Can I fight a public school system, who insist they are right?

Question

I have a 6 year old son who I recently removed from public school. He was enroll in first grade. His teacher at the time assisted he needed special services because he was not at 1st grade level. My son is very smart, and I am not saying that because I am in denial stage. My son is so intelligent, he does his homework so well and he knows so much about the world around him. When they sent home a permission slip to have my son evaluation. I did not want to sign it but I was pressured by his teachers, and principal that it needed to be sign. I did sign, but if I knew what I know now I would have never sign it. There are between 30 - 35 kids in these classrooms. When I try to enroll my son at a private christian school (North Pole Christian School) they denied his admission because what his instructors at his previous school told them about Ethan and that I was not a member of a church. Ethan has always been well behaved. Do I have no choice but to settle for a public school edu

My son is very well behave in school. He is very sociable and makes friends easily. He is not shy at all. My son goes to school in Alaska. People always want to assume I am being defensive but I am not. They always want to assume he must be doing something wrong. Ethan is a delightful child, and his teacher tell me this. Ethan does his work very well when he is focus. He just a daydreamer, just like I was at his age and I have college degree. If my mother did not fight with my school they would have done the same thing they are doing to my son. I am african american single mother with birracial children. I don't know if racism is problem but more african american boys are put into special needs program then any other group. Parents are told by these schools that there child cannot perform at grade level and the parents just accept it. The school is not always right, public school system, is just what it is, a system. Systems have many flaws.

Answer 1

Fight them! He is your child and you have every right to speak your mind when it comes to his education! Have tried enrolling him in a neighboring public school system?

Answer 2

Think about this for your son's sake. Did they say he is not at 1st grade level academically or socially or behaviorally or what? He can be very smart and yet be behind in some other way. Maybe he's smart and well-behaved with you at home, but in class he's shy or he misbehaves or acts like he's in another world. The fact that North Pole denied his admission also raises a red flag.

The teacher and principal have to create a paper trail over any problems with your son. You have every right to see those papers. Make an appointment to read his file. At least in IL, a copy of the file can be made by the school secy for the family.

Ask for a staffing appointment. With their permission, bring along a friend or someone you trust who knows Ethan. His teacher, the principal, and maybe a social worker or nurse or some other professional will be there representing the school. Be fair and listen to what they say about Ethan. Don't be on the defensive, because Ethan really may need some extra coaching in perhaps social skills or organizing his work. If they are wrong, that will come out too.

First grade is the best place to get these things worked out. The child is still very flexible and agreeable. You as his mom want the best for him, so please be open to what they have to say. They will listen to you too. (I've been to many staffings, so I know this is true.)

masha, a counselor

Answer 3

Sorry about your tough situation! In our district and state it is required that you show proof of residence before enrolling in our schools. So you would have to live in another district before your child could attend. Or you would have to obtain permission for a transfer into another close by school district if you don't live there. In most instances you can request to refuse special services if you do not agree with having him in special classes. They should have given you a copy of special education parental rights. It should tell you about what your rights as the parent are concerning this issue. Read those carefully. your school will have to abide by those as they are the law.

Answer 4

You need to say what state your in. some states have mckay scholarships available for students they deem as needing extra services they can not provide. giving them a scholarship to private schools. Other wise you as a parent have aright to see and review your sons records.I myself have fought the public school system to find it very expensive. But remember your child has a right to education. Try to set up a arg (students services)meeting to see what they recommend and find out about scholarships

Answer 5

You could try to "home school" your son but, by the looks of your post I think "home schooling" your son would be a tragic disservice to him.

Try to talk with the school psychologist in a one-to-one basis meeting and ask him/her to explain exactly why your son has been identified as a student in need of special assistance.

Whatever you decide please try to remember that the longer you delay help for your son the more difficult it will be for him to succeed in school.

Answer 6

You can ask for a transfer to another district. Don't ask his current school; go to the school you want him to attend.
Or, just move to another school district.