Hello,
As we get ready for our children who are
heading back to school, it is a great time to take stock of what our
expectations are for this school year. Most parents want the same thing,
whether your child receives special education services, gifted services, or
general education in public, charter, or private schools. We want to know
that our children will receive a quality education that will prepare them for
the next level of schooling as they climb the grade ladder, or prepare them for
college if they are close to leaving high school. We want that education
delivered in a safe school environment by staff who support and respect
their rights as students, while teaching and guiding them. We also want them with peers who support a
safe climate by following school routines and rules. “Safe” is not just defined as free from
physical harm and threats, we want their emotional needs protected and their
esteem held intact. Sounds like a tall
order, but it’s what schools should and can provide. It happens when parents and community
organizations partner with schools to support positive outcomes. We have to get onto the same page; we have to
say what we want in clear, concise language that is not abusive or threatening;
we have to take the time to spend the time in the schools and with our children
at home working toward the same ends.
In my next entry I will focus on starting out the school year to
support the partnering process if your child has an IEP.
