Something Missing
I’m sitting with my newborn daughter, six weeks old today, as she sleeps off another feeding. This iPhone is the perfect new mommy gift because it allows me to stay connected, even when I’m otherwise occupied or pressed into duty. This morning, I’m scrolling Twitter and reading my regular round of teacher blogs. Everyone has planning on the brain, including me. Why me? After all, I’m not going back to work on September 2nd. This is a weird feeling for me. Planning is what I do. I’m good at it, even if the execution sometimes leaves much to be desired. This is the first time since I started Kindergarten that I haven’t had a “Back to School.” I’m not kidding… I’ve always been a student and/or a teacher.
So, what should I do with myself? For starters, I’m keeping up on my education news because I’d like to write an article or two for the new blog, GothamSchools. It’s taking me awhile to get back into the writing groove but I’ve been thinking about my sister’s experience with special education in NYC. My nephew goes to a private special ed school because my sister felt that he wasn’t getting adequate services. The State pays for much of his tuition thanks to a State law that allows parents to sue for educational services. What happens to kids whose parents don’t have access to the knowledge and resources required to do the same? Does this law provide any incentive for schools to improve the quality of services offered to special needs kids?
On another note, this same sister has a daughter entering kindergarten this year. I had the opportunity to observe her navigate the DOE channels of kindergarten enrollment and the Gifted&Talented screening process. Enlightening, to say the least…
These are just some of the things I have floating around in my mind as we approach another new school year. In the meantime, I’m keeping my finger on the pulse as best as I can!








