Ways to Improve American Special Education

The way to improve all K-12 education, be it special, gifted or otherwise, is through communication - through plain vanilla HONESTY. Yes, that same worn and tired chestnut that is the oft quoted panacea for anything from marital strife to inter-office politics to improved international relations, would, should, and can be the very effective mindset that DOES have the potential to revolutionize formal schooling as well.

Being a cliche' does not make it any less true. In fact, nowhere is it MORE true than as it applies to the education of those students for whom the status quo has NEVER worked, and whose needs will never, ever be met by one lone hero or superstar. Thorough and consistent and *absolutely* honest communication a cliche'? It seems to me that that speaks to the fundamental "rightness" of it, and that the cliche' status is apt only as it is analogous to a perfectly good piece of fruit that, left standing around untouched, will rot into a slimy and poisonous mush, when once it had the potential to quell hunger and nourish the body.

The same holds true for a good idea or good intentions. When acted upon and applied and analyzed and treated as a moving and evolving PLAN OF ACTION, both can inspire great and beautiful *results*! When ignored, left stagnant, or thwarted by sabotage, indifference, or cynicism, these same good ideas and good intentions can indeed pave the road to hell. The surest way to advance the former and prevent the latter is by COMMUNICATING. No subterfuge, no coyness, no ulterior motives or dual ambitions. Full and complete honesty is the MANDATE upon *anyone* who dares accept the privilege of serving those students with special needs.