

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Wed Sep 16, 2009 1:24 pm

>

> Show Message Option

>

>

> Up Thread

> View Source

> Use Fixed Width Font

> Unwrap Lines

>

>

>

> " bijcom " bijcom

> Offline

> Send Email

>

>

> Remove Author | Ban Author

>

[Guest guest]

Teachers might be working hard but it does not mean that the children are receiving what they are entitled to under IDEA. I don't blame the teachers totally. I think it is their supervisors and the school district who do not provide the resources and proper training for these teachers. This makes their job much more difficult and may lend itself to chaos in the classroom.I can sympathize with some of the previous posts-Students in a cluster are supposed to receive the same educational benefit as their typical peers plus specialized and individualized instruction.Can anyone tell me that they do? I have never been to a cluster class that provided this. While levels and rate of progress may be different, cluster students are entitled to the same "amount" of instruction and other activities as their peers. I would actually say they should

receive more since most require intensive instruction in order to make significant progress to appropriate grade level.Parents need to realize that education is business. There is always going to be some conflict of interest, especially when it comes to cost. I suggest that parents learn from sources outside the school system and their affiliates what their child is entitled to. Yes, it would be a beautiful thing if we could all sit together and discuss what is best for the child- it would be wonderful if everyone on the team really worked together to do what is best for the child-Unfortunately from my experience and countless other parents once a parent *disagrees* the school becomes adversarial. This typically happens when the parents learns of what their child "should" be receiving. Again- I do not blame the teacher as long as he/she is honest at

IEP meetings as to what the child needs.Fran>> Hi:> A little frustrated with the cluster class for Autism. They work as baby sitters more than anything, main reason my son is going to kindergarden is because he is able to see other children. > Does anyone know a good school for autistic child around Hollywood, City, etc.> Thank You,> Jeannette>

Hotmail® is up to 70% faster. Now good news travels really fast. Try it now.

The

Windows Live: Make it easier for your friends to see what you’re up to on Facebook. Find out more.

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