| I am very thankful for the resources and networking
opportunities your newsletter provides.
Currently I am working in a Public School District advocating for Native American
Students. My education background is in EBD/LD Special Ed., however I was so frustrated with the program classes outdated modes
or unrealistic applications that I quit for one year, and took the Student Advocate job. During my year working in the school
I became even more increasingly upset with the District’s Special Ed. Program. The middle school EBD/LD students experienced
at least 5 different teachers in one school year. Children left IEP mtgs in tears. There was no “individualized” part or taking
the students’ needs or interests into consideration. Basically, I witnessed these students being “set up” for failure and drop
out. Fortunately, things are looking more upbeat. There are now 2 teachers (LD & ED) working together. I am hopeful they
will be able to better advocate for and instruct these students. Perhaps another problem source is that many of the regular
education staff do not have any training or understanding of students with “disabilities.” These 2 new teachers have their work
cut out for them.
I am becoming more and more convinced that the “traditional” education system can
not seem to meet EBD students needs.
I hope the alternative programs your newsletter highlights will lead the much needed
school reform/revolution. I truly believe in the power of combining Experiential Education and Applied Ecopsychology for all
students, especially those with the EBD label.
-Heidi, Wisconsin
(Heidi: Thanks for your letter along with the Report on Project Nature connect. You stated your frustrations and hopes with
education well. Hang in there and do the best you can. Part of your frustration is just the reality of life, part is our continuing
to follow forms of “mass education” developed a century ago, and part can be corrected by people like you who know better. -Lon)
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