What is MoCo Good at Doing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Music instruction is very good.

Foreign language instruction is excellent. There are lots of choices, immersion programs and an emphasis on communication.

There are some amazing special educators in MCPS although it really requires the parents pushing.

Have to disagree with last statement. Three years, two schools in W cluster - never saw it on spec Ed side. Actually complete opposite. This was a decade ago for context - but I think I’m more likely to be correct now since there are like 400 MCPS jobs open and most of them are Spec Ed. All the best folks left long, long ago.

Our speech therapy was 30 minutes a week for a child really struggling in a group with 6-8 kids with unrelated needs. Thankfully we could do private but completely unacceptable. The special education team ignored my kid.

There is a shortage of special ed teachers here and across the board. MCPS has many openings for them.

What district around here with this many SN kids does special ed well?

This was long before covid and we didn't need a special education teacher we needed an SLP.

ok, but the question is "what large district does SN well"? I came from a rich area out west, and parents of SN kids complained over there, too. Not blaming them, just noting that this particular issue doesn't seem to be isolated to MCPS.

My child had severe delays and got zero help. We paid a fortune privately. I think I have a right to complain.

sure, but that doesn't answer the question. What other large school district does SN well?

BTW, the parent of the SN child I knew in the rich area I was in also spent $$ on private lawyers to get the rich school district to provide the services.

MCPS doesn't do SN well, but neither does any school district, even rich ones. That's all I'm saying.

Perhaps size matters as well as the socio economic level of the community. My nephew was well served in a small San Antonio school district after leaving Maryland. The school team focused less on paperwork and more on meeting his needs. He was extremely successful in a challenging high school curriculum and gained study skills that he used in college.

I believe this. MoCo is HUGE and the SES levels varies depending on which cluster you are in. Children in lower SES communities may need more support from the school. Combine that need with the lack of teachers and we are in a situation where we may not be able to serve all students appropriately. It is definitely concerning, but what can we do? I know that for my kids, I plan to be more heavily involved in supplementing at home. I am not confident that my kids will get a robust enough education (in my opinion) at school this year. I don't blame the teachers; it just seems that there are so many competing priorities and not enough people to execute them (and it is likely too expensive). Just my thoughts.

This makes zero sense. Zero. We are at a low SES school and we heavily supplemented and paid for private services (with insurance help). What makes you think you are the only one who does it and planning to and doing are two dfifferent things. You can be at a high SES school and they equally ignore your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MCPS is really good at outreach and communications. I get all these helpful emails from them constantly. It's almost too much!

Really, none are helpful except the ones from the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS is really good at outreach and communications. I get all these helpful emails from them constantly. It's almost too much!

Really, none are helpful except the ones from the school.

I find them all helpful and informative. Because I actually read them I can answer most of the silly questions people ask on these boards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Music instruction is very good.

Foreign language instruction is excellent. There are lots of choices, immersion programs and an emphasis on communication.

There are some amazing special educators in MCPS although it really requires the parents pushing.

Have to disagree with last statement. Three years, two schools in W cluster - never saw it on spec Ed side. Actually complete opposite. This was a decade ago for context - but I think I’m more likely to be correct now since there are like 400 MCPS jobs open and most of them are Spec Ed. All the best folks left long, long ago.

Our speech therapy was 30 minutes a week for a child really struggling in a group with 6-8 kids with unrelated needs. Thankfully we could do private but completely unacceptable. The special education team ignored my kid.

There is a shortage of special ed teachers here and across the board. MCPS has many openings for them.

What district around here with this many SN kids does special ed well?

This was long before covid and we didn't need a special education teacher we needed an SLP.

ok, but the question is "what large district does SN well"? I came from a rich area out west, and parents of SN kids complained over there, too. Not blaming them, just noting that this particular issue doesn't seem to be isolated to MCPS.

My child had severe delays and got zero help. We paid a fortune privately. I think I have a right to complain.

sure, but that doesn't answer the question. What other large school district does SN well?

