For much of the nation, the state of New York appears to be the mecca of all things hip; cool neighborhoods, awesome theater and excellent museums. Professional sports abound throughout the state and many, many people flock to New York every year believing that if “they can make it there, they can make it anywhere!” Even the educational standards and teacher pay appear to be greatly desirable for educators and parents alike. However, not all schools are excellent; many in fact, have not been able to meet state and federal standards for success. Long Island Schools have, however, shown marked improvement over the last 4 years in resolving this problem.

Long Island Schools Report Cards

Recent state report cards which reflect how well a school is doing in regards to state academic goals show that Long Island Schools demonstrate marked improvement. Over 30 Long Island Schools have not been able to meet the criteria in the past. For the most part, these Long Island Schools have been able to improve their ratings and have thus met the state requirements as well as the federal ones resulting from the No Child Left Behind Act.

What’s interesting are the reasons given for why these schools have not been up to snuff in the first place. Nearly all the failing Long Island Schools cite poor education for special ed students as the reason for the schools’ failure. Why, in the 21st century, is this school district just now realizing that these students need extra attention? Special education students are those with specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia. These Long Island Schools’ students must receive special training in order to meet academic standards put forth by Long Island Schools themselves.

Special Education in Long Island Schools

It is not to be said that special education students cannot learn or meet the academic goals set for them by Long Island Schools. However, they do need special accommodations in order for them to learn and perform at the top of their game. Oftentimes, these students are exceptionally bright; they just aren’t wired like the mainstream student population. They need and deserve a strong educational program that is sensitive to their needs and helps them reach the expectations set forth by the Long Island Schools.

It is nearly unbelievable to me that Long Island Schools didn’t know this in the first place. Despite the fact that most kids learn in spite of us, there are quite a lot of kids who definitely do need our help. Making sure to have an adequate number of teachers and support staff on the payroll as well as the proper facilities is a given. There is no reason why a majority of these kids can’t be held to the same standards as their mainstream peers; they simply require special accommodations. Why Long Island Schools were lax in this is a question that only they can answer.

By: Patricia Hawke

• Previous Entry: How To Determine Your Child’s Eligibility For Special Education
• Next Entry: Special Programs Available in Las Vegas Schools