By Felix Schmittdiel Parent of a child with a cognitive disability in SMMUSD
We tend to get reports, with no good news, that relate to our system of education in California as being characterized as a categorical failure, as compared to the world and even the rest of 50 states. Some reports state that California schools are just barely ranked above Mississippi.
In response to that and regarding our own high scoring local Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, I want to share a point of great hope as was observed at the meeting that took place on 2/21/2008 in front of the SMMUSD Board of Education.
In this, a very fractious and adversarial time regarding things involving many in the SMMUSD Special Education community, there is need for some good news. We got some! I witnessed at this meeting parents, staff and board members visibly moved as we all heard countless testimony of the life changing effects a lunch program on site at Santa Monica High school called “Circle of Friends” has had on numerous young adults calling themselves “General Ed” as well as “Special Ed” students. From the mouths of theses articulate students, we all learned that everyone has a right to belong and be included in this fun group that teaches social skills, eats lunch as friends and offers acceptance for those with and without disability.
Time after time the “Gen Ed” young adults came forward with remarkable poise, in front of a very packed district chambers audience, sharing their experience in very clear terms. In less than two minutes, each one who spoke, with almost unanimous agreement and passion, (said) that their journey in life had forever been changed for the good because of their involvement in this club. When each had finished speaking there was a spontaneous applause. I am greatly heartened and encouraged with what I saw and I am very proud of a school district that supports and will continue to fund this program/club as it stands.
Hopefully one day we all can stand together and see that this program that teaches equality, inclusion and friendship for those with and without disabilities, becomes a model for schools nationwide. As was stated by someone at the close of the meeting, we the teachers/parents have just been taught by the students in a very profound way. I agree and based upon what I saw, the future is in good hands. Finally and most importantly, it seems that we have in fact, taught our children very well.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 1, 2008. Read the original PDF.