BTW, the parent of the SN child I knew in the rich area I was in also spent $$ on private lawyers to get the rich school district to provide the services.

MCPS doesn't do SN well, but neither does any school district, even rich ones. That's all I'm saying.

Perhaps size matters as well as the socio economic level of the community. My nephew was well served in a small San Antonio school district after leaving Maryland. The school team focused less on paperwork and more on meeting his needs. He was extremely successful in a challenging high school curriculum and gained study skills that he used in college.

I believe this. MoCo is HUGE and the SES levels varies depending on which cluster you are in. Children in lower SES communities may need more support from the school. Combine that need with the lack of teachers and we are in a situation where we may not be able to serve all students appropriately. It is definitely concerning, but what can we do? I know that for my kids, I plan to be more heavily involved in supplementing at home. I am not confident that my kids will get a robust enough education (in my opinion) at school this year. I don't blame the teachers; it just seems that there are so many competing priorities and not enough people to execute them (and it is likely too expensive). Just my thoughts.

This makes zero sense. Zero. We are at a low SES school and we heavily supplemented and paid for private services (with insurance help). What makes you think you are the only one who does it and planning to and doing are two dfifferent things. You can be at a high SES school and they equally ignore your child.

You are entitled to your opinion, as am I. However, you might consider responding to things I have actually said/typed. I said kids in lower SES communities MAY need more support than the school can give. Obviously you and your family do not. I did NOT say that I was the only one who supplements or plans to. And of course I understand that planning to and doing it are two different things (not sure what the point of that comment was).

I do agree that you can be at a high SES school and your child be ignored.

There are a number of complex issues when it comes to public schools, and the teacher shortage (which is nationwide) will only exacerbate those issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Music instruction is very good.

Foreign language instruction is excellent. There are lots of choices, immersion programs and an emphasis on communication.

There are some amazing special educators in MCPS although it really requires the parents pushing.

Have to disagree with last statement. Three years, two schools in W cluster - never saw it on spec Ed side. Actually complete opposite. This was a decade ago for context - but I think I’m more likely to be correct now since there are like 400 MCPS jobs open and most of them are Spec Ed. All the best folks left long, long ago.

Our speech therapy was 30 minutes a week for a child really struggling in a group with 6-8 kids with unrelated needs. Thankfully we could do private but completely unacceptable. The special education team ignored my kid.

There is a shortage of special ed teachers here and across the board. MCPS has many openings for them.

What district around here with this many SN kids does special ed well?

This was long before covid and we didn't need a special education teacher we needed an SLP.

ok, but the question is "what large district does SN well"? I came from a rich area out west, and parents of SN kids complained over there, too. Not blaming them, just noting that this particular issue doesn't seem to be isolated to MCPS.

My child had severe delays and got zero help. We paid a fortune privately. I think I have a right to complain.

sure, but that doesn't answer the question. What other large school district does SN well?

BTW, the parent of the SN child I knew in the rich area I was in also spent $$ on private lawyers to get the rich school district to provide the services.

MCPS doesn't do SN well, but neither does any school district, even rich ones. That's all I'm saying.

Perhaps size matters as well as the socio economic level of the community. My nephew was well served in a small San Antonio school district after leaving Maryland. The school team focused less on paperwork and more on meeting his needs. He was extremely successful in a challenging high school curriculum and gained study skills that he used in college.

I believe this. MoCo is HUGE and the SES levels varies depending on which cluster you are in. Children in lower SES communities may need more support from the school. Combine that need with the lack of teachers and we are in a situation where we may not be able to serve all students appropriately. It is definitely concerning, but what can we do? I know that for my kids, I plan to be more heavily involved in supplementing at home. I am not confident that my kids will get a robust enough education (in my opinion) at school this year. I don't blame the teachers; it just seems that there are so many competing priorities and not enough people to execute them (and it is likely too expensive). Just my thoughts.

This makes zero sense. Zero. We are at a low SES school and we heavily supplemented and paid for private services (with insurance help). What makes you think you are the only one who does it and planning to and doing are two dfifferent things. You can be at a high SES school and they equally ignore your child.

