Teacher lets students vote 5 year old classmate out of the class.

[rn79870]

Sometimes, I think a teacher deserves to be publicly flogged, or at least, re-educated on childhood disabilities.

Quote »By Colleen Wixon (Contact) Saturday, May 24, 2008

PORT ST. LUCIE — Melissa Barton said she is considering legal action after her son's kindergarten teacher led his classmates to vote him out of class.

After each classmate was allowed to say what they didn't like about Barton's 5-year-old son, Alex, his Morningside Elementary teacher Wendy Portillo said they were going to take a vote, Barton said.

By a 14 to 2 margin, the students voted Alex — who is in the process of being diagnosed with autism — out of the class.

Melissa Barton filed a complaint with Morningside's school resource officer, who investigated the matter, Port St. Lucie Department spokeswoman Michelle Steele said. But the state attorney's office concluded the matter did not meet the criteria for emotional child abuse, so no criminal charges will be filed, Steele said.

Port St. Lucie Police no longer are investigating, but police officials are documenting the complaint, she said.

Steele said the teacher confirmed the incident took place. Portillo could not be reached for comment Friday.

Steele said the boy had been sent to the principal's office because of disciplinary issues. When he returned, Portillo made him go to the front of the room as a form of punishment, she said.

Barton said her son is in the process of being diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a type of high-functioning autism. Alex began the testing process in February at the suggestion of Morningside Principal Marcia Cully.

Children diagnosed with Asperger's often exhibit social isolation and eccentric behavior..

Alex has had disciplinary issues because of his disability, Barton said. After the family moved into the area and Alex and his sibling arrived at the school in January, Alex spent much of the time in the principal's office, she said.

He also had problems at his last school, but he did not have issues during his two years of preschool, Barton said.

School and district officials have met with Barton and her son to create an individual education plan to address his difficulties, she said. Portillo attended these meetings, Barton said.

Barton said after the vote, Portillo asked Alex how he felt.

"He said, 'I feel sad,' " Barton said.[/quote]http://www.tcpalm.com/news/200...ate-5/

[themadscientist]

found a picture of the teacher.

[audtatious]

While I think what the teacher did was totally stupid and uncalled for, the question I have is when do individual rights over rule those of the other students? If he is constantly causing issues in the class due to his possible disability, should he have to go to some special class with others having similar issues or is that "unfair" to him as an individual?

[rn79870]

That's exactly as I see it. A 5 year old shouldn't be held to the same standard as an adult. If there is a problem, it should have been handled quietly, with the assistance of the administration and the parents. The needs of the child should have been paramount with respect to treatment/placement. It should never be a matter of public censure (as in when the class voted). Clearly, without hearing the teachers side of the story, I'm ready to demand she never again teach in a public school. I'd give her an opportunity to explain her side before doing before burning her at the stake.

[audtatious]

Who knows. Parents are whacked today too. In this case the parents did not like it but you have other cases where the parents want everyone to know why their 8yo son is wearing dresses and makeup to class

[AZhitman]

I'm a parent of a kid who has exhibited some mild disruptive behavior due to situational and functional problems. My significant other teaches in an "integrated" classroom where kids with mental health issues are mainstreamed into the general student body.

This teacher is clearly a Grade A a$$.

The steps towards development of an IEP are steps in the right direction.

Removal of a disruptive child from the classroom is acceptable - Involving the other students and placing him at the center of a real live "reality" show is NOT.

Her poor judgment should cost her her teaching certificate, and the kids in the class need to have a professional come in and process with them - there's an opportunity for learning how to CO-EXIST with others that got ignored by a crappy teacher.

What a shame.

[WDRacing]

I'm a parent of a kid who has exhibited some mild disruptive behavior due to situational and functional problems. My significant other teaches in an "integrated" classroom where kids with mental health issues are mainstreamed into the general student body.

This teacher is clearly a Grade A a$$.

The steps towards development of an IEP are steps in the right direction.

Removal of a disruptive child from the classroom is acceptable - Involving the other students and placing him at the center of a real live "reality" show is NOT.

Her poor judgment should cost her her teaching certificate, and the kids in the class need to have a professional come in and process with them - there's an opportunity for learning how to CO-EXIST with others that got ignored by a crappy teacher.

What a shame.

Almost my exact thoughts. The children are the ones that were just shown how not to do things. Now as adults it's our responsibility to show them why what happened is wrong.

Unless you want the children to single out those that are different and seek their removal from society...I think there's a word for that...NAZI comes to mind.

This Teacher violated this child in a grossly inappropriate manner. She deserves far worse then what will happen to her.

Is this an example of Public Education standards? We are failing our children...

[AZhitman]

Wonder if there's a [meaningful] place we can submit our thoughts and opinions on this matter?

[rn79870]

Here you go Greg. The teacher in question is Wendy Portillo. You can find the Principal if you click the links on the page.

http://www.stlucie.k12.fl.us/m....html

[WDRacing]

Principle Mrs. Marcia Culley can be reached at [email protected]

Asst Principle Mrs. Patricia Gascoigne can be reached at [email protected]

Please write both and express your concerns. It's time for the people of this Nation to start enforcing morals and standards again. Or sit back and do nothing...

WD