Special Education/Programs for the "Mentally Challenged", Useful or useless? Options

[MissHygienic]

There has been an ongoing debate about whether or not to levy taxes to properly fund public schools. I already know of a few under-funded school districts who forced teachers to work double shifts, and many schools were not able to provide paper, pens, or pencils because no one paid enough taxes.

With that said, what is your opinion on special education that is funded by the state? Public schools are already having a hard enough time. Should people waste more time and money on people with irreconcilable disabilities, or do you believe that all people should have education, whether or not they make use of it?

Discuss amongst yourselves.

[angelrevelation]

I work with autistic kids as a "class" and I've also worked with the only relatively disabled kids too. The kids can be endearing, since they still are people. But the way the teachers talk about/with the kids, I hate to say, it just makes me wonder how they're kidding themselves so much.

I think that they should keep the programs, but distinguish who gets to receive the education. I know that it isn't exactly the nicest thing to do, but what good can a person do if they're stuck in a wheelchair, can't talk, and have to be fed with a tube? The little development they are going to do still isn't going to benefit anyone much.

There ARE kids that really learn a lot from the special ed programs though, and learn how to function in society. They would be the "program approved" kids ideally. I know a few who can successfully keep a simple job and relatively socialize. But those that are completely dependent...

Saving money for students who are more promising is just the reality of what's best, IMO. But then again, there are "regular" students who just laze around and drop out or whatever, so who says if they should use up tax money either?