Users of disabled vouchers seldom get special classes
By wire services
Published December 9, 2003
WEST PALM BEACH - About 77 percent of private schools taking vouchers to educate disabled students don't offer special classes for disabled children, a newspaper found.
Of the 641 private schools taking McKay vouchers meant for children with disabilities, 496 reported on state Department of Education forms that they did not have classes "specifically designed to meet the needs of children with exceptionalities," the Palm Beach Post reported Monday.
McKay vouchers are used by about 12,200 students. But there are no laws requiring schools to offer special attention or therapy to students with disabilities.
TALLAHASSEE - After 25 years as one of the state's most visible child advocates, Jack Levine is quitting his job as president of Voices for Florida's Children to become a private consultant.
Levine, 52, said the timing was right for him to leave the group where he has worked since 1979, because Voices for Florida's Children is in top shape. As a communications consultant, he said he envisions representing clients concerned with children, intergenerational issues, the environment and other matters.
He also said he would work as a consultant for Voices, "to build upon the organization's record of success as Florida's most persistent and persuasive advocacy voice."
"Jack Levine has been an integral part of (our) progress for 25 years. His passionate advocacy for the children of this state will continue," said Dan Stengle, chairman of Voices' board.
Levine stressed that he will continue his advocacy of children's issues in Tallahassee.
Senate ceremony on cable
Tampa Bay viewers can watch live at 4 p.m. today as state Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon, is formally designated as the incoming Florida Senate president.
The program will be broadcast on the Florida Channel, Bright House Cable 605 and Comcast Cable 190. In Pasco County, viewers can watch it on Channel 24/7 on Bright House Cable 19.
