An unnamed child was suspended by Success Academy Charter School for 45 days after having been accused of physically assaulting his teacher.
“When a 55-pound first-grader tussled with Success Academy Prospect Heights’ assistant principal, the boy’s mom believes the fight was fixed.
“The 7-year-old, already battling a disability, was removed from class for a whopping 45 days after school officials said he hurled a stool at the woman and dragged her down a hallway by the hair.
“His mother and lawyer came out swinging against the accusations, claiming the staff unfairly targeted the boy. They say the student was suspended 10 times since the beginning of January.
“He’s just a child,” said the mom, who asked to remain anonymous because her son and a daughter are still enrolled at the school. “They’ve been trying to push him out of the school since day one.”
Success Academy is not very successful with children with disabilities. They are “not a good fit” for a high-performing charter school.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Reblogged this on David R. Taylor-Thoughts on Education.
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This is a major problem in public schools too!
Situations like this happen far to often. After the second suspension the school should have initiated extensive testing under IDEA, BUT, there is no consequence (financial or otherwise) for any school to do this. The school gets money for the child’s education even though he he is blocked from attending. They can test for among other things comprehensive, social, emotional, and even conduct disorders. This testing MUST be done and the final report provided in sixty days under FEDERAL LAW. Only a parent’s signature requesting testing, but schools and school districts are not always forthcoming.
Even though this child is suspended and summer is almost here that does not matter. Sixty days from the date the parent delivers a hand written letter, sends an email,or signs papers drawn up by the school the clock starts 24/7 … continuous days whether school is in session or not. The testing will determine if the child qualifies for an IEP, or is just a bad kid. If it is determined he is IEP qualified certain protections are afforded to protect the child, but there are exceptions if a level of criminality is reached by the child in question.
Most states have a DOE advocacy group. If they don’t, then utilize the State DOE DISPUTE RESOLUTION Dept. It is their job to handle things like this and monitor that all schools are COMPLYING with all laws governing the education of children within their state. Sometimes all it takes is that Department giving the parent the go ahead to tell the head of the school district in question relevant department that “So and so in the State’s DOE DISTUTE RESOLUTION suggested I call you because I am not getting any co-operation in having my child tested after x number of suspensions”.
Parents almost need a law degree these day just to ensure their child gets an education. The fact that this problem has existed in public school for years it should not surprise anyone that is in ANY educational facility.
FYI, the two suspension rule is mine from decades of experience. It is not fair to a child to let it drag on. Schools are quick to suspend and that is a real problem because it creates a child that does want to go to school and if they act a certain way they won’t have to.
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I wonder whether the school has any teachers who are certified in special education.
Giving the child two hours of tutoring is not the same thing as having an IEP plan. In this story there are too few facts. There is also a mystery…why does the mother want her child in Success Academy?
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Strange…NY State permits only a five day suspension from school without a more formal hearing being held. Beyond that, significant additional protections are in place for handicapped students. Clearly, Eva Moscowitz’ “skimming” plan was unsuccessful in screening this young man out. Now, Success (what an ironic name) is dead set on assuring this young man does not sit for recently completed state exams. SAD, even PATHETIC! Now everyoneknows how Eva gets the best results in the city on NY State Assessments–but never gets any kids into NYC’s selective high schools! What a PHONY!
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How is a 55 pound 7 year old able to “drag (an administrator) by her hair?”
Fishy accusations.
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Grit.
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I was wondering that same thing….
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Maybe the teacher weighs 45 lbs
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I know a tiny Asian women who was 35 kg at her leanest, 45 lbs seems to low.
I can’t imagine Success Academy hiring anyone who couldn’t project an imposing figure.
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Limited information provided from the article seems to suggest that this student could possibly qualify for a 504 plan under the American with Disabilities Act for his physical disability that is affecting his ability to learn. The school and/or parents might consider advocating for a Teacher Assistant (TA) who will be with this child throughout his school day. The 504 plan can address classroom accommodations and curriculum modifications. This student may also qualify for an IEP under other health impairment. There is not enough information from the article to know what the best course of action is for this student. What is plainly clear is— the actions of the school up to this point are not working for this student.
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Diane, The article ends with this curious statement, “But Success Academy schools have higher retention rates than district schools in the same neighborhoods, city Education Department records show.”
This sounds hinky to me. I can’t help but wonder how it could possibly be true, given the well known practice that SA has of pushing kids out, as reported by SA parents and teachers. I’m wondering if the issue might be related to the comparison of schools “in the same neighborhoods,” because SA draws kids from all over, so they might not be comparing the same demographics. I’d like to know if they are comparing kids from similar backgrounds, such as income, parent educational levels, etc. And/or maybe it’s related to screening at intake, which they supposedly don’t do because of the lottery. Do you think something else might be at play which could explain this?
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Retention often means holding a student back a grade. Do you think it’s possible that the journalist misinterpreted the DOE records?
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