School Choice for Special Education

Gov. Blunt has announced he wants to spend more money to help autistic children:

In a visit Thursday to a non-profit group that provides services to autistic children — Giant Steps of St. Louis — Blunt stumped his plan to boost spending by $3.9 million. The proposal, now pending in the Legislature, would eliminate waiting lists that now can last as long as two years, Blunt said.

It’s a great idea to give more attention to autism, especially since most school districts don’t have the resources needed to educate children with the disorder. One way to direct help to autistic children more quickly would be to start a program like Ohio’s Autism Scholarship Program. Ohio allows parents of autistic children to choose between special education programs at public schools and private schools.

Although some people imagine that educating disabled children is too difficult for private schools, a growing number of them are able to rise to the challenge. Here’s an excellent essay at Edspresso about school choice for special-needs children.