You are entitled to your opinion, as am I. However, you might consider responding to things I have actually said/typed. I said kids in lower SES communities MAY need more support than the school can give. Obviously you and your family do not. I did NOT say that I was the only one who supplements or plans to. And of course I understand that planning to and doing it are two different things (not sure what the point of that comment was).

I do agree that you can be at a high SES school and your child be ignored.

There are a number of complex issues when it comes to public schools, and the teacher shortage (which is nationwide) will only exacerbate those issues.

I'm mostly grateful that MCPS leadership has taken the necessary steps to address the national teacher shortage here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Music instruction is very good.

Foreign language instruction is excellent. There are lots of choices, immersion programs and an emphasis on communication.

There are some amazing special educators in MCPS although it really requires the parents pushing.

Have to disagree with last statement. Three years, two schools in W cluster - never saw it on spec Ed side. Actually complete opposite. This was a decade ago for context - but I think I’m more likely to be correct now since there are like 400 MCPS jobs open and most of them are Spec Ed. All the best folks left long, long ago.

Our speech therapy was 30 minutes a week for a child really struggling in a group with 6-8 kids with unrelated needs. Thankfully we could do private but completely unacceptable. The special education team ignored my kid.

There is a shortage of special ed teachers here and across the board. MCPS has many openings for them.

What district around here with this many SN kids does special ed well?

This was long before covid and we didn't need a special education teacher we needed an SLP.

ok, but the question is "what large district does SN well"? I came from a rich area out west, and parents of SN kids complained over there, too. Not blaming them, just noting that this particular issue doesn't seem to be isolated to MCPS.

My child had severe delays and got zero help. We paid a fortune privately. I think I have a right to complain.

sure, but that doesn't answer the question. What other large school district does SN well?

BTW, the parent of the SN child I knew in the rich area I was in also spent $$ on private lawyers to get the rich school district to provide the services.

MCPS doesn't do SN well, but neither does any school district, even rich ones. That's all I'm saying.

Perhaps size matters as well as the socio economic level of the community. My nephew was well served in a small San Antonio school district after leaving Maryland. The school team focused less on paperwork and more on meeting his needs. He was extremely successful in a challenging high school curriculum and gained study skills that he used in college.

I believe this. MoCo is HUGE and the SES levels varies depending on which cluster you are in. Children in lower SES communities may need more support from the school. Combine that need with the lack of teachers and we are in a situation where we may not be able to serve all students appropriately. It is definitely concerning, but what can we do? I know that for my kids, I plan to be more heavily involved in supplementing at home. I am not confident that my kids will get a robust enough education (in my opinion) at school this year. I don't blame the teachers; it just seems that there are so many competing priorities and not enough people to execute them (and it is likely too expensive). Just my thoughts.

This makes zero sense. Zero. We are at a low SES school and we heavily supplemented and paid for private services (with insurance help). What makes you think you are the only one who does it and planning to and doing are two dfifferent things. You can be at a high SES school and they equally ignore your child.

You are entitled to your opinion, as am I. However, you might consider responding to things I have actually said/typed. I said kids in lower SES communities MAY need more support than the school can give. Obviously you and your family do not. I did NOT say that I was the only one who supplements or plans to. And of course I understand that planning to and doing it are two different things (not sure what the point of that comment was).

I do agree that you can be at a high SES school and your child be ignored.


There are a number of complex issues when it comes to public schools, and the teacher shortage (which is nationwide) will only exacerbate those issues.

I'm mostly grateful that MCPS leadership has taken the necessary steps to address the national teacher shortage here.

I agree. I guess we will see how the school year shakes out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Music instruction is very good.

Foreign language instruction is excellent. There are lots of choices, immersion programs and an emphasis on communication.

There are some amazing special educators in MCPS although it really requires the parents pushing.

Have to disagree with last statement. Three years, two schools in W cluster - never saw it on spec Ed side. Actually complete opposite. This was a decade ago for context - but I think I’m more likely to be correct now since there are like 400 MCPS jobs open and most of them are Spec Ed. All the best folks left long, long ago.

