Comments

1. 
   On August 04, 2010 carinabck says:

   Really an I.E.P is extremely helpful to a student when they go to college, because public colleges are required to uphold the I.E.P that was made when that person graduated high school, with a regular diploma. My small sister has had an I.E.P since she was in second grade, she is now 25 years ancient and an E.M.T for the local hospital. She graduated at the top of her E.M.T class too.

   No parent “wants” their child to get into Special Ed. But when you watch a child struggle with school, whether it be from physical complications, emotional struggles, or just a matter of not being able to comprehend and communicate like their peers then it is your duty as a parent to help that child. That help may include getting an I.E.P and putting them in a class with children with special needs.

   Would you not give a child insulin for diabetes because you thought it might negatively impact the way someone viewed them later? No. The same is right for not getting a child with special needs into Special Education.

2. 
   On August 04, 2010 Person With Disabilities --- PWD says:

   No parent deliberately wants to get their child into Special Education unless there is a justified educational reason for it.

   If a child is placed into Special Education, it is for the reason to help their child to achieve and succeed in their school education.

3. 
   On August 04, 2010 beetlemilk says:

   Most people who do want special ed. for their child is because the child is struggling without the specialized education and needs more support than children that do not struggle.

   Agree, once you get into a more restrictive environment it is hard to get out. You can get a diploma with an IEP.

   Community colleges do take the tiered diploma or certificate of completion.

   The military you need to have an IQ in the low average range minimum, but Muhammed Ali was not discharged from the military based upon low IQ. The military tested him at 78 which is borderline intellectual functioning and below the minimum score of 85.

   The goal is to get as many sp. needs children support while in school so they can grow to live independently as adults and this is less costly than not giving the support in school and having them need the support throughout adulthood.

4. 
   On August 04, 2010 Kathi says:

   I’m sorry, but I don’t buy the “once you’re in, you rarely get out and your outcome is not that fantastic” mentality. If parents aren’t effective advocates for their children, don’t know their rights, and don’t participate this might be the case. Parents MUST be involved for this process to work as intended and their child to get the appropriate help, intervention and education.

   I know of a girl who had an IEP since 2nd grade. She has severe dyslexia. She had her first MAINSTREAM English class in 11th grade, and while she struggled, she passed both 11th and 12 grade English. She graduated with a regular diploma just like everyone else despite her continued IEP and special education background. She’s currently in Community College studying to be a Math Teacher. She’s still got some accomodations for her dyslexia, but she’s successful. She was accepted at Monterey State here in CA but chose community college for her first year out of High School. **EDITED TO ADD** One of the requrements for her degree is a foreign language. Something that would be nearly impossible for her due to her dyslexia. For her foreign language, she’s taking American Sign Language, and is extremly successful in it. I’m not sure though if it’s an accomidation or a typical acceptable replacement foreign language.

   My 6th grade son’s tale. I had to fight to get him into special education. He now has an IEP and goes to resource for comprehension issues. He has in class support to help with organization, notes and general support in his areas of weakness. His schoolwork has now improved dramatically, he no longer says “I’m stupid” or “I just can’t do it”. He is bringing home better test and homework scores, not because standards are lowered, but because he has the support to succeed. He will have a much better outcome because of his special education involvement. THAT is why I fought to get him into special education. He will be able to get a general diploma, and go into the military or community college if he so chooses.

   I have a daughter who is in special education. She has the diagnosis of Autism. Without special education she couldn’t participate at school. She will not “get out” of special education, but for her, it’s an appropriate option. I do work with the IEP team to make sure she’s as included as much as she can handle in the typical environment. She’s made INCREDIBLE progress, and continues to impress us all with her growth. Her path does not likely include the Military. She may or may not be able to aquire a general ed diploma, but that won’t stop her from achieving her full potential.

5. 
   On August 04, 2010 justmeinthisworld says:

   Carina-i wish I coudl email you

   Colleges do not recognize IEPS-that is ineffective once teh high school diloma is received-

   Colleges are required to make accommodations–but not as many as an IEP–it is done under section 504 of teh rehab act

   for instance-some colleges will not allow course substitutions–An IEP may allow a student to graduate after only passing pre algebra–but if algebra or other advanced math is required to graduate form colleg-they do not necessarily have to allow a substitute math course–tehy way make a case that it will fundamentally alter teh college program

   some colleges will–i knew someone withOUT a LD–he was exempt from teh foreign language requirement-even though he passed it inhigh school–adn teh college course was at the same level-Spanish 1 and 2…

   colleges to regualrly give accommodations–extra time, technology support, etc..–they will do this even if there was not an IEP-but the student is found to have LD in college

6. 
   On August 04, 2010 Kelly says:

   I want to tell you my tale so that you can better know that special education is a fantastic thing. My son struggled with school and by the time he got to the third grade was failing every subject. After years of fighting to get a diagnoses, my son was finally diagnosed with several learning disabilities and then with asperger’s disorder. Once he obtained an IEP and started to receive services through the school he was very successful. So successful that he was able to receive a trophy for being on the all A honor roll for 3 years straight, consistently scored in the top 10% of the nation on the state standardized testing, and was chosen to represent the state of Ohio at a national leadership conference. He will be attending a private special education school this year because the public school is not appropriate and they have agreed to pay for the private school. (he is in high school this year) When he graduates he will be graduating with a Honors diploma and will be going to college. Without special education and his IEP, I doubt that he would even graduate from high school.

7. 
   On August 04, 2010 pioneer_grrrl1979 says:

   As somebody who really was in special education for k-12, my long term outcome or cost was fabulous!

   Being eligible for and enrolled in the appropriate special education programs for my own physical and learning disabilities ultimately was what enabled me to successfully complete college and then graduate school.

   I could not have enrolled (much less graduated) without that high school diploma.

   “In general” the so called information being presented in this question is fake.

   It ignores the many overwhelmingly positive experiences of people with disabilities who really completed special education!

   Obtaining an IEP was beneficial for my success in multiple ways, in both the immediate and long term.

   I certainly did obtain a general education diploma from my high school.

   I was even able to simultaneously enroll in an Advanced Placement class while receiving special education services. I did this because that AP class was in an area not affected by my learning disability.

   The only people who had a problem with me ever being in special education were public school classmates without disabilities who were prejudiced and judgmental.

   But knowing that they legally could not direct any part my IEP/future anyways, I laughed it off. I was fine as just as I was–and am!

8. 
   On August 04, 2010 gothika says:

   it’s not because we WANT to but because we HAVE to because our children NEED it.
   and you do everything for your child, right?

   in fact, you can’t get your kid into a special school unless you present an evaluation report from a certified, licensed developmental pediatrician. so it’s not just out of whim. it’s a right blue condition that is recognized and should be addressed, hence, the need for special education.

   now i’m thinking about your ‘when a student gets into special education, they rarely get out’. what, because of social stigma? that’s probably it because other than that, i don’t see any problem that could arise in the future. sped helps a child adjust and catch up and ultimately, belong. they get an equal chance out there.

   so if there’s going to be any problem for them, it’s just from those miniscule-thinking, judgemental, narcicisstic idiots of our society.

   oh and btw, those idiots attack anyone. even those who went through normal education.