Should I let my moderately retarded son attend public school?

Question

My son is 11 and in the 5th grade next year they will put him in junior high and I have been informed that he must take an elective class. He will also have to join the general population for P.E. They want him to take science, health and geography with the regular students until he "overloads" and then they will take him out and put him in special classes.

Right now my son is in Special Ed classes but in these classes are kids that have disapline problems and my son doesn't have those issues its just that he is developmentally disabled. His level is about that of a 1st grader on some things but lower on other things. He doesn't understand kids making fun of him he thinks they are being his friend.

I adopted him 3 years ago, and I clearly want whats best for him. I am not sure public school is the answer. Is there something else I can do that will help him learn in a safe and tease free enviornment? Help! I am worried!

Answer 1

There are several different things to consider here.

First of all, the nationwide move now is to have all students with disabilities, even severe disabilities, included in regular classes. This doesn't mean the kids are working at the same level as the rest of the class; they can be working on their IEP goals, or lower levels of the goals the rest of the students are working on.

Does the school have a plan for supporting your son in regular classes?

Many elementary classes have classes such as you describe. We call them VE or Varying Exceptionalities classes in our state. Usually in elementary school there aren't enough kids with one specific disability to have an entire class for them.

Middle and high schools are different, though, and are more likely to have a categorical class specifically for students who are mentally handicapped.

Maybe you could go observe the classes they want your child to attend. Then you can meet with the counselor, share your concerns, and make the supports your child will need are in place. If you aren't happy with what you see, you can talk to the counselor, or maybe someone at the county level, about placing your son in a class specifically for kids who are mentally handicapped.

As for the teasing, unfortunately, as long as there are kids around there is the chance that he will be teased. A self-contained class for students with MH will help reduce the likelihood of him being teased, but he may still see other kids at lunch, in the halls, on the bus, etc. Whether he goes to a public school, private school, or charter school, as long as there are kids around there is a possibility he will be teased.

Does the new school have a Best Buddies program? If not, you might want to start one. This can have a tremendous impact on both mentally handicapped and regular ed kids and promote kindness and understanding.

Think about getting him involved in activities like Special Olympics and local athletics specifically for handicapped kids. The more confident he feels, and the more chances he has to interact with other kids, the more likely he'll be accepted and avoid teasing.

Figuring out the best class for your child can be incredibly difficult. Be sure to monitor his progress and visit the classrooms from time to time, no matter which class he attends. Good luck!

Answer 2

This is a transition for you and your son, and I understand that it is overwhelming and frightening to make this kind of change.

It sounds as though your son has an IEP and is already receiving special education in an environment that you do not think is best for him. It sounds like the elementary school he attends has lumped all the kids with disabilities in the same classroom regardless of their needs.

The junior high school is proposing programming for your son based on their professional judgment. They are looking at this functioning and proposing that he participate in an elective and PE. Why not let him try an elective, like art? Does he have any physical reasons why he can't participate in PE?

They're proposing that he participate in the content area classes with his nondisabled peers because that is the least restrictive environment. It is possible, with accommodations, modfications and assistance, for a student who is functioning where your son is, to do fine in general education classes. If he doesn't do fine, then you'll have a reason for the special classes. Why not give him the chance?

Also, it is possible that there will be more options for his programming because middle schools pull a more diverse population than elementary schools and should have more resources.

I think you need to give public junior high a shot before you discount it. It sounds (to me) like they're proposing a viable plan for your son. As for a "safe, tease free environment", I don't think you'll ever get that. A safe environment, yes. But a tease-free one--probably not. Teachers and other adults can't be with all kids at all times. They CAN foster an environment of mutual respect and high expectations.

It's very valid for you to be worried, but I think the proposed placement and programming for junior high is probably going to be better for your son than what he's getting in elementary school.

Answer 3

I don't know what state you'e in, but special ed classes shouldn't have the range you mentioned. They shouldn't have BD (behavior disorded) kids in the same class with developmentally disabled kids. However, states differ on what's "kosher", and we're in a transitional period right now, wherever you live. The Feds have cut/eliminated lots of funding for special education nationally. So now, the big push is to get them into regular classrooms. Then they don't have to set aside classrooms for special ed kids (lots of schools are pressed for space now, so they see this as an advantage) and they don't have to employ as many special ed teachers, because one teacher can roam around from classroom to classroom working with the 4 or 5 special ed kids in that room for half an hour or an hour, so they save money on salaries. Not to mention the fact that special ed teachers are in short supply right now. Increasing teacher compensation would just destroy the universe as we know it, so they're cutting back to reduce demand. If I sound bitter, I am. I see the same thing happening in my state (Illinois). Administrators and politicians talk about leaving no child behind, but acts speak louder than words. If you have a private, progressive, school in your area for developmentally disabled kids, I say go for it. But such schools are as scarce as hen's teeth. I don't know of a single one, do you? Private schools don't have to deal with any serious problems, because they don't have to accept anyone who walks in the door, like public schools do. I'd work with the public school you're in. Talk to the principal, the special ed director, the superintendent, even individual school board members if it comes to that. Don't worry about being a pain, keep after them until they do the right thing. It's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease!

Answer 4

Do I feel for you. I'm sorry but the only thing I have to offer is this. Someday you will not be there to protect him and he will have to function in some fashion. I think the more you insulate him the worse that transition will be.

BTW, I am just speaking to you what my common sense is telling me. I have never walked a step in your shoes let alone a mile. I don't envy you the job you have ahead. I will wish you the best of luck and I sincerely hope you can get some excellent guidance somewhere. And say hi to your son, he sounds like a fine young man with a very good heart. I wonder if he got it from his Mom?

Answer 5

In all honesty, I don't think there is any " tease-free" environment, but you may want to look into alternatives to public school. If he is mentally disabled and as far behind as you say, (His level is about that of a 1st grader on some things but lower on other things. My son is 11 and in the 5th grade...) he should be in a school that is better equipped to deal with his type of disability.

Answer 6

There is no such thing as a tease free environment.We used to have a girl that was mentally disabled and she was accepted at our school.This is a hard one.Could he do school on a parttime basis just with the subjects that he can handle?Teach at home.Its good for kids to be able to accept all children from different walks of life.He may not be able to handle the overload.

Answer 7

Do what will give your son the best education. If the public school assisted him with his needs I would say yes to public. But if you are having problems already the public school may not be the best choice.
I don't know what area you are in but you might want to choose:
A charter school
Private religious school

I hope you find a suitable school for your son

Answer 8

Demand an I.E.p with the school district to arrange a solution this is your right. You may also bring any specialist to address these issues. Just because the `school wants this does not mean you have to do it.

Answer 9

Look for a different special ed school with students that matches your kid's requirements.

Answer 10

ask your doc talk to shool consler