7A - Danielle Hackett –Response to Raymond Marks

The focus of Special Education in the Private Parochial School Setting: How Creative Use of Resources Can Enhance Student Success  by Raymond Marks is how students at private schools do not have the same right to special education and related services as students enrolled in public schools.  The special education services should be provided to the student through the public school in the town the child resides in if that child was identified as needing services.

In a perfect world, we could assume the private school is aware of their students needs and inform the parent of their rights which would lead them into getting the services from the public school and making other informed decisions regarding their child's education.  Unfortunately, nothing is ever perfect.  The child who needs services may not get them because the school doesn't have anyone trained in special education to screen students, the school is uncertain of their responsibilities, the parent is unaware of their rights, etc.

Although the private schools do not have to adhere to the same legislation as public schools, I feel that is their right and it should not change.  However, there are some things that should change.  Private schools should educate their families on the  issues related to special education so that they can make informed decisions as to what route to take regarding the best interests of their child.  Parents need to know what they are gaining and losing by leaving the public school system.  My only issue is what happens when students leave the public school system and get government assistance (vouchers) to attend private school.  I would hope that these schools would then have to follow legislation as they are receiving government funds. 

The paper was well written and covered the many issues related to students with special needs in the private school system.  It was very informative and was greatly enhanced by including a background of a private school (Mooney) and pointing out their strengths and weaknesses as a whole and in relation to special education.  Prior to reading this, I was unaware of how special education is handled in private schools, so thank you for that.