She and Todd R. Risley were the researchers who discovered the fact that many middle and upper class parents talk to their babies far more–and in more positive and encouraging terms–than do many parents in poverty. And, that the lingering effect of this uneven early language development stays with children for many years and is very difficult to overcome.

The fact that early childhood education focuses on helping parents speak to their children more and more and use more words, is Betty Hart’s legacy. Her legacy is rich and lives on.

I didn’t know her name either and skipped over her obituary the first time–but I knew of her influential work. RIP, Betty Hart.

I love it! I believe that–to improve learning for general and special education students, we need ‘education parents.’ It almost doesn’t matter if the specifics in this piece are the ‘right’ ones. What matters is that we focus in the role parents can play in their children’s education. Thus, I was very glad to see this piece.

I, for one, am glad that the issue is getting play nationally. Reforming special education is a vital part of ed reform. As my loyal readers and fellow reformers know, I believe our special education system is broken and needs broad systemic reform. In fact, in my view, we can’t really have effective school reform without doing something about special ed. So let’s hope this is the first of many steps.

But I question the “solution” of choice for parents that was put forth …as the answer. Yes, it may be part of an answer, but not the whole kit and caboodle. Yes, while I do think parents want and deserve choice, I have never understood the obsession with it, as if, by itself somehow good education programs will be created for all on a large scale.

Giving a ‘voucher (word not used in the debate) for $1200 or even $5000 or $ 8000 to parents won’t buy a $30,000 or higher priced special education placement. It will also take money from public schools, ultimately, leaving only the poorest and most disabled there. Not a pretty picture especially for those of us who believe deeply that public education for all students is a vital part of who we are as Americans. Not a pretty picture–especially when we deal with the unintended consequences of such a move….

Even if there was enough money thrown at this, will there ever enough good placements? This appears to be something like the constant challenge we face in education—that we get a ‘great idea’ and then OVERpromise it as a solution? How are Florida and other states doing with these vouchers? They’ve had several years …. I hear mixed news–depending on who one asks… Does anyone really know? And who is monitoring the unintended consequences?

But of course, life is full of ironies. One here is that we already have a voucher-like ‘program’ in special education. It’s called a “cost share” between parents and schools. When there is a dispute and request for hearing, often parents and schools “settle” the dispute by agreeing to share the costs of the private school or services that the parent seeks. No hearing is needed and people move on. BUT, then again, this possibility is available ONLY for parents who can ‘pay to play.’ That is, who have funds to be able to SHARE the cost. Many parents can’t do that. So, again, they are left behind. HMMM.

I confess that this issue needs work–far beyond what I can throw at it on this beautiful sunny day in October. But, to get back to the top—I’m glad to see special education receive national attention. We need to fix it! Your thoughts?

I knew. My brother and I were immigrants to New Jersey in the 1950’s. We worked hard in school and did very well. And, yes, that status–of not quite fitting in and wanting to–was a great motivator. I’m glad to see that it’s still so for this generation of immigrants.