Choices for special needs
School choice a special pick parents make
Public schools do an excellent job of providing a free and appropriate education for most children who are enrolled in special education programs. Every special needs child deserves the best education possible.
But as Leon has experienced, one difficulty in the public school can ruin a child’s future —- and an entire life.
That’s why we will continue to see parents flock to school choice programs such as the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship.
Parents can make the best decision where their son or daughter should attend school and what environment is best.
It is enormously challenging to be the parent of a child with special needs.
Hopefully the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship is bringing some sense of normalcy to children and their parents who are finding hope in smaller classrooms, different schools and happier educational environments
A Parent’s Plea
Lydia Glaize, a mother in Georgia, tells of her own family’s struggle to provide a better education for their children. It is the story of far too many families across the country, and far too many families here in Virginia, who are asking for an opportunity for their kids now- not in 20 years.
“With its low test scores and dangerous incidents on campus, we have been hoping and praying for a miracle to find the money to return them to private school. Over the years, we have depleted our savings, our retirement funds, used our home equity, taken extra jobs and received gifts to send our four older children to private school to escape failing public schools.
But as our two youngest enter ninth grade, we have hit the end of our financial road.
To read the resistance to school vouchers editorialized at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution makes us want to ask opponents if they would like to spend a day in our family’s shoes.”
She continues:
“The tide has turned, and all demographic groups see the injustice in punishing kids like mine and making them attend a school that slams the door on their future. African-Americans, whites, Hispanics, Democrats, Republicans and Independents each strongly support vouchers for kids in failing schools and for all families wanting true school choice. After decades of watching educators and politicians make excuses why they can’t provide a better education in certain neighborhoods, the public is demanding that elected officials do things differently in order to bring about a different result.
A scholarship would give my children options immediately, not in 20 years, after another education-reform program may or may not work. It could either pay all or most of private school tuition. Since virtually every private school has sliding scale fees based on family income, scholarships could help all families, rich or poor. Parents don’t expect a handout, just an opportunity to choose the best educational vehicle available for their children.”
Pretty powerful stuff. Read Lydia’s full article here.
