Today’s topic addresses the challenges surrounding resources in education and the urgent need for change. Many school districts are experiencing budget cuts, reduced funding, and fewer staff members, making it difficult to provide a quality education for our ESE population. As a parent of a child with exceptional needs, I see firsthand how these issues impact our schools. Staff members are doing their best to creatively accommodate students, but it's clear that we cannot continue to accept these challenges as excuses at the expense of our children.
Two significant examples that I have encountered, and I would love for my fellow parents and educators to weigh in on, are as follows:
The first example comes from this past week when I had to advocate for services to be offered during a state-required course that the school was labeling as an elective. The first red flag here is that you cannot call a “required” course an “elective.” That is a true oxymoron. The required course has academic expectations and should therefore provide the same ESE services that are offered during math or ELA.
Even our paraprofessional was allowed to be absent during this class because it was deemed an elective, but my child's safety alone raised concerns for me. In my meeting with the school about these issues, they were great at coming up with a creative solution for my child. I was given the option to have her drop the course and take a direct instruction course next year, or to continue in the current class with an additional paraprofessional provided. I chose the latter to avoid disrupting her routine and schedule two months into the school year. I can only hope that in the future, they address needs and provide the necessary services for all ESE students who require them from the start. I cannot help but to think about how many other children may be experiencing that same difficulties and their parents don’t have the awareness or are not informed enough to ask the right questions. Just another reason why these discussions are needed.
The next example breaks my heart because, as parents of children with exceptional needs, we want nothing more than for our children to be included and to feel a part of their school community. Some students require paraprofessionals for after-school activities as well, and due to budget constraints or lack of staff, these students are being denied the opportunity to join after-school clubs. While there are laws that may enforce inclusion, the immediate needs are not being met, and parents are being told there is no staff available, accompanied by an apology. All at the expense of the child again. Why is it acceptable to accept this excuse? I do have to say that these excuses did become more prevalent after COVID and schools got away with them then. Now they continue to expect the same grace from parents but we cannot allow it.
Sure in order to invoke change, we can start by advocating for increased funding at the local, state, and federal levels. However, let's be honest: our plates are full, and we need immediate change for our children! One effective approach is to engage parents and community members in discussions about resource needs to help raise awareness and drive action. By working together, we can find solutions that ensure every student receives the support they need to succeed while also making sure they are included. So let's keep the discussion going, and please weigh in with your point of view below.
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