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I have been impressed with the quality of dialog on this blog, but I was disappointed with the responses of Mr. Burke (the policy officer who spoke on the program) and what it says to me about how our policy makers are approaching the problem of special education. The callers on yesterday's show brought up many valid problems plaguing our special education system, issues that I find valid as a part time instructor for the Beaverton school district. I found Mr. Burke's responses focused more on placating the public than addressing these complex issues. For example, when the woman called in about inadequate training for TAs he simply said that training for TAs is important, but made no attempt to address the problems associated with training. I was not able to find one instance where Mr. Burke addressed the failures of the system. I understand that these are complex issues, the educational system in this nation is strained across the board and there may not be any way to make improvements without taking resources from another area or increasing the resources available, but then that is the issue and should be dealt with instead of talked around.

posted 5 years, 2 months ago
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