How we define success for Belmont’s students was at the heart of a sobering review of our special education services at the Feb. 27 School Committee meeting. Our children’s success must be defined by more than standardized test scores, Advanced Placement achievements, and college acceptances. Our inability to meet the needs of students with disabilities is directly linked to our inadequate education funding.
While some take pride in doing more with less when looking at low per-pupil spending and high test scores and others say the schools are greedy and wasteful, the reality for students with disabilities is that they are the ones who lose out on the education they deserve while adults focus on the wrapping of the package, instead of the contents within.
The presentation’s findings should be a wake-up call for all of us. Our most vulnerable students need a better system, and it is our responsibility to build it for them.
Nine major, sobering findings were shared, including the negative impact of the elimination of support personnel due to budget constraints, a lack of general education interventions, an inadequate continuum of services, and, sadly, students feeling that there is no place for them here. Concrete recommendations were also shared for each finding.
The great news is that controlling costs and better outcomes for kids are intrinsically linked. Without passing the override, we can’t do either one; in fact, we can expect both to continue to worsen. Please vote YES on ONE with me on April 2.
Heather Rubeski, Dalton Road