Our speech therapy was 30 minutes a week for a child really struggling in a group with 6-8 kids with unrelated needs. Thankfully we could do private but completely unacceptable. The special education team ignored my kid.

There is a shortage of special ed teachers here and across the board. MCPS has many openings for them.

What district around here with this many SN kids does special ed well?

This was long before covid and we didn't need a special education teacher we needed an SLP.

ok, but the question is "what large district does SN well"? I came from a rich area out west, and parents of SN kids complained over there, too. Not blaming them, just noting that this particular issue doesn't seem to be isolated to MCPS.

My child had severe delays and got zero help. We paid a fortune privately. I think I have a right to complain.

sure, but that doesn't answer the question. What other large school district does SN well?

BTW, the parent of the SN child I knew in the rich area I was in also spent $$ on private lawyers to get the rich school district to provide the services.

MCPS doesn't do SN well, but neither does any school district, even rich ones. That's all I'm saying.

Perhaps size matters as well as the socio economic level of the community. My nephew was well served in a small San Antonio school district after leaving Maryland. The school team focused less on paperwork and more on meeting his needs. He was extremely successful in a challenging high school curriculum and gained study skills that he used in college.

I believe this. MoCo is HUGE and the SES levels varies depending on which cluster you are in. Children in lower SES communities may need more support from the school. Combine that need with the lack of teachers and we are in a situation where we may not be able to serve all students appropriately. It is definitely concerning, but what can we do? I know that for my kids, I plan to be more heavily involved in supplementing at home. I am not confident that my kids will get a robust enough education (in my opinion) at school this year. I don't blame the teachers; it just seems that there are so many competing priorities and not enough people to execute them (and it is likely too expensive). Just my thoughts.

This makes zero sense. Zero. We are at a low SES school and we heavily supplemented and paid for private services (with insurance help). What makes you think you are the only one who does it and planning to and doing are two dfifferent things. You can be at a high SES school and they equally ignore your child.

You are entitled to your opinion, as am I. However, you might consider responding to things I have actually said/typed. I said kids in lower SES communities MAY need more support than the school can give. Obviously you and your family do not. I did NOT say that I was the only one who supplements or plans to. And of course I understand that planning to and doing it are two different things (not sure what the point of that comment was).

I do agree that you can be at a high SES school and your child be ignored.

There are a number of complex issues when it comes to public schools, and the teacher shortage (which is nationwide) will only exacerbate those issues.

My one kid had sn so they needed far more support but we had to do it on our own. Mcps was a joke. This was before Covid. Regardless of the school the teacher and leadership were the most important things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Music instruction is very good.

Foreign language instruction is excellent. There are lots of choices, immersion programs and an emphasis on communication.

There are some amazing special educators in MCPS although it really requires the parents pushing.

Have to disagree with last statement. Three years, two schools in W cluster - never saw it on spec Ed side. Actually complete opposite. This was a decade ago for context - but I think I’m more likely to be correct now since there are like 400 MCPS jobs open and most of them are Spec Ed. All the best folks left long, long ago.

Our speech therapy was 30 minutes a week for a child really struggling in a group with 6-8 kids with unrelated needs. Thankfully we could do private but completely unacceptable. The special education team ignored my kid.

There is a shortage of special ed teachers here and across the board. MCPS has many openings for them.

What district around here with this many SN kids does special ed well?

This was long before covid and we didn't need a special education teacher we needed an SLP.

ok, but the question is "what large district does SN well"? I came from a rich area out west, and parents of SN kids complained over there, too. Not blaming them, just noting that this particular issue doesn't seem to be isolated to MCPS.

My child had severe delays and got zero help. We paid a fortune privately. I think I have a right to complain.

sure, but that doesn't answer the question. What other large school district does SN well?

BTW, the parent of the SN child I knew in the rich area I was in also spent $$ on private lawyers to get the rich school district to provide the services.

