The Editor,
Re. “Special needs needs funding” (The Tri-City News, April 7).
I was absolutely appalled by the information relayed in this article. It appears as if the most vulnerable section of the school population, our special needs students, are the most neglected.
Individual programs, specialized educators trained in a number of areas and support teams are vital for the proper education and development of these children to take place. To have a regular classroom teacher expected to deal with all these issues and under the guise of “inclusion” is unrealistic and unfair to all students and teachers alike.
A well-planned inclusion program can be beneficial to these children but only with the necessary support and resources.
Is this really happening??
I plead with School District 43 board of education to ponder these issues. Include in your budget the proper funds to address the needs of these children and act accordingly in a responsible manner. This is your job. I appreciate there is only so much money but the special needs component is well overdue.
Thank goodness my two autistic grandchildren live in San Francisco under a school system that provides classroom support, inclusion support and special services at hand. I wish as much for the special needs students in our schools.
Flo Bullock, Port Moody
