What are some controversial topics in special education?

Alphonso Brake: SPeD is a much needed tool for children in Kindergarten through college. My son was born with 17 Learning Disabilities, as well as Problems with Gross and Fine Motor Skills.I found SPeD to be a lifesaver. They provided us with resources and encouragement when we didn't have any. I didn't expect him to ever graduate high school. He surprised us all by going from 12 years of SPeD directly into the only college (4-year) that he applied to.That college was one of only two in the country that offer a major in Conservation Law Enforcement. Although we investigated the SPeD Program there, he never once had to lean on or refer to them for any services. I remember some of his SPeD considerations included only being able to read to the middle of the page, needing more white space on papers, and speech therapy.I was a school-appointed advocate for the department and spoke to parents who didn't want their students to be "coded." Not only did I explain that "coding" en! abled them to a better education and more privileges. I decided not to move because I didn't want to leave the school district, and I advocated on the part of my son to have his IEP status permanently placed on his academic records.I wanted people to KNOW that the grades he received were based on the IEP and not the regular classroom work, because he tried HARDER than the mainstream students....Show more

Shawnna Kusky: Lots of topics. You will have to develop! The amount of control the parents have vs. the amount of control the "experts" have when considering what services should be available and how to best educate the child while protecting the rights of other children.What is the least restrictive environment? How is this determined?What should be cut when funds are short? Under what circumstances should a child be considered disabled and eligible for Social Security benefits? How to balance meeting the needs of a child and making the child a permanent invalid or ! lesser person?To what degree are children coached to do poorly! on tests or behave abnormally so that the child can get "special" treatment and/or so the parent can get financial help.Are some students labeled for special education when they are simply normal kids who are culturally different?How do you shelter special education kids and also prepare them for "real" life after school?Should high school special ed students who score well in "special" classes and make high grades (including those who receive certificates rather than state diplomas) march in graduation with their "normal" classmates and should they also be honor graduates if their grades in their "special" classes are high enough?...Show more