I don't agree with school choice. Public schools by law MUST accept all children regardless of ability. Private schools can selectively accept students so that you have a homogenous population of students. An autistic child would not be eligible to attend a private school .. only the public school is required by law to provide a free and appropriate education.

I feel very strongly that instead of crippling our public schools by taking scarce resources away and giving to private schools .. communities need to get involved and help make our schools stronger and better places for our children to learn and grow into responsible adults. Public schools need community leaders, parents, professionals to step up and volunteer time. Money is important but I think that the sharing of knowledge is what is desperately needed within many of our public school districts.

Volunteer time to help out on the playground, bring a bucket of chalk and some tennis balls with you. Help a group of elementary students learn how to cooperatively play a game. Volunteer to stop in and read to students during lunch or even at recess. Volunteer to participate in the many committees that are part of public schools - help out the after-prom committee and help plan activities that will ensure our young people make good choices during the graduation/prom season.

Its easy to give up and walk away from difficult students .. it takes dedication and grit to jump in and make a difference. Children do not pick / select their parents .. it is not a child's fault whatever shortcomings their parents present. And there are a lot of parents out there that are just not doing right by their children - not even close. But we cannot throw those children away because they have the misfortune of being born to immature parents who can't take care of themselves let alone a child.

Supporting our public schools by volunteering, getting involved, plus voting for appropriate funding is what will position this country for the future. I really believe this.