Special Education Services (SES) in New York City Schools aim to help struggling students get the help they need in English language arts, mathematics, and reading free of charge in accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act. However, one of the major problems behind this vitally important tool in a child’s learning is that it isn’t offered to every child. New York City Schools are only offering this free tutoring to those students eligible for free lunch and attend a school that failed to meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) standards for three or more consecutive years.
It would seem as if New York City Schools only believe that the underprivileged should be allowed the tools necessary to help their children refine their skills in a subject that they have trouble with. In fact, with the troubles in the economy these days there are more and more families who live in the New York City Schools area who are not eligible for free lunches but still couldn’t afford private tutoring for their children if they struggle in particular subjects. Yes, there is only a certain amount of funding available for SES programs in the district, so it would make sense that they would be selective in bringing only the children with the highest need into the program. Why narrow that down even further to selecting those with the highest need ONLY out of those who are eligible for free lunches, though? There is always the chance that a child who comes from a middle class family, who also can’t afford private tutoring, has a larger need for SES than a child from an underprivileged family. New York City Schools seem to be ignoring this possibility.
How do Special Education Services Affect Students in New York City Schools?
Special Education Services can only help those students enrolled in SES programs in New York City Schools. The programs are often flexible and allows for before school tutors, after school tutors, weekend tutors, and even some online tutors. SES providers are required to provide assistance at the most convenient time for the child enrolled and can provide students with tutoring at several different sites:
- Schools: SES providers in New York City Schools can provide assistance inside the school building before or after school. This can help students focus more because they are inside their learning institution that has little distractions.
- Homes: SES providers can also come to a student’s home for tutoring in order to help the student be in a more relaxed environment where learning can take place under less pressure.
Overall, New York City Schools have the right idea in providing free SES to students in need. They’ve got it wrong though, in assuming that only the underprivileged can’t afford tutoring for their children. Middle class families in the New York City Schools are struggling to make ends meet every day. Their children shouldn’t be forgotten simply because they aren’t eligible for free lunch. All children, regardless of class, should be given the same opportunities for success. New York City Schools would be better off if they would understand this.
By: Patricia Hawke
Archive for October, 2009
Special Education Services in New York City Schools
October 25th, 2009New Teacher Tips – How to Set Up a Special Education Classroom
October 22nd, 2009
If your child is in a special education class, it is imperative that several things should be in order in order to maximize the learning conditions and subsequently their achievement.
In order to facilitate the learning, the classroom should have a special desk arrangement. Desks should be arranged in rows in order to minimize the amount of distractions caused by group and paired learning.
Another way to cater to the various levels is to set up a learning center around various stations that allow for hands-on fun or educational experiences depending on the educational background of the student. Learning centers should also provide a variety of activities and themes which ultimately makes the learning purposeful.
An additional set-up arrangement is to put the teacher’s desk in front of the class which allows for individual eye contact and body language.
In some special education classrooms, restroom facilities are located within the classroom. However, not all special education are set up in this way. However it can be a consideration should other arrangements be unsatisfactory.
As a new special education teacher, you’ll want a classroom setup that encourages an effective engagement with minimal distractions. With children who need to deal with special learning adjustments, try for a new setup that is not too overwhelming for him/her to function. You’ll want to also maintain control with the rest of the class as well.
Consider the kinds of activities that are systematic enough to help these kids thrive under a minimal number of classroom arrangement. Kids do not thrive well under too many unanticipated situations.
So what are you waiting for? Try it!
By: Dorit Sasson
