Education, A System

So our school system is supposed to be one of the best in the state. And maybe that's true. But it defiantly doesn't live up to the standards we have created. Ever since the no child left behind act in 2004, its been our schools' duty and responsibility to provide the support and care that will allow every student to succeed. Yes, we have magnet and CAP, and all kinds of special programs that boost those kids that want to take on the challenge before college. But what about those kids with learning disabilities? They deserve that same level of support as those who want to push themselves. They are kids too, and just as important. Yet most schools refuse to accept that they are REQUIRED BY LAW to provide for these kids. Whether its testing accommodations, smaller classes, or tutoring and computer privileges, or even just understanding and support. Yet, teachers have NO PATIENCE for these kids. Half the teachers in the county don't even know what these disorders are! And the other students? Almost any person you meet will be completely ignorant to those people with learning disabilities hardships, calling them stupid, or messed up behind their backs. It's those kids who sit alone with no one to talk to at lunch, and the students are ignorant to their pain, but they are not the only ones to blame. The teachers and administration make virtually NO EFFORT to inform their students and staff of the real hardships. imagine this: you are only 8 years old and have been told you have ADHD, and barely know what this means except that it makes you different. Your parents want to help you, so they switch you to a new public school, one of the only ones in the county with smaller classes and a special ed program. well you get really excited but then a week before school starts, you call to find out the school supplies list and the school informs your parents that you were never registered in their program, your file has been completely lost, and they refuse to take you  back into the program as a late entree because, "they simply cant find teacher willing to expand their class size". So you, the innocent and confused 8 year old don't get to go to your older siblings school like you always wanted to. You don't start school like all your friends. 2 months later you are enrolled in a private school an hour away from your house. You never see your friends because they live so far away. And this is your new routine, because your county refuses to accept you back into the system. THIS IS A REAL LIFE EXAMPLE!!!! This is happening all over the state. AND IT'S NOT THE KIDS FAULT!!! In an ideal world, schools would embrace this part of diversity, not just heritage. In an ideal world, kids wouldn't put that kind of peer pressure on each other to shun those kids born with learning disabilities. In an ideal world, teachers would modify assignments to reflect the students capabilities. And in an ideal world, the administration would accept these kids that may not help the schools test scores, and may not be the easiest kids to teach, because its the right thing to do. Because, by the way county board leaders, THIS IS REQUIRED BY THE LAW!!!!

Welcome people of earth, saturn, mars, and anyone else who can read and use a computer!!