For several months we’ve been listening to a certain Jericho Board of Education trustee who believes that his understanding and knowledge about pedagogy and best education practices is greater than anyone else, even though he has no experience in education
Picture a student with special needs going through school. Elementary School Middle School, High School….moving through grade levels with their peers. A student developing friendships and learning how to navigate social situations with other students who know and care about each other. There are times when students with special needs might remain in the public school setting through age 21.
Some students, in this circumstance, may not meet all of the requirements to receive a diploma at the same time (12th grade) as their friends with whom they have attended school since kindergarten. In most schools a student in this situation would be permitted to walk the stage at graduation, even though they would not get a diploma. To be clear, they are NOT receiving a diploma. They are not graduating or being listed or named as a graduate. These special needs students are simply participating in an activity with the friends they have attended school alongside for most of their life.
Several months have been spent listening to a particular member of the Jericho Board of Education object to this practice. His opinion was that “these students” would “tarnish the brand”. What a horrible way to think of students, especially children who have special needs. How does showing compassion and kindness “tarnish a brand”?
Getting elected to a Board of Education does not have any requirements to have education experience or training in education practices. But in Jericho there is a member of the board who feels he alone should have the deciding voice in what is best for a student. He believes that his understanding and knowledge about pedagogy and best education practices is greater than anyone else, even though he has no experience in education. He feels that as a member of the Board of Education he should be the final arbiter of what is best for a student with special needs.
Or, is it just that he has an ax to grind with certain parents and certain district employees?
