I've been thinking about this. It seems obvious that none of us knows the answer or has the clout to do much about it, except in small doses for our own kids. Someone pointed out that the whole educational system needs to change. That's where someone like Bill Gates and his foundation might come in. I know it seems like a long shot, but it couldn't hurt to ask him something like "We see these issues in the current educational system, these effects on x group of kids, these effects on y group of kids etc. What we need is someone with ideas and money to find a better way to educate all kids. How would you be able to contribute to this project?". And, let him take an interest and take it on as a project (of course with all of our input, right!!). We could certainly do something like start our own group as a grass roots way to make changes. But, we'd need a big mind, a big name, and money to implement those changes. And very clear, specific goals on which to focus. Peronally, I'd love to change my school and school district but I don't have the time or the money.
I also think that none of these changes would come about soon enough to help our own children.
This is a good discussion, but we could discuss it from here until kingdom come and not be able to implement anything widescale. I am a firm believer, however, that it needs to come "from the people" and not from the government. Governement has already made a mess of things. That's also a hard part - making changes to a system so corrupted by government intervention. It is a systemic change and it has to take place on a societal level and it has to affect ALL children.
Or, we are going to have to unite as a group and start suing school districts like people did in the 70s for special education.
Just ideas. Everyone has something to contribute and we've had a lot of good ideas. Keep 'em coming.
