What's Going on in Public Schools

 What’s Going on in Public Schools?

Remember the great idea to have kids with disabilities placed in classes with general ed kids and with general ed teachers who were not trained to teach learners with challenges?  Well, all does not seem to be going well.  Two families in Prince George’s County are suing the County, claiming that their 1^stgraders, nonverbal with autism were bound to chairs with bungee cords.  One might begin by asking why non-verbal 1^st graders with autism were in a general ed class even with a dedicated 1:1 but that is a different story.   The school principal called the parents to inform them of the situation.  Child Protective Services was involved and the teacher was placed on paid administrative leave until the situation is resolved.  Parents aren’t satisfied with that solution and have filed suit.

The Individual Education Plan (IEP), required by State and federal law, is a contract for services between the family and the school district.  Some children require a 1:1 aide to access the general ed curriculum.

In Prince George’s County 434 children required such an aid.  But only 354 students actually had one.  That meant 80 children who required these services didn’t have them.  Prince George’s County says it has raised salaries (from the minimum wage) and even offered benefits in an attempt to fill vacancies.  These folks often have no higher education, yet alone training in managing kids with disabilities.  When better paying opportunities come along, they leave.  Can't blame them. 

In much praised Howard County, a special education paraeducator (read aide) has been arrested for having sex in his car with a 15-year old.  They met through a dating app.  The activities did not occur within the school.  The staff member has been placed on paid administrative leave while allegations are investigated.  Before being hired as a full-time aide, the staff member substituted at a number of Howard County schools.  Detectives are asking for information from the community of any other victims.

Public school systems in Maryland, by their very nature, are big and difficult to manage.  Looks like administrators need to work harder to keep track of wayward staff.