MCPS doesn't do SN well, but neither does any school district, even rich ones. That's all I'm saying.

Perhaps size matters as well as the socio economic level of the community. My nephew was well served in a small San Antonio school district after leaving Maryland. The school team focused less on paperwork and more on meeting his needs. He was extremely successful in a challenging high school curriculum and gained study skills that he used in college.

I believe this. MoCo is HUGE and the SES levels varies depending on which cluster you are in. Children in lower SES communities may need more support from the school. Combine that need with the lack of teachers and we are in a situation where we may not be able to serve all students appropriately. It is definitely concerning, but what can we do? I know that for my kids, I plan to be more heavily involved in supplementing at home. I am not confident that my kids will get a robust enough education (in my opinion) at school this year. I don't blame the teachers; it just seems that there are so many competing priorities and not enough people to execute them (and it is likely too expensive). Just my thoughts.

This makes zero sense. Zero. We are at a low SES school and we heavily supplemented and paid for private services (with insurance help). What makes you think you are the only one who does it and planning to and doing are two dfifferent things. You can be at a high SES school and they equally ignore your child.

You are entitled to your opinion, as am I. However, you might consider responding to things I have actually said/typed. I said kids in lower SES communities MAY need more support than the school can give. Obviously you and your family do not. I did NOT say that I was the only one who supplements or plans to. And of course I understand that planning to and doing it are two different things (not sure what the point of that comment was).

I do agree that you can be at a high SES school and your child be ignored.

There are a number of complex issues when it comes to public schools, and the teacher shortage (which is nationwide) will only exacerbate those issues.

My one kid had sn so they needed far more support but we had to do it on our own. Mcps was a joke. This was before Covid. Regardless of the school the teacher and leadership were the most important things.

Why do people still believe that public schools can fully support SN? Yes every child deserves a Free Appropriate Public Education. Yes I.D.E.A is law. But its a law that is funded at about 15% instead of the 40% that was required, which means it falls short by 25%. That means districts are likely going to fall short in supporting SN by at least that much because services and resources don’t pay for themselves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Music instruction is very good.

Foreign language instruction is excellent. There are lots of choices, immersion programs and an emphasis on communication.

There are some amazing special educators in MCPS although it really requires the parents pushing.

Have to disagree with last statement. Three years, two schools in W cluster - never saw it on spec Ed side. Actually complete opposite. This was a decade ago for context - but I think I’m more likely to be correct now since there are like 400 MCPS jobs open and most of them are Spec Ed. All the best folks left long, long ago.

Our speech therapy was 30 minutes a week for a child really struggling in a group with 6-8 kids with unrelated needs. Thankfully we could do private but completely unacceptable. The special education team ignored my kid.

There is a shortage of special ed teachers here and across the board. MCPS has many openings for them.

What district around here with this many SN kids does special ed well?

This was long before covid and we didn't need a special education teacher we needed an SLP.

ok, but the question is "what large district does SN well"? I came from a rich area out west, and parents of SN kids complained over there, too. Not blaming them, just noting that this particular issue doesn't seem to be isolated to MCPS.

My child had severe delays and got zero help. We paid a fortune privately. I think I have a right to complain.

sure, but that doesn't answer the question. What other large school district does SN well?

BTW, the parent of the SN child I knew in the rich area I was in also spent $$ on private lawyers to get the rich school district to provide the services.

MCPS doesn't do SN well, but neither does any school district, even rich ones. That's all I'm saying.

So taxpayers should just say "oh well?"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Music instruction is very good.

Foreign language instruction is excellent. There are lots of choices, immersion programs and an emphasis on communication.

There are some amazing special educators in MCPS although it really requires the parents pushing.

Have to disagree with last statement. Three years, two schools in W cluster - never saw it on spec Ed side. Actually complete opposite. This was a decade ago for context - but I think I’m more likely to be correct now since there are like 400 MCPS jobs open and most of them are Spec Ed. All the best folks left long, long ago.

Our speech therapy was 30 minutes a week for a child really struggling in a group with 6-8 kids with unrelated needs. Thankfully we could do private but completely unacceptable. The special education team ignored my kid.

