Parenting is really hard work.  I have a son who scored below a 3 on the New York State ELA exam and will probably receive additional services.  The trouble is, he was in the additional services class last year too and no change has occurred.  I have it easy, however, because my child does not need special education.

I often scratch my head about special ed.  It seems that the idea to include all students is a no brainer.  The problem is that the actual education of those students falls short.

Here's a for instance:  A special education student needs "extra time" to take a test.  That seems fair, but who wants a kid with learning difficulties spending more time taking a test?  Wouldn't it make better sense to create tests that provide the same information in less test questions?  I feel sorry for the parents of these children because those kids get a bit of a run-around.

Don't misunderstand:  there are many students who receive special education services and go on to earn higher education degrees.  I just am not wowed by the system in which these students are placed.  The educational system needs to support these students in ways that actually help them.  If we know a student is going to have difficulty in school, why do we place the same expectations on that student as we would on a student who obviously will go on?  Why can't we offer something that will make learning more hands-on or real?  The BOCES program when I was in high school was a program for students who wanted some vocational training since college wasn't in their forecast.  (By the way, some schools with high drop out rates have begun adding the vocational, hands-on learning curriculum in place so students will enjoy learning and seeing how their education will apply to the work field.)

No, BOCES is not for special ed students.  But it could be.  In fact, it could help many struggling students.  And, if students could hate school a little less, then perhaps their parents could feel less stressed about their future.