Hahvad Privilege

I went to a K school session they had organized for students with kids. They had invited the superintendant of the Cambridge Public Schools to speak and to give info about the schools. When I saw the flyer for this event, I thought how amazing it is that s/he (turned out to be a he) would take the time to do this in his busy schedule. Would he go speak for more grassroots institutions? Perhaps.

There were maybe 10 -15 families in attendance. Not a huge audience. The PR dude for the school system was also there. When I arrived, I asked him about special education services for Liam. He said that rather than go through the standard channels, I should go straight to the top to the Director of Special Education. Then, during the session, a lot of families had questions to the Sup about their interaction with what I would call the school's triage station - their family resource center. They had all been told that after their children (most of whom are international) are tested, the school will place them in an appropriate school. However, the Sup responded that of course, it's the family's choice which school their children attend. I wonder if he said that because he was talking to Harvard families.

Right afterwards, I called the Director of Special Ed. He told me, as well, to send Liam's IEP directly to him and he would help us out personally. Great for us, but does everone get this treatment?