Dear editor:

I am writing in regard to my great-great-grandson, James. He goes to special education class at Howard School in Niles.
It is my personal opinion that he is not being taught what he needs to learn. I feel that a special education class for 14 students and only one teacher and one teacher’s aide is not capable of giving children the one-on-one attention they need. These students are being moved ahead without the proper education.
I am 77 years old and raising a 12-year-old boy with learning disabilities because of brain damage, cerebral palsy and ADHD. He is about 2 or 2 ½ years behind his age group in learning.
I had a tutor for him last year that came to our house, which is paid for by me. He was learning really well and this was helping him in school. I am on a very fixed income and can no longer afford to pay for the tutoring. I am losing my eyesight and am not able to take him to a tutor. Where do I go for help?
I tried more than a year ago to get help from Family Alliance. She had me make copies of his IEP test papers from his schools for several years back. She said she would get back with me; I waited and never heard from her. About two months ago I was able to get a hold of her after being told several times the telephone number was disconnected. She said she would make an appointment to come to my home and aid me in compiling a letter to help me get assistance. I never heard from her again.
I have talked to several people about getting help to pay for a tutor, they just don’t call back after promising to assist me with information or just refer me to someone else who doesn’t help me either. James needs to learn to read, the value of money, days of the week and how to tell time — just the basics of how to go out in the world and take care of himself.
The school doesn’t seem to care if he learns these things; they just talk about sending him to Blossomland in Berrien Springs to learn to cook and clean. He needs to learn how to make a place for himself in the world.
I have called the supervisor’s office in Niles; she said to call Brandywine School since we are in that area. I called the special education woman there and she was to set up a meeting again to talk about James’ progress with the tutor. That was more than three weeks ago and I have not heard a word from her.
James needs help now. I fear they will promote him in school without him actually learning anything.
Please assist us in this matter.

Elaine R. Gray
Niles