Exceptional student Education in Georgia (Woodstock, Canton: home, high schools, statistics)

[info1234]

Does anyone know of a good school for Exceptional student education in High School? I was looking at Canton or Woodstock? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Please respond even if it is not in Canton or Woodstock area?

[lastminutemom]

Are you in Georgia yet or are your relocating here?

What is the nature of the student's disabilities and what is your vision/hope for that child's future?

[neil0311]

Originally Posted by info1234

Does anyone know of a good school for Exceptional student education in High School?

"Exceptional Student?" Are you asking about a gifted student or one with "special needs?" There are many schools in the area that have programs for gifted students....have no idea about special needs.

[info1234]

Not gifted. A student that is high functioning but needs special services that provides accomodations. Maybe able to be mainstreamed with supports. Needs a welcoming school environment with teachers who care and a school support system that provides postive supports. Any recommendations in Georgia for High schools that are great?

[lastminutemom]

Info

Can you answer my other questions?

What is your hope/vision for this child?

Are you in a good position where you are now? I take it you are not in GA.

Less than 50 percent of GA's special ed students finish high school.

[info1234]

How do you know these statistics? Are you closely familiar with special ed. in Georgia? Do you work for the school system? I appreciate the response, however, I wish that you had told me this first. I take it that you are not happy with ESE in Georgia! Can I look up this statistic and where would I go to look it up? What is the percentage of regular ed. students in Georgia that finish/graduate high school in Georgia? Is it also low?

[Padgett2]

You really can't look at the statistics for the State and get a good viewpoint of what is happening in the individual School Systems. Some simply do not have the resources to supply a suitable education for exceptional children.
Also, "graduation" doesn't mean a thing. In my local system, students receive a certificate after a certain lenght of time. It's just a piece of paper. I think we have a good exceptional student program. Many make it through the entire 12 years. Many drop out long before. So much depends on the families.

When our youngest graduated, there were two in his class that got to march with the others, went up and received a certificate, but were so out of it that they each had to be led up by an attendent. One even had to be prodded to reach out his hand to take his folder. But hey! They graduated with the others, didn't they!

The individual teachers also make all the difference. One school may have a great program, but terrible teachers, another will have dedicated teachers, but a bare bones program.. Which is better for your child? You have to really do your home work with the schools in the area you are interested in.

Just another word about statistics. The "No child left behind" program requires that all groups reach a certain goal in graduation, attendance, etc. This includes the Exceptional Student classes too. One of our local High Schools, with an excellent program, missed the cut off mark because there was one student whose physical problems caused him to miss so much school that the goal mark was missed by only 1%. The school appealed, but it did no good. The entire school was placed in the "needs to improve" group.

[info1234]

I am looking for dedicated teachers. Dedicated teachers that promote a safe learning environment is the most important aspect of a child's education. With dedication, teaching comes naturally. The child flourishes and feels important. Safety and discipline in the classroom is at the top of my list too. Please supply names of schools to research. Thanks

[BobKovacs]

Since you mentioned Canton and Woodstock, I'm assuming you're somehow predisposed to starting your search there. There are only a few high schools in Cherokee County, so why not just start by researching the situation in those? You can look at Woodstock High, Sequoyah, Creekview, Cherokee, and Etowah.

[info1234]

I don't want to guess. I need people to answer who have experience in this situation.