Special Ed in America: The Reality

Most Americans don't realize what is really going on in our school systems. Rules, regulations and laws regarding special education as well as their interpretations by hearing officers have increasingly led to untenable situations for school employees. In fact, it is out of control. All students are entitled to a free education, but only students identified as having special needs are entitled to a free and appropriate education and therein lies the rub. What is appropriate?

Like so many things in America, class and money shade this definition. Most educators are doing their best with what limited resources are available to them to provide services to their students. Some school systems do less than they should for students who are poor or whose parents seem disinterested. This, of course, is a travesty.

Still worse, are the families who abuse the system. There are countless families who demand unnecessary and over the top services. Some demand that their children be identified as eligible for special education even when they do not have a qualifying disability or a need for services. Of course, money can always find "doctors" or other professionals willing to dole out diagnosis.

Most schools will give in when threatened with a law suit and simply qualify students for services and provide unnecessary services to students to avoid paying exorbitant attorney fees. It used to be that compensatory education was the most that was awarded to students and families. Now we see undeserving families awarded millions of dollars for "loss of future earnings". Of course, to pay these families, monies are taken from general education funds and less and less funding is being spend on the 90% of the student population that does not qualify as needing special education services.

I worked for years in special education in California. Feel free to ask me questions. While I don't believe in abusing the system, I do believe in providing appropriate services to students who need them and would be happy to answer questions as best I can. I know that there are lots of parents out there who do not have advocates and attorneys and are simply trying to do what is best for their kids. I'd be happy to provide any insight I can.