As a parent fighting for my son's education, I've seen firsthand how the current Special Education system is failing. My son, who has ASD and ADHD, started PreK in 2022. On his second day of school, I was called by the assistant principal because he was running up and down the stage in the cafeteria. An obvious reason for me to attend to my child. however, when I asked what protocols were in place, she quickly redirected me and said that he (a four-year-old) was "touching" the other kids and that I needed to go immediately. When I got to the school, not one person aided in this behavior. An obvious act to get me to be his "one-on-one" with no regard to my schedule or my thoughts or understanding of the situation. One of many situations I had to endure. I knew my son was going to struggle at school due to his impulses and curiosities but I had faith in the school system. This all happened even after I had called months before to advise them that my son would have trouble due to his behavior. I did everything they asked of me and we still had to go through this. Not only did this situation happen but when I asked the Diagnostician "Do I have to be here during those 60 days?" after I signed the consent to evaluate. The Diagnostician said, " No, You can pull him out." At this time I didn't know any of the rules or regulations of IDEA but I had that mom instinct that what she said was wrong. 

This personal experience is not unique; it reflects a broader issue within our education system where children displaying certain behavioral characteristics are hastily placed into Self-containment classrooms. These classrooms are often outside their home schools - a practice commonly referred to as "busing". Schools claim this is "the best place for them", but we must question if these decisions are made after adequate evaluation of each child's needs.

Are our children being given appropriate goals? Are they receiving necessary services tailored to their specific needs? The answer too often seems to be 'No'. According to data from The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), only 65% of students with disabilities graduate high school on time compared with 83% of students without disabilities.

Our children deserve better than this. They deserve an educational environment that understands them, evaluates them adequately, sets achievable goals tailored specifically for them, and provides necessary services that will help them succeed academically. Special Education classrooms have NO cap size. I have spoken to Special Education teachers who have had up to 57 students with one or two Paraprofessionals. Do we believe that Special Educators are miracle workers? They too are victims of the injustice of the system. Whether it is a local issue or an issue that seems to be left to the wind, we need to stand up and change it, NOW!

Let's fight together for a reformed Special Education system that truly serves all our children's needs. Please sign this petition today - because every child deserves an equal chance at success in education.