The kid next door

I've been living in Moriarty six years, and I've watched the kid next door, an autistic child, get on and off the bus every school day since he started attending. He's ten now, and he is growing into a fine young man, much of that thanks to local school teachers. 

While his older sister has become unhappy with the local high school and is learning from home, meeting with teachers regularly, he thrives at elementary school. It is so good for him! 

I've often thought that we should change how schools serve learners, especially those with special needs. What if we only bused learners who benefit from being physically present at school each day vs those who could get as much or more benefit from remote learning?

Special needs learners gain important social skills by attending school and by riding the bus. They don't need the bullying that they often endure in some schools. 

So let's encourage remote learning for the kids who don't contribute to a kind school community. They are less likely to bully if they are at home, connected by computer, as long as educators and parents monitor things. I know this is a sticky subject...

Other learners who attend school in person would be those who participate in school activities like sports team members, the band/orchestra, and art classes. These are usually learners who are involved in learning, not bullying. They would further provide help to the special needs kids in their socialization. 

Remote learning could include classes under the supervision of a neighborhood educator or two, maybe parents who are good with kids and enthusiastically support them. 

On the same note, parents who carpool kids to a school or learning center could be reimbursed by schools for the cost in gas and time. I believe APS is doing this to alleviate the bus driver shortage. I think that's how I heard about it. 

It could start with a schoolwide survey, asking learners, parents and educators about the problems they see in the schools and about possible solutions to those problems. Look at the data and push forward. 

That's all I've got today. Until next time, peace.