Getting rid of learning centers

Montgomery County (MD) Public Schools have decided to close their Learning Centers--schools within schools for students with mild learning disabilities. Arguing the principle of Least Restricted Environment (LRE), school officials have decided that there is no reason why these students can't be mainstreamed. At the end of last week, the State school board upheld the county's decision, over the protests of many parents, whose children with special needs will be affected.

In Montgomery County's rush to "Leave No Child Behind," parents feel that including their children in the general education classroom will adversely affect their children's ability to reach their fullest potential.

Although it is true that some students will absolutely do better by being included, there are other students in Special Education who may not do as well. The lower-functioning students who require more individualized instruction will be lost in the general education environment. In short, I think that Montgomery County's move is at best shortsighted and at worst disasterous for those students who need more help.