Many of us have used tools like emotional thermometers, visual schedules, or coping strategies to help our child communicate and respond to their feelings. We teach them that feelings are information, not emergencies. Adults need those tools as well. Caregiving often asks us to consider impossible questions. What happens when I’m gone? What if something … Continue reading Flinch Factor
From Super Parent to CEO
At the end of fifth grade, when I picked up my daughter from school, her 1:1 paraprofessional would tell me about her day. One afternoon, before the paraprofessional could say a word, my daughter ran up to me and announced in the snarkiest voice, “I had a good day.” The sentence and the attitude were … Continue reading From Super Parent to CEO
What if we lose disability rights?
If the laws that guarantee people with disabilities the right to public education and to live in the community are no longer meaningfully enforced, do these rights still exist? There are 7.5 Million current students with IEPs, about 15% of public school students, and about 70 million disabled adults in the United States. Historically, enforcement … Continue reading What if we lose disability rights?
Data predicts student outcomes. It shouldn’t decide them.
“We aren’t born to read — we’re born to speak. Reading is a code that can be taught,” Dorrie said. “I would like to see all Northampton students be able to read by third grade. What happens when they hit third grade and they’re really far behind, it’s called the ‘Matthews Effect’: the poor stay … Continue reading Data predicts student outcomes. It shouldn’t decide them.
Common misconceptions about school funding
Dear City Council, It’s budget season, and again there are common misconceptions about school funding. If children with high needs are prevalent state and nation wide, why is this a local government responsibility? Government exists to take care of the people. These are our neighbors: economically disadvantaged students, English language learners, students with disabilities and … Continue reading Common misconceptions about school funding
Hole in the roof
The crisis in our schools is like a hole in the roof. A strong budget patches it. A level-services budget just puts buckets and wet floor signs underneath. And the target budget? It cuts a new hole. Some say repairs cost too much, materials, salaries, too many people on the job. But buckets aren't a … Continue reading Hole in the roof
The cost of shorting schools
Funding our schools isn’t just about supporting our children today—it’s about lowering Northampton’s long-term costs associated with crime, social services, and lost tax revenue. The narrative that restoring $2 million to the school budget will “take $10 million a year away from future capital improvements” overlooks a crucial truth: every dollar invested in education generates … Continue reading The cost of shorting schools
