Public VS Private Schools ??

francine · Post by **francine** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 9:25 am

Ok - we're trying to figure this out... would like to hear from people about their experiences with schools - concerning bpi, in-school therapy, gym programs, developmental delays.... has public school served your needs? private school? What made you decide to do one or the other?

We are very worried about Maia's developmental delays and her falling through the cracks in the public school system. She easily hides and becomes invisible - with teachers not even noticing (or caring it seems). Currently if they are working on a project, the teacher will just automatically take over and do the cutting for her rather than support her through the cutting - it takes too long and they just don't have time - they are more "finish the project-even if the teachers do it for you" oriented. (which really angers me).

I just became aware of this a couple of weeks when I went and sat in the classroom. I had worked on cutting with her for such a long time and then I figured she was getting a lot of it at school. AT home we did a cutting project and it seemed as though she had forgotten how to cut - and now I know why!

I'm worried about teacher/child ratios and Maia getting lost. She's so used to one on one in therapy - how will she transition to one teacher for 23 kids? The private school we are thinking of has two teachers for 18.

And we don't know if the judge will even allow us to use some of the settlement money for private school - have any of you paid for private school through your case's settlement? How about summer camp?

Talk to me - please - my head is spinning!
-francine

Tessie258 · Post by **Tessie258** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 11:05 am

Francine you know me...Homeschool!!!! No one is going to care like you do. I think the education system is aweful and they need a smack in the head. Homeschool and do dance, swimming,church, soccer etc....for the social aspects of growing up....or join a homeschool group that meets weekly for a play/interact day. It costs more(probably not as much as private school) but you will give her the best.
T.

Natalie M. · Post by **Natalie M.** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 11:41 am

First of all, I happen to know some really good teachers that love children and work their #$#@ off for pitiful pay. Think about it, we don't pay our teachers well but think about how much baseball players and movie stars make! Now that's a system that needs a smack! I do believe there are some flaws in the educational system, I don't have any personal ones- yet. But I do know that I have had some wonderful educational experiences with teachers growing up that have made an impact on my life. Of course, home schooling vs. outside schooling is as debateable as breast vs. bottle. I have heard some really good home schooling stories and have a friend who home schools quite well! Ultimately, I think there are benefits of each educational proponents: home vs. public vs. private. Our town has a website that lists the schools in our community and lists things like class size, how many avg. years the teachers have taught, avg. ACT and SAT scores, how many children per computer, how many teachers per child, how many graduate, how many go to college, etc. It was a great website!! I found out which schools offer certain programs such as advanced educational courses, SCORE, orchestra and band and sports, etc. Some of the small town schools had better class sizes and teacher/student ratios. Call your hometown visitor center or a local real estate company and ask if your town has a website like this. Good luck! Nat

Cara · Post by **Cara** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 2:24 pm

I am a teacher and I agree that the educational system needs a collective wack in the head. (Thats why I am teaching at a charter school now.) Having a good rapport with the teacher is the most important thing. If you have confidence in your childs teacher it will not matter what the class size or type of school is. speak with teachers and give them clear expectations.

Stephanie P · Post by **Stephanie P** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 7:48 pm

Francine,

Savannah was in kindergarten last year and we had begun the process of making the therapy plan for her. The school district has to follow porcedures or suffer the consequences. She is in a private Catholic school this year, and they do not have to follow any "plan." Is it called an IEP? I can't remember. Anyway, we were told if we don't like it, go to public school.
Good luck.
Stephanie

LeeAnne · Post by **LeeAnne** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 8:58 pm

Francine, I'm going through some of the same things with Michaela. Public schools make it very hard to accomadate our children and by the time you fight it the years over and you have to start again.
In the state of Florida and in our case we were told that the settlement money can be used for medicals bills and things Michaela NEEDS, but the parents are still expected to pay for everyday normal things. Food shelter,schooling,clothes, everything normal. They look at private school as a priviledge, not a necessity. They do allow for her therapy to be paid for so Michaela is getting outside therapy. I present the bills to the bank and the bank makes the check out directly to them.The attorneys set it up this way to protect me. As much as we love our kids, some have been known to sue their parents for "misusing their money."There are so many things you'd never think of but a good guardianship attorney will help.Have one picked out ahead of getting the settlement. I know by first grade I am going to go round and round with the publc school about PE because Michaela can not do the push ups and things they try to make her do now. She hates PE. Right now she qualifies for 504 but not IEP. I'm hoping by first grade there will be enough of a problem with PE that they will agree she needs an IEP. The teacher says she functions in the class room fine, she can cut things herself and if she can't do something she has no fear of letting her know.As she gets older though I can see more and more things being a problem, unfortunately.Maia may need more help than Michaela but I hope I answered your question. Blessings, LeeAnne

pattisy · Post by **pattisy** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 10:09 pm

Francine, I have no useful information for you. I'm not really familiar with the PHilly schools. Peyton is only 3 and will not be entering school for quite awhile: I'll be learning from all of you and your experiences. I am experienced with the PA IEP system, but not related to physical detriments, but rather behavioral and emotional. When Peyton was evaluated when he turned 3 the results were that he scored "too high" to qualify for IEP services, including therapy. But I never considered things like PE and doing push-ups, pull-ups, and other activities. Man oh man! Let us know what you decide! I can definitely learn from your experiences! My thoughts and prayers are with you that you find the best place for Maia!
Patti

LeeAnne · Post by **LeeAnne** » Tue Dec 10, 2002 10:20 pm

Michaela scored to high for IEP services also. That's why I'm trying to feel out all the problems while she's in Kindergarten.PE presents a whole new ballgame. I don't feel it would be right to cut her grades becvause of her physical differentability. Push ups were just an example. She can't do them properly because she can't put that much weight on her shoulder yet and she cannot straighten her elbow. Her therapist said they could have her do them standing, up against the wall if they spto her but her elbow still will not completely straighten and her arm is at least an 1 1/2 in shorter than the other. They say they can't spot her. Then she feels like the oddball and gets teased because she can't do it and the PE teachers don't mean to but they wind up singling her out and she's embarrassed.Alot for a 6 year old to deal with! LeeAnne

francine · Post by **francine** » Wed Dec 11, 2002 1:10 am

I wanted to let you know that the school we are considering is a parent-owned cooperative school so what started out to be a couple of parents homeschooling their children turned into this wonderful little school in the woods, in the hills that has a 7 to 1 child/teacher ratio. It's the ratio that makes it happen for me. Maia won't get lost, she won't get forgotten or pushed aside. They do their learning at small group tables with a teacher sitting right with them so she won't be able to hide either. She's still pretty delayed in gross and fine motor - 16-21 months delayed as per her Peabody two weeks ago so this stuff really worries me. I just want her to have a fighting chance and to not get lost in the system. It's the money piece that is frightening so by posting I guess I was asking - isn't there anything positive about public schools at all?? [big sigh]

Public VS Private Schools ??

Public VS Private Schools ??

Re: Public VS Private Schools ??

Re: Public VS Private Schools ??

Re: Public VS Private Schools ??

Re: Public VS Private Schools ??

Re: Public VS Private Schools ??

Re: Public VS Private Schools ??

Re: Public VS Private Schools ??

Re: Public VS Private Schools ??