Week 4: Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Last week went so quickly I forgot to post my blog! Work went really well as I really got into the meat and potatoes of some interesting issues. In addition to the work I continued to do regarding finance, I attended a briefing on Down Syndrome where passionate researchers presented compelling arguments on why the "one percent rule" should be amended lower. The argument to have students with disabilities in the mainstream classroom resonated with me because I know my mom had to jump through hoops to have me in a mainstream classroom as I was just starting school. The opportunity to have a world class education should be one that is available to all children. Thankfully, my mom made sure I was given the same opportunities as other kids, which has paid dividends beyond measure. However, some other parents don't have the will or the understanding of the law to argue on behalf of their children. As a result, there will be children that fall between the cracks. Fortunately, schools have to do a better job educating all students as a result of NCLB. NCLB is easily enforced, whereas IDEA was not enforceable. With the re-authorization of NCLB pending, even more children will be given the right to the education they deserve.