There is a shortage of special ed teachers here and across the board. MCPS has many openings for them.

What district around here with this many SN kids does special ed well?

This was long before covid and we didn't need a special education teacher we needed an SLP.

ok, but the question is "what large district does SN well"? I came from a rich area out west, and parents of SN kids complained over there, too. Not blaming them, just noting that this particular issue doesn't seem to be isolated to MCPS.

My child had severe delays and got zero help. We paid a fortune privately. I think I have a right to complain.

sure, but that doesn't answer the question. What other large school district does SN well?

BTW, the parent of the SN child I knew in the rich area I was in also spent $$ on private lawyers to get the rich school district to provide the services.

MCPS doesn't do SN well, but neither does any school district, even rich ones. That's all I'm saying.

Perhaps size matters as well as the socio economic level of the community. My nephew was well served in a small San Antonio school district after leaving Maryland. The school team focused less on paperwork and more on meeting his needs. He was extremely successful in a challenging high school curriculum and gained study skills that he used in college.

I believe this. MoCo is HUGE and the SES levels varies depending on which cluster you are in. Children in lower SES communities may need more support from the school. Combine that need with the lack of teachers and we are in a situation where we may not be able to serve all students appropriately. It is definitely concerning, but what can we do? I know that for my kids, I plan to be more heavily involved in supplementing at home. I am not confident that my kids will get a robust enough education (in my opinion) at school this year. I don't blame the teachers; it just seems that there are so many competing priorities and not enough people to execute them (and it is likely too expensive). Just my thoughts.

This makes zero sense. Zero. We are at a low SES school and we heavily supplemented and paid for private services (with insurance help). What makes you think you are the only one who does it and planning to and doing are two dfifferent things. You can be at a high SES school and they equally ignore your child.

You are entitled to your opinion, as am I. However, you might consider responding to things I have actually said/typed. I said kids in lower SES communities MAY need more support than the school can give. Obviously you and your family do not. I did NOT say that I was the only one who supplements or plans to. And of course I understand that planning to and doing it are two different things (not sure what the point of that comment was).

I do agree that you can be at a high SES school and your child be ignored.

There are a number of complex issues when it comes to public schools, and the teacher shortage (which is nationwide) will only exacerbate those issues.

My one kid had sn so they needed far more support but we had to do it on our own. Mcps was a joke. This was before Covid. Regardless of the school the teacher and leadership were the most important things.

Why do people still believe that public schools can fully support SN? Yes every child deserves a Free Appropriate Public Education. Yes I.D.E.A is law. But its a law that is funded at about 15% instead of the 40% that was required, which means it falls short by 25%. That means districts are likely going to fall short in supporting SN by at least that much because services and resources don’t pay for themselves.

You keep screaming about IDEA but it means nothing to most of us. I didn't expect anything which is why we did private for a few years and then maintained a significant amount of private services but it took everything we had financially and at some point it wasn't sustainable especially one income as the other parent had to transport for services and work with the child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Music instruction is very good.

Foreign language instruction is excellent. There are lots of choices, immersion programs and an emphasis on communication.

There are some amazing special educators in MCPS although it really requires the parents pushing.

Have to disagree with last statement. Three years, two schools in W cluster - never saw it on spec Ed side. Actually complete opposite. This was a decade ago for context - but I think I’m more likely to be correct now since there are like 400 MCPS jobs open and most of them are Spec Ed. All the best folks left long, long ago.

Our speech therapy was 30 minutes a week for a child really struggling in a group with 6-8 kids with unrelated needs. Thankfully we could do private but completely unacceptable. The special education team ignored my kid.

There is a shortage of special ed teachers here and across the board. MCPS has many openings for them.

What district around here with this many SN kids does special ed well?

This was long before covid and we didn't need a special education teacher we needed an SLP.

ok, but the question is "what large district does SN well"? I came from a rich area out west, and parents of SN kids complained over there, too. Not blaming them, just noting that this particular issue doesn't seem to be isolated to MCPS.

