Special Education: Public vs. Private...educators help! (private schools, live in)

[EEEPNJ]

Can any educators explain to me what TRUE differences there are for children with ADHD in public and private schools.

I keep hearing that public schools have "so many more services" but no one can tell me WHAT these services are.

Also, I notice local public schools have classes of 28 or so on average, our local private has about 16 per class. I can't see a child w/ ADHD doing better with 12 more children in class.

Thoughts?

[jlx]

by more services they are probably referring to fact that public schools may have child study teams, counselors, and options for instruction--pull out programs or in class assistance. Private schools may not have the same level of services because they are not mandated to and there are fewer students requiring them.

[ccnj]

A big difference between public and private schools in regards to SPED services is that private schools often don't do the testing when teachers or parents see the need. I had a student one year that was going to a private school and his mother pulled him out for the year so that he could go through testing (free) in public schools. He was classified and then she moved him back.

My district caps elementary classes at 22 for grades 3-6. K-2 classes have 16, I believe. It depends on the types of modifications that the child needs as to whether or not they get smaller group settings, or other types of assistance.

[EEEPNJ]

We are in the process of having the testing done through special services - at no charge - so we are getting that attention. In a way, I think I may prefer the private setting - while I want the help that my child may need, I also don't want them stigmatized either. I like the approach of getting some help, making some modifications.... but not making ADHD (or whatever turns up...but it's looking that way) the CENTER of their being... you know?

I am meeting with the public school in town and a few charters anyway - just in case.

[Dingo99]

He has ADD... same thing that probably 50% of the kids nowadays are diagnosed with...

dont make this into some big drama for his sake. send him to the same school he has always been (whether that is public or private).

[EEEPNJ]

She. And yes, I agree, it's overdiagnosed BIG TIME these days. In many cases because the parents are looking for a diagnosis/medication to try to make it go away. This is not the case here, it's real.

[ccnj]

whether you decide to go public or private, I would sit with the child study team and/or principal and discuss which teacher would be best for your child. This is not meant as a pat on the back for myself, but I've had some students that did really well in my class that would go on to the next grade and got a teacher that didn't "understand them" or follow the IEP they way they were supposed to and the child had a lot of problems during the course of the year. As sad as it is, some teachers have little tolerance for any kids that stray from the norm. You need to be your child's biggest advocate.

[EEEPNJ]

Yes CCNJ, you are right. I have encountered a lot of teachers who don't have any tolerance for children that don't fit a perfect mold.... it's a shame. I am sitting in on the teachers for next year in my child's school. I am also going to visit my public and a local charter school too. Can't hurt.

[JerseyG]

Originally Posted by EEEPNJ

Can any educators explain to me what TRUE differences there are for children with ADHD in public and private schools.

I keep hearing that public schools have "so many more services" but no one can tell me WHAT these services are.

Also, I notice local public schools have classes of 28 or so on average, our local private has about 16 per class. I can't see a child w/ ADHD doing better with 12 more children in class.

Thoughts?

I'm not sure but unless a run-of-the-mill private school offers services for "special needs" children, they won't accept that child into the school and mainstream them.

[shannybannany]

Okay...here goes!~

CCNJ: You are 100% correct...regardless of where....YOU need to be the advocate, I agree.

The one thing I will say about public vs. private is: The difference of qualifications of teachers.

Mind you, I am a teacher. I live in NJ but work in Philadelphia...Wanna know why?

Do you know how hard it is to get a job in the public school system in NJ? ...VERY hard. The union makes it the most lucrative teaching job in the country.

That being said, the pool of applicants grants a school system to be extremely choosy. The best get hired. On top of that, public school educators are in constant need to update credentials.

I teach in the public school system in Philadelphia. The perks are not as lucrative as New Jersey but we are constantly under pressure to increase our PD hours. That is a good thing!

Just remember....In NJ, your best teachers will be teaching in the public school systems.

One more thing....Good luck getting a job in NJ even though you are a credentialed, special-needs teacher....You (in NJ) are a dime a dozen.

As a parent: Jackpot!

This is just my opinion.

Good luck!

Shanny