Posted on 11/26/2004 8:32:05 AM PST by LesbianThespianGymnasticMidget
A boy genius who transferred seven years ago from a California public school to college and his single mother are seeking compensation from the state for having to pay for university and other special schooling since 1997. Leila J. Levi and her son, Levi M. Clancy, of Venice Beach, Calif., say in a civil lawsuit that state public schools failed to meet their statutory obligation to provide a "free and equal educational opportunity" to Levi, now 14 and described in court documents as "highly gifted."
The case has turned reluctant heads among public-education officials regarding the treatment of highly gifted children and also could aid the cause of school vouchers by enshrining the principle that public-school funding is an individual benefit that travels with the student. Since Levi was removed from public school in 1997, he passed California's high-school graduation equivalency exam and made top grades at Santa Monica College and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), according to court documents.
(Excerpt) Read more at washtimes.com ...
Imagine if this case were actually decided in favor of these people. Pandora's Box.
The lady should have made the little genius get a paper route or something. That or find a college that would give the boy a full scholarship. He was a genius but obviously the parents are not.
"give the boy a full scholarship"
California Colleges are too busy giving illegals the scholarships and discount rates.
The kid is obviously not so bright if he doesn't see that some kids actually work their way through school. He believes the taxpayers must provide it all for him.
The school system is responsible for this child's education. They are remiss in their responsibility.
"give the boy a full scholarship"
California Colleges are too busy giving illegals the scholarships and discount rates."
I agree with this statement completely.
Next thing you know, Tiger Woods will sue for not getting free golf instruction from the first grade.
I disagree with you...the school system spends so much money on "special needs" children, but not on gifted children. It's not fair and I hope this opens up a very important discussion.
They gotta be demoncRATS.
Best post of the day, so far.
"The lady should have made the little genius get a paper route or something."
Hmmmmm, I don't really think you can earn the $25,000 a year it costs for college with a paper route. Otherwise we'd all be out there delivering papers.
Of course, the parents weren't forced to send him to college. Once he got the equivalency diploma I think the "compulsory" part of his education was done.
This might be a good thing. Right now there is a financial incentive for public schools to declare as many children as possible "special needs". (whether real or on paper)
Perhaps this will at least be a wakeup call to end that practice.
I agree, the University should be happy to put this kid through school, and I don't see why a lawsuit is required. (Maybe the kid is a conservative Jew?). He certainly sounds like scholarship material. Interesting case though, if the kid can go that far before the age of 18, maybe the education system should be held responsible.
BTW, when teaching I had one of these "gifted" kids. Busted my butt finding enough work for him. But he liked it. Took an elective course from me after he finished all the math the school could offer. But his family was content to let him take every high school course offered and then go to the local junior college, which was free to high school kids. I lost track, but would bet he got a full scholarship to any school he wanted to attend.
Well, no one said he had to stay in California. The parents could have moved if they REALLY cared about his education.
The move may have been good for his little booksmart self to get the California attitude out of his little liberal brain.
I for one think intelligence and learning ability are 2 different things. Many so called geniuses have been very stupid in practical life.
The day is young.
Some people just can't get enough! His subsidized tuition is less than $7,000 a year and they're still unhappy. He's pre-med? Can you imagine having him as your doctor?
Two words: BS.
The kid needs a few lessons in back breaking hard labor, it matters little where he gets it.
Besides, he could have spent some time in the Community college system, like other great Americans have. I'm sure he could have found grants, loans and other things to pay his way through school.
Gee, minorities need special assistance because they're not as capable as others (to hear them argue for it anyhow), now people with special abilities need special assistance because they are "special". That sounds about right for the Left-Wing philosophy of enslaving everyone to Uncle Sugar...
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