My child had severe delays and got zero help. We paid a fortune privately. I think I have a right to complain.

sure, but that doesn't answer the question. What other large school district does SN well?

BTW, the parent of the SN child I knew in the rich area I was in also spent $$ on private lawyers to get the rich school district to provide the services.

MCPS doesn't do SN well, but neither does any school district, even rich ones. That's all I'm saying.

So taxpayers should just say "oh well?"

You either get them privately through insurance, private pay, sliding fee scale or your kids go without.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Music instruction is very good.

Foreign language instruction is excellent. There are lots of choices, immersion programs and an emphasis on communication.

There are some amazing special educators in MCPS although it really requires the parents pushing.

Have to disagree with last statement. Three years, two schools in W cluster - never saw it on spec Ed side. Actually complete opposite. This was a decade ago for context - but I think I’m more likely to be correct now since there are like 400 MCPS jobs open and most of them are Spec Ed. All the best folks left long, long ago.

Our speech therapy was 30 minutes a week for a child really struggling in a group with 6-8 kids with unrelated needs. Thankfully we could do private but completely unacceptable. The special education team ignored my kid.

There is a shortage of special ed teachers here and across the board. MCPS has many openings for them.

What district around here with this many SN kids does special ed well?

This was long before covid and we didn't need a special education teacher we needed an SLP.

ok, but the question is "what large district does SN well"? I came from a rich area out west, and parents of SN kids complained over there, too. Not blaming them, just noting that this particular issue doesn't seem to be isolated to MCPS.

My child had severe delays and got zero help. We paid a fortune privately. I think I have a right to complain.

sure, but that doesn't answer the question. What other large school district does SN well?

BTW, the parent of the SN child I knew in the rich area I was in also spent $$ on private lawyers to get the rich school district to provide the services.

MCPS doesn't do SN well, but neither does any school district, even rich ones. That's all I'm saying.

Perhaps size matters as well as the socio economic level of the community. My nephew was well served in a small San Antonio school district after leaving Maryland. The school team focused less on paperwork and more on meeting his needs. He was extremely successful in a challenging high school curriculum and gained study skills that he used in college.

I believe this. MoCo is HUGE and the SES levels varies depending on which cluster you are in. Children in lower SES communities may need more support from the school. Combine that need with the lack of teachers and we are in a situation where we may not be able to serve all students appropriately. It is definitely concerning, but what can we do? I know that for my kids, I plan to be more heavily involved in supplementing at home. I am not confident that my kids will get a robust enough education (in my opinion) at school this year. I don't blame the teachers; it just seems that there are so many competing priorities and not enough people to execute them (and it is likely too expensive). Just my thoughts.

This makes zero sense. Zero. We are at a low SES school and we heavily supplemented and paid for private services (with insurance help). What makes you think you are the only one who does it and planning to and doing are two dfifferent things. You can be at a high SES school and they equally ignore your child.

You are entitled to your opinion, as am I. However, you might consider responding to things I have actually said/typed. I said kids in lower SES communities MAY need more support than the school can give. Obviously you and your family do not. I did NOT say that I was the only one who supplements or plans to. And of course I understand that planning to and doing it are two different things (not sure what the point of that comment was).

I do agree that you can be at a high SES school and your child be ignored.

There are a number of complex issues when it comes to public schools, and the teacher shortage (which is nationwide) will only exacerbate those issues.

My one kid had sn so they needed far more support but we had to do it on our own. Mcps was a joke. This was before Covid. Regardless of the school the teacher and leadership were the most important things.

Why do people still believe that public schools can fully support SN? Yes every child deserves a Free Appropriate Public Education. Yes I.D.E.A is law. But its a law that is funded at about 15% instead of the 40% that was required, which means it falls short by 25%. That means districts are likely going to fall short in supporting SN by at least that much because services and resources don’t pay for themselves.

You keep screaming about IDEA but it means nothing to most of us. I didn't expect anything which is why we did private for a few years and then maintained a significant amount of private services but it took everything we had financially and at some point it wasn't sustainable especially one income as the other parent had to transport for services and work with the child.

