[JayCT]

Originally Posted by Stratford, Ct. Resident

I know you're pretty up on the school statistics, but i really feel that we're doing a disservice when we speculate on which town offers the best special ed programs. My cousin is a special ed teacher in FFC, and his recommendation is to talk to the parents of children in these programs. Yes, it is a difficult task to identify said parents, however, it really is the only way to get solid information. He would suggest that the OP contact the head of the local PTA's for assistance with identifying these parents. I'd suggest following the "small" buses from the schools, but that would probably be a bad idea around here.

That is wh I said "If I had to guess...". I then went on to suggest talking to the director and oturing the schools. I also am not sure if anyone would give out names of students in the program. And I certainly would not suggest following a bus around. JMHO, Jay

[yankeemom]

As someone who has been in the PTA (including board positions in the past) in Wilton, I can assure you that the volunteers are specifically told that anything observed regarding individual students while volunteering in the schools is not be discussed outside of the classroom. No one is hiding anything, but students and parents should have basic privacy respected whether receiving special services or not.

I cannot speak to the adequacy of the special education in Wilton, but I do know there are varying philosophies regarding approaches, methods, and how to provide those services. If you hold to a specific philosophy or approach, it would behoove you to approach the director of special ed in the towns you are interested to see if they have a district- wide philosophy, take things from several approaches or are unable to articulate their approach.

As a parent, I regularly see meetings and lectures for families listed in the school newletter. Here is the link to the group that provides these support services:
Welcome to SPED*NET Wilton
These meetings/lectures are open to anyone, so perhaps that is one way to meet other parents and hear their views.

[blogspott]

Maybe if the parent looking for information volunteers their name and number so any parents can freely contact them would be a good idea. Who to give your information to though I don't know!

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by yankeemom

As someone who has been in the PTA (including board positions in the past) in Wilton, I can assure you that the volunteers are specifically told that anything observed regarding individual students while volunteering in the schools is not be discussed outside of the classroom. No one is hiding anything, but students and parents should have basic privacy respected whether receiving special services or not.

Yes, i understand that. But, are there not discussions between parents regarding the merits of various teachers within the district?

[Stratford, Ct. Resident]

Originally Posted by JayCT

I also am not sure if anyone would give out names of students in the program.

Of course not.

Originally Posted by JayCT

And I certainly would not suggest following a bus around. JMHO, Jay

Tongue in cheek joke. I did say it wasn't a good idea.

[yankeemom]

But, are there not discussions between parents regarding the merits of various teachers within the district?

The question was posed regarding approaching the PTA for information regarding students/families receiving special ed services. I responded to that.

Now, is there discussion regarding teachers among parents? Of course. However, the PTA I was involved in did not get involved in specific issues between parents and teachers. What parents discussed on their own was up to them. A discussion between parents in the supermarket about a teacher's style or approach is very different than a representative of the PTA providing names of families receiving support services.

I provided a link to a group that does provide a forum for families to educate, support and learn from both professionals and each other. I can humbly say that anyone at those meetings is much better versed in the rights, services provided and personnel than someone who is not in that district or not receiving support services.