Sunday, July 24, 2011

Boy Becomes A "Problem" For Eva Moskowitz' Charter School and is "Disciplined" Out - ParentAdvocates.org

Parent Advocates - ParentAdvocates.org

Boy Becomes A "Problem" For Eva Moskowitz' Charter School and is "Disciplined" Out
This is a mother’s personal story about having child with different needs “counseled out” of a NYC charter school. It’s also testimony of how inclusion, a smaller class size, and the supportive attitude of a great public school made an astounding difference in my son’s life. My name is Katherine Sprowal and I’m the mother of a delightfully spirited and rambunctious son whose name is Matthew. Like most children his age, he’s a vision of pure joy and enthusiasm: often bursting with energy to play all day, every day!

uly 10, 2011
Message From a Charter School: Thrive or Transfer
By MICHAEL WINERIP, NY TIMES

In 2008, when Katherine Sprowal’s son, Matthew, was selected in a lottery to attend the Harlem Success Academy 3 charterschool, she was thrilled. “I felt like we were getting the best private school, and we didn’t have to pay for it,” she recalled.

And so, when Eva S. Moskowitz, the former city councilwoman who operates seven Success charter schools in Harlem and the Bronx, asked Ms. Sprowal to be in a promotional video, she was happy to be included.

Matthew is bright but can be disruptive and easily distracted. It was not a natural fit for the Success charters, which are known for discipline and long school days. From Day 1