posted March 17, 2010 11:47 AM            

Obama Education Overhaul To Up Ante For Students With Disabilities
By Michelle Diament
March 15, 2010
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/03/15/blueprint-sped/7332/
As part of a proposal to overhaul America’s education system, the
Obama administration is calling for students with disabilities to
“graduate from high school ready for college and a career” just like
their typically developing peers.

Under a blueprint sent to Congress Monday, there would be less
emphasis on test scores and more of a focus on students attaining a
broad base of knowledge, increasing high school graduation rates and
ensuring that such graduates are prepared for college and work.

The plan places special emphasis on inclusion of students with
disabilities. Further, administration officials want teachers to be
better prepared to address the needs of special education students and
tests that more accurately assess student abilities.

A group representing special educators expressed cautious optimism
about the plan Monday. Bruce A. Ramirez, executive director of the
Council for Exceptional Children, said he is encouraged that the
blueprint “enhances inclusion of students with disabilities,” but he
said details on implementation are lacking.

Under the Obama administration initiative, standards would largely be
developed at the state level, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan told
reporters Monday.

The plan complements an ambitious effort unveiled last week by state
leaders from across the country to establish national academic
standards. Both plans put a premium on high expectations.

Schools that excel would be rewarded under the blueprint from the
Obama administration, while struggling schools would be pressured to
try new strategies, though much control over a particular school’s
approach would be left to local officials.

“We have to raise the bar for all students,” Duncan said. “The one
thing that isn’t going to work is doing nothing.”

The blueprint comes as Congress prepares to reauthorize the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act, also known as No Child Left Behind.
Duncan called the current law “punitive” and said the system needs to
highlight more rewards for success.

here is a copy of said blueprint for REFORM
http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/blueprint/blueprint.pdf

Raymond

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"Nothing matters absolutely;
the truth is it only matters relatively"