Reply #24: I think they should, too, but for the opposite reason.

[liberalhistorian]

Too many have little or no understanding of differences and disabilities and have no interest in upgrading their education and skills to encompass new information and research when it is so critical for the well-being of students for them to do so; they're also still in "punitive" mode, for the most part, iow, punishing differences instead of understanding the whys and wherefores of many conditions and that NOT ALL CHILDREN act the exact same way, nor should they be required to do so. The only teachers I had problems with in regards to my aspie son were teachers older than fifty, who were a real pain in the ass; they wouldn't even listen to his professionals and sped coordinators and refused to acknowledge that he could be extremely intelligent and still have difficulties in some areas. Their way of thinking is outdated, outmoded and very dangerous to students nowadays.

And as far as "dumbass principals"-most of the "dumbasses" are older ones, not the younger ones. I've had nothing but good experiences with younger ones. Older ones-meh.

And my retired teacher mother, in her late sixties, more than agrees; in fact, she's adamant about it. My retired teacher stepdad would agree, but he's in a nursing home with dementia now.