Welcome Wisconsin Progressives

Our great State of Wisconsin has been under attack. There is hardly a facet of our lives that has not been affected to one degree or another. Governor Scott Walker will likely go down in history as the worst Governor this state has ever had and the current Republicans in the legislature have demonstrated repeatedly that they will do nothing but rubber stamp his agenda. Walker has an interesting history that should have warned us but we share some of the fault that he is in office at this point. But we will prevail fellow Progressives; this state gave birth to the Progressive Party and its history of leadership on Progressivism is second to none. We shall prevail and may we never let our guard down again!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

History Matters...

As with everything, in order to fully understand, a complete history is essential.  A complete unbiased and as much as possible undoctored history is essential.   Thus, with understanding special education and where to go from 2011 in Wisconsin, we must understand the history of special education.  Please go to this great site to review when, how, and why the program known as special education developed.  This program as so many programs was critically needed, justifiable, and honorable.  However, as time has passed, as with so many programs the original intention and goals have become clouded and some would say there is abuse of this program.  Further, I would argue that all children in schools are special, all have individuals needs and no one child should take precedence over another.  Therefore, I think a serious examination of this aspect of public education is critical.  There are some who read the ALEC playbook and seem to wish to send children back to the prespecial education era and that is simply harmful and counter-productive.  But can this great nation look at this aspect of public education and evolve this program to encompass all children with the same legal protections that those with an IEP have, and if not, why not?  If not, what harm is potentially done to those without an IEP in today's age?  Are some children left at the mercy of an abusive student who has an IEP?  Are funds being allocated to one area of students while other students are cut short?  Is it right to expect programming for at-risk students to be unfunded while special education is fully funded due to the legal protections?  Should children who would benefit more fully with an advanced curriculum and/or an alternative curriculum be left without due to lack of funds because they do not have the protection of an IEP?  Let's do this people; our children matter and the future of public education matters!  I will be back on Monday, August 1st!  See you than and have a great weekend! 

No comments:

Post a Comment