Good Point ACS,
Spending a few hours observing the possible future placement is a wonderful way to
a) get to know the teacher
b) see what the rest of the kids are like
c) see what happens to children who are 'different.'
d) check out the availible learning materials,and if the children actually use them
e) Look at how much time the children are working independently, how much time in small goups, perhaps leveled groups, how much time alone.
f) How much noise/clutter/touching/quiet sitting/movement is going on, and will that suit the child?
Of course each particular group of children has it's own flavor, but it's much more reliable that what the schools write on their websites. Even if the website sounds wonderful, remember that somehow,the exact same words that we use here, are used by the schools to mean totally different things. Most particularly: "We differentiate the classroom instruction and materials to challenge every learner." Could be great - but unlikely. Ranks up there with "I will love you forever." as words to judge by a history of actions, not by what one hopes they mean. ((Humor Alert))
Smiles,
Grinity
