This will be lengthy. I would rate the district with five stars for my normal child. It's very…read moredifficult for me to give a rating based on my slightly autistic child. Autism is becoming more prevalent and the need for teachers that are trained specifically to deal with autism isn't required (not in this state, and I'm honestly not up to date on what is required here or other states). Even our special Ed teachers, or teachers working in CLC classrooms. For the most part, I think our experience is average, and I wouldn't equate that statement to a compliment. IEP's are stressful, and at times I feel that specific needs aren't met. By law, schools are required to be inclusive, meaning our special Ed kids should have as much time in their regular grade level classrooms as possible, which is good for the general education classes to experience as well. I can understand (having a regular kid) some debate against this; I wouldn't want my general Ed child having less of an education because the teacher is spending all their time with a special needs child. And I'm uncomfortable with the cost of an aid standing by my child full time, even though he should have it if he needs it. The last couple of years my autistic child was in school, he wasn't aloud in a regular classroom setting. He does need a lot of support though, so, I'm somewhat understanding. I feel that this creates a breeding ground for bullying. He would be alone during lunch time, and excluded by the other kids who wouldn't allow him to sit at their table. He had to sit at the peanut free table while eating his pb&j, something that his teacher never did anything about. We have had some kind and compassionate teachers, and only one horrible general Ed teacher experience to speak of. I would say that my experience with having a child with autism in this school district has at times been very sad and heartbreaking. I have had other parents quit speaking to me entirely upon finding out that my child is in special Ed, and while that has nothing to do with the district, it says a lot about the attitudes you might expect. Certainly not all parents! Some haven't acted any different when they learn this. My general Ed kid goes to Crystal Springs, which unfortunately doesn't have a special Ed class. It seems like the most understanding parents I have met, have been here. I would rate this child's experience with different schools in this district with a one star. I don't wish to offend most of his great teachers with this rating, rather point out that big changes for these special needs kids needs to happen. There are so many aspects of the implemented system that can make a parent feel like their child is equal to dog poop, in the districts eyes. I would also like to add that if you met my son and didn't know anything about autism, you would never guess he had it, which can actually be a big disadvantage even dealing with teachers.
I now have my child enrolled in Northshore Networks, which is a homeschool type program. Initially, when I tried to enroll him, the person I spoke with told me I had to get a new IEP written up and then the process would be started. I did exactly as directed but when I brought in the updated IEP, this very same person then indicated that they typically won't take kids on an IEP..... I felt so upset and angry about this. I am in a lucky enough position to be able to homeschool my child- not everyone can take this on! He did end up getting into Northshore Networks, and things are so much better. His teacher there is above fantastic, and my son is being educated now at his grade level, and he is no longer depressed. I am grateful to be able to do this for him, and that the district has this program. I would rate Northshore Networks with 5 stars! Great option and wonderful people here. I would still rate it this high even though enrolling him had its frustrating moments. I wish this program was a little bigger so as to allow more kids this option. That may be why they are selective? Please keep in mind that Northshore Networks is a homeschool program and means that as a parent you become entirely responsible for education, only meeting with a teacher once per week, to check assignments and get new ones.
Thank you Northshore for letting us into the homeschool program, and for my daughters wonderful school. We have a ways to go though, for our special needs kids education and socialization. It's probably not the worst, but certainly room for improvement.
One more thing I would like to add: my general Ed student has never had a teacher that we didn't love. Every single one. And they have all been above our expectations.
