Anyone with personal experience with special education in the Western Suburbs? (Naperville: attorney, homes)

[dbaMommy]

My husband just accepted a transfer from SoCal to Downers Grove. We'll be relocating in the next 90 days or so.

One of my children (on the high functioning autistic-spectrum) currently receives special education services so our choice of locale is tied heavily to that.

I have read through the many postings here and have found a couple of posts recommending Indian Prarie 204. Any other districts known for excellent special education services?

[freshmtt]

I don't have any knowledge of the Western Suburbs, but I have had wonderful experience with the Homewood School District 153. We moved to this south suburb specifically for their excellent Special Education program in the Elementary school. the Homewood/Flossmoor high school is also excellent for their special ed program.

My child has Early onset Bipolar Disorder and ADHD and we moved here when she was in 2nd grade and she is now in 5th grade. The Special Ed teachers have been wonderful. They bend over backwards for our children. The IEP meetings are supberb, I have daily email contact with my child's teacher, I have her cell phone, home phone number and we talk all the time regarding my child's progress in school, what is not working, what is, the school psychologist and social workers also are wonderful.

If you decide to not live in the same suburb that you husband works in you might want to consider Homewood. Taxes are higher here than in other places but 90% of the money goes to the school district and for us, having a child in special ed we feel that we get more than our moneys worth. I have never experienced such wonderful treatment from teachers before we moved to this suburb.

[gardener34]

I know that a relative has not had good experiences with special ed and D205 Elmhurst schools. I have heard (through a grapevine) oswego school district is good though please check further.

[elisabetm]

I'd avoid Naperville 203. We've been trying to get some assistance/accomodation for our LD child and have had to fight tooth and nail for everything. As long as there is at least one child that scores below yours, you'll be politely told that things aren't so bad. I've also been spoken to about medicating my child far too many times. I feel as though they would just like us to leave the district. They'd rather spend their money on honors classes. 203 was in the news a while back for withholding a communication device, that was deemed necessary, from an autistic boy.Students First Illinois

Really, a sickening case.

[dbaMommy]

Originally Posted by elisabetm

I'd avoid Naperville 203. We've been trying to get some assistance/accomodation for our LD child and have had to fight tooth and nail for everything. As long as there is at least one child that scores below yours, you'll be politely told that things aren't so bad. I've also been spoken to about medicating my child far too many times. I feel as though they would just like us to leave the district. They'd rather spend their money on honors classes. 203 was in the news a while back for withholding a communication device, that was deemed necessary, from an autistic boy.Students First Illinois

Really, a sickening case.

*Wiping eyes* Made me weep reading that article. I value your input and thank you for sharing your experience. I know how difficult it can be to obtain the services we know our children need and are entitled to.

[aragx6]

Originally Posted by elisabetm

Students First Illinois

Really, a sickening case.

What an awful story. Thank you for sharing the link.

[gardener34]

Yes, I have a son that is "not bad enough". This means he is the type of kid they will let slip through the cracks. Smart as a whip but needs an accommodation cause of his handwriting.

We are going through his evaluation now, after 3 years of having our district put it off... he needs is a keyboard to use in classes. I won't say which school district unless we don't get this keyboard!!

[dbaMommy]

Originally Posted by gardener34

Yes, I have a son that is "not bad enough". This means he is the type of kid they will let slip through the cracks. Smart as a whip but needs an accommodation cause of his handwriting.

We are going through his evaluation now, after 3 years of having our district put it off... he needs is a keyboard to use in classes. I won't say which school district unless we don't get this keyboard!!

I know exactly what you mean about the "not bad enough." We dealt with that as well because our child (an many are) is gifted academically specifically with Math and Science BUT "not bad enough" is not the same as ensuring our children have the same right to achievement as "typical" children. We have firmly and unwaveringly held to this and have had favorable results. Not that it has always been easy BUT at least here in CA when you refer to a child's rights people tend to listen a bit more closely. Do you find the same true there?

Here in CA we have educational advocates that are often used (at the parent's cost of course) albeit as one of the last resorts before hiring a full fledged attorney. Do you know if such is available in your area? 3 years is a very long time. So much time they've wasted.

My son also has issues with handwriting. We've looked into assistive technology as well but he feels he works quicker writing vs. typing. Though we have also researched Dragon Speak and other software which offer an audio interface with the PC where he can dictate his writing.

I will be curious as to what district you are in once your accomodation request has been resolved. Best of luck in your pursuit and thank you for sharing.

[gardener34]

Well last year he began writing in cursive more and that helped but it is still very slow. He just never gets consistently better. We have been practicing at home during summers for years now.

The school told us we will not qualify for O.T. services unless he has ADD - which he tested within average range for his age for that. He has been typing for a couple years now. And yes, we are considering advocacy. Our meeting is on feb. 26th, so we will find out then what is up.

He needs to be able to use a keyboard for notetaking and essay tests. Good luck!

[amyrachel]

I am in 203 and would avoid it as well. I have a son with aspergers and have had a super hard time with the school. Knowing what I know, I would have moved to 204. I also have an "NT" child who struggles to keep up. She is falling between the cracks and I am practically having to homeschool her because she is not being tought in school what she needs to know.

We moved to Naperville from New York and found the schools there were so much better. Naperville schools look great on paper, but in our limited experience with the one school in 203, its all about test scores and not necessarily about day to day teaching.

I will say however, if you have a self starter smart child who has no learing issues, 203 would be a good choice. The district has big money and lots of technology etc.

Just last week a $44 million (or close to it) budget increase was approved by voters and they are going to use the money to revamp, remodel, and update central highschool as well as many many of the schools.