I say yes, you say no, OR People are Strange

Hi BinVa,

I have been gone for a while. I'm back at school now, and all I can say is it will be a very long year. I have no training in special ed, but half my class are ESE students. By the time I get home I am exhausted, and just don't have the energy to even get on the computer.

Kira-

I work as a paraeducator(instructional assistant) in special ed and I don't know what it's like in your state, but our state has reduced funding for classroom help for special ed students. I'm sorry you're feeling overwhelmed. The special ed teachers are feeling just as overwhelmed as the classroom teachers. More is expected of our students as far as testing and achievement, but there is no help to get them there.

Mary 

For all you booklovers, there is a thread on book recommendations that KK started. It is in the Moving Beyond Cancer forum.

Kira and Mary, it is so tough to work with special needs kids.  My eldest daughter worked at a camp this summer with special needs kids, and she would tell me how tough it is.  You need so much patience.  My heart breaks for the parents of these children, and I tip my hat to them and to all the educators out there who work with them.

Cheryl, thank you for reminding me of that thread!

blue, I went through a period of time when I just couldn't concentrate -- after the birth of my kids.  I hated it!  I love to read, and I read everyday, so not being able to read would be hellish for me.  (((HUGS)))

One of my SIL is coming over tonite.  We will be having some Indian food--YAY.  I love spicy Inidan food.

I loved The Da Vinci Code. I am such a visual processor, though, I don't know if I could have kept track of all the details if someone was reading it to me. I am a terrible person to spell words to, you know, like in front of a little kid. I always have to stop and visualize the letters in my mind. I guess that's why I really never got into books on tape or CD.

Mary 

I'm with the Old Fashioned Folks" - I love "real" books. Some of the new trade paperbacks are well made, but the older ones are hard for me to read now.  Teeeeeny, weeeeny little print.  I remember the Celestine Prophecy - agree with you Blue.  Toxic people are not good for us.  Nor is the stress of it all. I didn't realize how "popluar" we writers were, how some golks must just pore over our words, and remember our screen names.   My favorite new laughable, is when defending ourselves, and our friends is called "stirring things up."  Good thing we haven't gotten into politics!

I still think we need more animated emoticons. Apparently, strong viewpoints cannot be expressed without them.

Mary 

Mary,

Things are the same here. I do have a 1 on 1 paraeducator for one of the kids. My dear principal seems to feel she can aid me with the other children as well. I really feel for you as well. It is so sad to see where our education system is these days.

Kira-I just don't see how we can expect more and more from our kids(and by "our" kids, I mean the kids on IEPs) and give them less and less help. Then, if they don't achieve, the teachers are penalized by taking away even more resources. 

Mary 

If he loses, I'm moving in with Blue!

Commune at Blue's!  I call front porch!

I'm drawing a blank-who is Perry and what is his book????

Mary 

How long do you think it will take someone to post that we're starting a commune...te,, heeeeeee...this is becoming even more fun.  Tho I kinda miss being a gangstah...never did get myself a pair of spats  - can we make it a commie commune?