Search Results for: private schools

Public Schools vs. Private Schools Courtesy of the Department of Education

A study released yesterday by the U.S. Department of Education claims that public schools are performing better than private schools. Having worked with different types of schools over the past few years, I found this difficult to take at face value, so I began reading the full 66 page report titled “Comparing Private Schools and Public Schools Using Hierarchical Linear Modeling.” I did not have to look far to see that the results seem skewed. Now, I certainly do not want to detract from the progress that some of the public schools have made over the past few years, but … Continue reading →

Brokeback Media – Unwanted Press and Private Schools

The outgoing headmaster of Santa Fe Christian School in Solana Beach California has attracted some unwanted attention by trying to distance his school from attention paid to a former student, academy award nominated actress Michelle Williams. A reporter from The San Diego Union Tribune contacted Headmaster James Hopson, wanting to visit the school and chat with students about movies and their feelings about a former student of their school being up for an academy award. Not only did the headmaster turn down the request for the interview, but his comments turned up in People magazine, and countless news feeds, with … Continue reading →

Schools, Scams, and Studies

This week, the Special Needs blog had a wide variety of topics discussed in the blogs that appeared. More than one covers concepts related to Special Education. There is a new study about autism, a scam to be aware of, and more! Here is a quick review of the blogs you may have missed. Support Hotline for Parents of Children With Special Needs In California, a support hotline is being run by parents of children who have special needs. The hope is that this resource will be used by parents of kids who have special needs who have become completely … Continue reading →

Parents of Kids With Special Needs in Texas Leaving Public Schools

In Texas, a growing number of parents of children who have special needs have decided to opt-out of having their child attend the public schools. This is largely due to the sheer frustration that parents are feeling from their attempts to have their children’s needs met at the public schools. How do you choose which school to send your child to? This decision making process is one that all parents have to go through. Parents of children who have special needs in Texas are leaving the public school system. They are finding the lack of resources available to students who … Continue reading →

Parents Share Stories of Choosing Schools for Their Kids

How do you go about figuring out what the best school for your child is? It is a decision that many parents can struggle with. Parents of kids who have special needs have additional criteria to use when choosing a school for their child. NPR released an episode of “Tell Me More” on August 21, 2012. The episode is titled “Choosing The Right School for Special Needs”. In this episode, Guest host Viviana Hurtado talks with three moms, each of whom have children with special needs. They talk about the challenges they faced while helping their kids do well in … Continue reading →

Wisconsin Bans Private Insurance Coverage of Abortion

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The Wisconsin Assembly has voted to ban private insurance companies from including coverage for abortion in health insurance plans. They have voted to ban their state’s health insurance exchange from including plans that provide coverage for abortion. The Assembly also voted to ban schools from teaching anything other than abstinence-only in their sex education classes. This week, the Wisconsin Assembly voted 61 – 34 to ban private health insurance companies from providing coverage for abortion in the Wisconsin health insurance exchanges. The federal laws regarding health insurance exchanges allow states the option to prohibit coverage for abortion in the insurance … Continue reading →

Charter Schools Failing to Help Special Needs Students

If your child’s public school is unable to provide for his or her special needs, then that school generally has to pay to have your child attend a private, or charter, school that can adequately provide for the child’s needs. Unfortunately, many charter schools are basically “dropping the ball” when it comes to helping students with special needs. In Florida, a study called the “State Impact Florida / Miami Herald investigation” took at look at how charter schools in that state are failing to serve students who have special needs, or disabilities. Legally, charter schools are required to give equal … Continue reading →

Some Charter Schools Shun Students with Special Needs

There are federal laws that require all public schools to educate students who have disabilities. Charter schools are also expected to follow these laws. However, it seems as though not all charter schools are adequately providing an education for kids with special needs. Some are actively avoiding having to take on this responsibility. There are certain federal laws, including the “Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004”, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, that require public schools to educate students who have disabilities. Charter schools are also required to follow the regulations set forth in these types of … Continue reading →

Marriage Is Not a Private Thing

People often seem to think marriage is a private thing between two people. It is not. It is a societal event. That’s why in the marriage service it says ‘we are gathered here together.’ Marriage is meant to be something committed to it in front of witnesses. Usually those witnesses are friends and family members. We want them to share in and be part of our happiness. Why are these promises made in front of witnesses? It is a reminder of the solemnity of the commitment. It reminds the couple marrying and also in as sense those of us witnessing … Continue reading →

Should Schools Ban Cookies?

Gone are the days of celebrating your kid’s birthday in school with cupcakes and cookies. At least at my daughter’s school. Last month, administrators at my kid’s private school put the kibosh on birthday baked goods and candy. Now, the only treats your birthday boy can share in class on his big day are “fun print” napkins, pencils, Go-gurt, crackers or string cheese. Can you say party pooper? I did, until I learned that the New York City Department of Education has also banned baked goods in school. According to the New York Times, class bake sales are now banned … Continue reading →