Portfolio Artifact #5 1

Portfolio Artifact #5

Sasha Waters

EDU 210
Portfolio Artifact #5 2

Jonathan is a severely disabled tenth grade student. His parents approach a seasoned

principal for a high school in the area. The principal, Debbie Young, served as a special

education teacher and as an assistant principal in an affluent, progressive school district in the

South. When the parents approached the principal, they explained all of his needs, to include:

needing constant care by a specially trained nurse, he is mentally disabled, has spastic

quadriplegia and has a seizure disorder. Principal Young refuses the request of having the

student attend her school because the high needs and expenses and that the school is not the most

appropriate place for the student, Jonathan.

I feel like Principal Young is wrong for denying the student a chance at the high school.

All students are entitled to an equal education and saying that her particular school is not

appropriate is a way out for not having to care for his needs. Principal Young should give

Jonathan a chance and base her decision off of his success and progress at the school, not off of

prejudgment. Jonathans parents need to go to higher authority and explain to them that she is

not even giving their son a chance at a fair education. (Pennsylvania Association of Retarded

Citizens vs Commonwealth of Pennsylvania).

Jonathan, along with his parents, are not being given their right to allow him to attend the

high school. Principal Youngs decision is not defensible because there are laws against the

discrimination of the disabled. Young is breaking the law and she needs to be reported to give

justice for Jonathan and other students who might come along and want to attend this high

school. Principal Young needs to be sure how she addresses the situation and watch closely as to
Portfolio Artifact #5 3

what she says so that she doesnt add to what could potentially be a suit. (Mills vs Washington

DC Board of Education.)

Being that Jonathan has so many needs, he needs to attend a school that can better assist

his disabilities. Im sure that his parents would be upset to get a call saying that something

happened and the staff werent qualified enough to assist him. His parents need to see that

Principal Young is doing them a favor by being straight forward with them and denying him the

education the school provides. The school may not even be able to keep up with his needs along

with trying to educate Jonathan if they are not yet experienced in the field. It could get

overwhelming. They should want the best for their student, not just a fair education but one

appropriate for his learning needs. He may need more that the school cannot provide. (Board of

Education vs Rowley).

Though it is unfair that Principal Young said no to the request of Jonathan attending her

high school, it is smart that she did. Jonathans parents need to realize that and take him

somewhere that can benefit Jonathan in every aspect. The school can only do so much and if

they want more done for their child, the school doesnt have to provide it. The school only needs

to offer what is critically needed for the student, not what is wanted by the parents. Are his

parents aware of that? Are they sure they want to make that decision to send him to a regular

high school? (Dale M. vs Board of Education of Bradley Bourbonnais High School).

Portfolio Artifact #5 4

I am grateful that Principal Young had the courage to turn the parents and student away.

It was in the best interest of the student not merely based off the thoughts of the principal. I

would have appreciated that Young was able to tell our family no on behalf of the school not

having the qualifications. Based off of court cases, some listed above, the schools are only

required to provide education for the students without denying them, but they are not required to

provide all services that disabled students might need. If my child could not get the full attention

that he/she needs, why would I even consider enrolling them? I wouldnt, Id take them where

they could get the best education and I wouldnt think twice about it nor be mad that a school

didnt meet my childs requirements.

Portfolio Artifact #5 5

References

Underwood, Julie and Webb, L. Dean. (2006). Students Rights. School Law for Teachers:

Concepts and Applications (pgs 141-143). Pennsylvania Association of Retarded Citizens vs

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Pearson.

Underwood, Julie and Webb, L. Dean. (2006). Students Rights. School Law for Teachers:

Concepts and Applications (pgs 141-143). Mills vs Washington DC Board of Education.

Pearson.

Underwood, Julie and Webb, L. Dean. (2006). Students Rights. School Law for Teachers:

Concepts and Applications (pg 143). Board of Education vs Rowley. Pearson.

Underwood, Julie and Webb, L. Dean. (2006). Students Rights. School Law for Teachers:

Concepts and Applications (pgs 143-145). Dale M. vs Board of Education of Bradley

Bourbonnais High School. Pearson.