Miriam's School Law and Reform

Attorney, special education law expert, author, and reformer Miriam Kurtzig Freedman has spoken and consulted in 45 states. She's working toward 50!

Monday, February 1, 2010

"Distrust of government" David Brooks

I heard David Brook (New York Times columnist) on Meet the Press yesterday, January 31, 2010. He highlighted the fact that the big problem in America is that the public has a distrust of government. Wow. Right on!.

Taking the challenge right down to special education, it strikes me that noone should be surprised by the lack of trust among many parents. Why? Because back in the 1970's, the law was written for them to do exactly that. They were supposed to be the law's 'enforcers,' by making demands, filing complaints and hearing requests, and in all types of ways, 'advocating' for their children against their schools.

I believe it is time to change the paradigm. Change the law. Make it outcome based, not input driven. Let this law join the 21st century!
Let parents be parents, not enforcers.
Let schools provide services and enforce the law.
Let teachers teach, not be bogged down in paperwork and bureaucratic requirements.
Let students learn. Alas. That is what it's all about.

Keeping special education as is will just continue the distrust of our schools.

posted by Miriam Kurtzig Freedman, M.A., J.D. at 7:56 AM

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home

About Me

My Photo
Name: Miriam Kurtzig Freedman, M.A., J.D.

I am a proud product of public schools and believe in them deeply. They are our future. Thus, my work supports better public schools for all students!

View my complete profile

Previous Posts

  • Thank you, for this common sense research!
  • RTTT--only the bold and innovative need apply!
  • David Brooks' "Politics in the age of distrust"
  • Generation X Parents! We need to work with them!
  • Character education in Milwaukee
  • Big money pot and bigger--why so different?
  • Check it out!
  • Amazing way to start the New Year at NY Times!
  • Nation's Report Card--public comments.
  • In case you missed it...

Powered by Blogger

Subscribe to
Posts [Atom]