OK, I need specifics...BOBKOVAC and others! (Atlanta, Decatur: budget, rent)

[Tab1975]

Ok I have posted here before and I am still confused, so let me take my time and be specific and break down my situation.

I moved from NYC in November, I am not working yet and I live in LoveJoy in Clayton Cty( staying with a friend). I have two kids, boy 17(in march) in Special Education for Mild Retardation, and a daughter 8(march also) that just made honor roll in Clayton County schools.

What I am looking for is info on schools that have great special education programs. I have been on contact with the GA dept of Ed, but they cant recommed one school over the other because it is not ethical. But I need to hear from alll of you educators, parents, and Bob Kovacs(you know everything...LOL) to let me know what counties can I get the best education for my son and my daughter.

I am on a budget so I know that my rent can only be between $700 and $850, know better schools ask for more money as far as rents and mortages, but I know that in my price range it exsist.

As I said, I post often but I need specifics.

Thanks

Tammara

[lastminutemom]

Tammara

Special ed in GA stinks (I think I might have told you that before you moved...)
Because he is in special ed, he actually gets to stay in school until he is 21.

What are his capabilities? Can he learn a vocation, life skills, etc?

Letting me know that can at least help me help you ask schools the right questions.

[Tab1975]

His reading is slow, but my son is very common sense smart. He has some rage issues, but he can sit down and hold a conversation with you on music, sports, political race. He is more advanced than alot of kids in his school, but he is not geting alot of the services that he needs because I am not longer on state medical assistance and alot of the programs as far as counseling and others are only taking medicaid.

My son still wants to be a professional basketball player, but I think that is just him not facing up to the fact that it may not happen. I do not know what he would want to learn as a trade as he is so high in the clouds about his first love, he is not thinking about any future if it is not with her. But I want him to look at that path of vocational studies. Please know that Spec Ed as a whole everywhere is flawed. I just want one that will care about him and help me get him to his best potential.

[BobKovacs]

Wow- I feel special to have been singled out....lol. Unfortunately, this is an area that I know nothing about, so I'll leave it to those who do.

[lastminutemom]

Well, I think I would start calling the school systems that are close in, Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, Atlanta and maybe Gwinnett, and start inquiring about how they would serve your son. Ask for the special ed department. Less than 50 percent of GA students in special ed earn a diploma, so you have really got to push to get what he needs.

I have a friend who teaches high schoolers more sever than your son and they do all this stuff in the community.

you can find any school system in Georgia (except the city of Decatur) by the following.

Welcome to DeKalb County Schools

Google Warren Tech in DeKalb (or go to dekalb's website and find it). It may be a possibility.

Just change dekalb to any other county's name.