Children with special needs deserve the right at a decent education

Children with special needs deserve the right at a decent education. The time they spend in school should be well spent. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Some schools are simply not providing these students the tools they need to get properly educated. These children and their parents should have the option of attending a different school, whether it be private or public. Vouchers would give them this option. Unfortunately for these children, this is not currently an option in Missouri. Georgia's new Special Needs Scholarship program is trying to do just that. The new K-12 voucher program, which is modeled after Florida's program, gives families the special education children choices by offering them tuition vouchers that can be used at private schools. While there are many kinks to be worked out in the program, it is starting to help families. Thousands of families are applying to get a voucher and the state hopes to serve more of them.

Imagine if Missouri could pass similar legislation. The children with special needs would have a chance at a great education, one that can properly serve their needs. I know a mother in my small town who would jump at this opportunity. Her daughter suffers from a form of autism and her public school does not have the capability to give her a decent education. However, there is a private school about 25 miles away and she is willing to make the drive if only she were given some funding. The voucher program would do just that. I hope for her sake and for others, Missouri can pass legislation that can help.