Reply #19: excellent article in response

[mzteris]

http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/column/smith//index.php?ntid=85279&ntpid=1

Lampert Smith: School Board rookie needs some learning
SUSAN LAMPERT SMITH Wisconsin State Journal

". . . By now, assuming that he is "educable," a word that went out of style when Elvis was still alive, I'm sure he's learned a few things.

First, that federal and state law require that the schools educate every child that comes through the door, no matter what. Yes, it's expensive. And yes, the federal government long ago quit paying its full share of the cost. But ignoring the law would bring on a lawsuit that would dwarf the costs currently paid for special education.

More importantly, Bartol needs a lesson on compassion. He should spend time with kids with disabilities, their teachers and their families. He would learn how hard the kids work to learn skills that are easy for the rest of us, and how their teachers and families celebrate those victories.

At the kids' homes, he'd learn that there is no "elsewhere" to send them. We closed the institutions long ago but don't spend nearly enough to support kids with disabilities in the community. There are waiting lists years long for nearly every service. School is about the only place these kids can go and not be turned away.

Finally, he might learn some humility. His children or grandchildren might be born with disabilities. Or they might start out fine, but wind up in special education thanks to a head injury. . ."

-more-

http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/column/smith//index.php?ntid=85279&ntpid=1