Reality bites…
We attended the freshman orientation with Cole this morning at his new high school. He starts school next Tuesday at a new school where inclusion means something entirely different than what we’ve experienced for the past fourteen years.
The school, and LAUSD, our school district, both seemed opened to having Cole attend this school, and touted the potential for him to do some of his classes in general education and some under the wing of special education. We worked it out as such in his IEP, painstakingly ensuring that he’d have plenty of opportunity to spend time with typical peers, as well as benefitting from the support needed for some subjects in special day class.
His schedule was hand delivered by one of his special ed teachers. First period – Jazz Ensemble. Um…What? That is supposed to be his elective, one of the courses he’d take in general setting. First off, he doesn’t play any instruments, nor is he physically capable of doing so. Secondly, Jazz Ensemble?
Apparently all of the other electives were full. That’s the explanation we received.
And it got worse from there. Jazz Ensemble is the only class he has in general education. Everything else in his day is in the special ed classroom. Again, what? This is not what was agreed upon and spelled out in his IEP. To this we received a “We’re not like CHIME. We can’t support him in class”.
Apparently the IEP means nothing.
He’s supposed to have a one to one support throughout the entire day. Someone who can tend to his personal needs, support his access to the curriculum and to the classroom, facilitate his social goals, and enable him to thrive in the school setting. Thus far, they haven’t hired, or found, this support person. We’re told they’ll be there Tuesday morning, ready to go.
Apparently without any training or understanding of Cole at all.
I knew high school was going to be different and that leaving CHIME would mean some changes in terms of the kind of support Cole would receive, but there seems to be little interest in ensuring that he receives the same kind of high school education and experience that his typical peers will have access to.
When they say no child left behind, they lie.
I love your brain 
Ugh!! Sorry to hear about all of that. I thought LAUSD and the school would pull through for Cole. Incredibly disappointing.
Sadly, I’m not certain there’s anything better right now…On a happier note..I hope K & R have great school years! We’ll miss seeing you guys.
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. It really sounds as though they were ill prepared for Cole. I hope that this is the worse and it only continues to get better. Best of luck, and hope to hear good news.