Monster in the Classroom

I am so outraged I am still shaking. A kindergarten teacher in Florida had a "problem" student in her classroom. In an attempt to modify his behavior she asked students from the class to share why they didn't like this student and then VOTE whether or not he should stay in the classroom--"Survivor style". The student was voted out of the class in a 14-2 vote. Okay, at this point I have to take a break from typing as I have tears in my eyes and I haven't even told you the worst part............................the little boy has autism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This abusive "behavior modification" technique would be damaging to ANY child but to a child with autism who most likely has great difficulty understanding social rules/norms this could be truly devastating. I hope and pray that the right professionals can get this victimized 5-year old boy through the aftermath of this trauma. I also hope and pray that the other children in the class will receive counseling as well. How obscene to have "judge and jury" roles placed upon 5 year olds. It disturbs me greatly that 14 children voted the victim out of class. It really makes me wonder what exactly was going on in that classroom.

And what about the two who bravely voted for the boy to "stay" in the classroom? Included in the students who voted for the victim to stay was a boy who has been the first real friend the victim has ever had. I say this boy who stood by his friend and did not cave in what had to be a very distressing situation DESERVES A MEDAL and a trip to DISNEYWORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to shake that friend's hand and the hand of the other student who voted their conscience and stood up for the victim. What incredibly honorable children. I can only pray that my children would do the same in such a situation.

This teacher, Wendy Portillo, has not been fired as of yet. They Florida school authorities are "investigating" the situation and in the meantime the teacher has been "reassigned" to a desk job. I can appreciate that they need to investigate the situation but if they don't fire this woman I'm going to jump on a plane to Florida and straighten them out! This woman should NEVER EVER be allowed in the classroom again. If you ask me she there should be criminal charges brought against her. Specifically, for mental child abuse both to the victim and all the other students in the class for leading them down such a dark path.

There is an online petition you can sign to get Ms. Portillo fired. It may not do any good but it can't hurt. If you feel moved by this story, please consider signing the petition!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/Fire-teacher-for-unprofessional-conduct