It sucks, but a large school district cannot be everything for everyone. I don't think even a small district can do this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Music instruction is very good.

Foreign language instruction is excellent. There are lots of choices, immersion programs and an emphasis on communication.

There are some amazing special educators in MCPS although it really requires the parents pushing.

Have to disagree with last statement. Three years, two schools in W cluster - never saw it on spec Ed side. Actually complete opposite. This was a decade ago for context - but I think I’m more likely to be correct now since there are like 400 MCPS jobs open and most of them are Spec Ed. All the best folks left long, long ago.

Our speech therapy was 30 minutes a week for a child really struggling in a group with 6-8 kids with unrelated needs. Thankfully we could do private but completely unacceptable. The special education team ignored my kid.

There is a shortage of special ed teachers here and across the board. MCPS has many openings for them.

What district around here with this many SN kids does special ed well?

This was long before covid and we didn't need a special education teacher we needed an SLP.

ok, but the question is "what large district does SN well"? I came from a rich area out west, and parents of SN kids complained over there, too. Not blaming them, just noting that this particular issue doesn't seem to be isolated to MCPS.

My child had severe delays and got zero help. We paid a fortune privately. I think I have a right to complain.

sure, but that doesn't answer the question. What other large school district does SN well?

BTW, the parent of the SN child I knew in the rich area I was in also spent $$ on private lawyers to get the rich school district to provide the services.

MCPS doesn't do SN well, but neither does any school district, even rich ones. That's all I'm saying.

Perhaps size matters as well as the socio economic level of the community. My nephew was well served in a small San Antonio school district after leaving Maryland. The school team focused less on paperwork and more on meeting his needs. He was extremely successful in a challenging high school curriculum and gained study skills that he used in college.

I believe this. MoCo is HUGE and the SES levels varies depending on which cluster you are in. Children in lower SES communities may need more support from the school. Combine that need with the lack of teachers and we are in a situation where we may not be able to serve all students appropriately. It is definitely concerning, but what can we do? I know that for my kids, I plan to be more heavily involved in supplementing at home. I am not confident that my kids will get a robust enough education (in my opinion) at school this year. I don't blame the teachers; it just seems that there are so many competing priorities and not enough people to execute them (and it is likely too expensive). Just my thoughts.

This makes zero sense. Zero. We are at a low SES school and we heavily supplemented and paid for private services (with insurance help). What makes you think you are the only one who does it and planning to and doing are two dfifferent things. You can be at a high SES school and they equally ignore your child.

You are entitled to your opinion, as am I. However, you might consider responding to things I have actually said/typed. I said kids in lower SES communities MAY need more support than the school can give. Obviously you and your family do not. I did NOT say that I was the only one who supplements or plans to. And of course I understand that planning to and doing it are two different things (not sure what the point of that comment was).

I do agree that you can be at a high SES school and your child be ignored.

There are a number of complex issues when it comes to public schools, and the teacher shortage (which is nationwide) will only exacerbate those issues.

My one kid had sn so they needed far more support but we had to do it on our own. Mcps was a joke. This was before Covid. Regardless of the school the teacher and leadership were the most important things.

Why do people still believe that public schools can fully support SN? Yes every child deserves a Free Appropriate Public Education. Yes I.D.E.A is law. But its a law that is funded at about 15% instead of the 40% that was required, which means it falls short by 25%. That means districts are likely going to fall short in supporting SN by at least that much because services and resources don’t pay for themselves.

You keep screaming about IDEA but it means nothing to most of us. I didn't expect anything which is why we did private for a few years and then maintained a significant amount of private services but it took everything we had financially and at some point it wasn't sustainable especially one income as the other parent had to transport for services and work with the child.

It sucks, but a large school district cannot be everything for everyone. I don't think even a small district can do this.

If a child is that delayed or has a serious disorder, it is legally required to provide services. What the point of this was is that parents basically have to sue and only the wealthy can.