A new coordinator could provide much needed support for Howard public school students with learning disabilities or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder if the position is funded in the upcoming budget.
“Currently, there is little support and guidance for students who suffer from learning disabilities and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and their families in the public schools, and this needs to change,” said Donna Weaver, parent of a seventh-grader diagnosed with ADHD.
Parents spoke in support of the new position during a public hearing Tuesday on Superintendent Sydney Cousin?s proposed $656.7 million operating budget for fiscal year 2009.
The new coordinator would work with teachers and staff to increase their knowledge of these disabilities and developstrategies, said Deputy Superintendent Sandra Erickson.
The school system currently relies on other staff, such as school psychologists, to manage students with disabilities, she said.
Detecting students with disabilities is difficult, because many of them are in regular, and not special education classes, Cousin said.
“It doesn?t mean that the kids who are struggling can?t be successful, but it?s a question of when it?s appropriate to begin a [special education] program,” said school system spokeswoman Patti Caplan.
Kelly Meissner, parent of a Lime Kiln Middle School student with multiple disabilities, said the needs of students with learning disabilities were sometimes downplayed or overlooked, simply because teachers couldn?t identify the various symptoms.
“If students are identified earlier and receive the proper type of instruction, remediation and supports sooner and if there were one person that teachers could collaborate with, it is possible that these students may avoid being placed in the realm of special education altogether,” she said.
A salary for the new position would be determined based on experience.
At a glance
» Around 4,200 of the 48,155 public school students were in special education classes in the 2006-07 school year.
» Of those 4,200 students, about 1,000 were determined to have learning disabilities.
» The remaining students? disabilities included mental retardation, and hearing and visual impairment, according to the Howard school system.
» Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is mental disorder is characterized mainly by impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention, according to the National Institutes of Health.
