DISCUSSION EDU219

The initial task was to answer the following: Using everything you have learned about IDEA, FAPE, LRE, presuming competence, inclusive settings, and children with exceptionalities, wriite a reflection on the article you just completed (Lesson 15, Reading #2 Links to an external site.). Was the school right? The family? Why? Be specific and cite the information you have learned during this course.

Is it any wonder some parents and families of children with exceptionalities are wary of working with schools and school personnel? It is the responsibility of every educator to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students and families.

What must be done now is to respond to 2 people with a minimum of 100 w0rds. What would you reply to him?

Person 1 (Cherryl)	Answer:
This article about a child with autism's desk/work area being placed in an unused bathroom at school clearly does not represent inclusiveness for that student or any other student. The school was in clear violation of federal laws, a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Schools are required to accommodate a student in a Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). (understood.org) The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is also a federal law which states that all children have access to a free and public education and in a least restrictive environment. (understood.org) The parents had requested a quiet area for their son to work in such as the library. The school then provided a restrictive environment by placing the student alone in a small bathroom to do his studies. That was their solution to a quiet area. The library would have been the best placement as it would allow for inclusiveness whereas other students would also be utilizing that area for their studies. Being that the school was responsible for the unusual work space placement the parents have every right to file a lawsuit with the school district. Proper accommodations were not facilitated for their son and his rights were violated not to mention his feelings of being excluded. Schools must creaate a learning environment for all students on an individual basis according to federal and state laws.
Person 2 (Earline)	Answer:
The school was wrong by placing Danielle Goodwin's son's desk in a bathroom stall. The school's choice was inappropriate because the parent was not involved in the decision, and no decision was made based on an evaluation of an Individual Education Plan. IDEA, FAPE, or LRE was engaged in the decision process. IDEA came up with concepts like LRE and FAPE to focus on the special conditions of students. LRE is a legal term in the Disabilities Education Act that describes that children should be educated to the maximum extent possible alongside similar classmates and have access to the general education curriculum. LRE advocates for a sense of equality. To provide FAPE, Schools must provide students with an education emphasizing special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living. It's the responsibility of both the educator and parents. The educator can creaate a welcoming and inclusive environment, but the parents and families must be willing to accept, participate, and be dedicated. It will also take a lot of communication and patience.