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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, January 16, 1992                   TAG: 9201160385
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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FRANKLIN EXCELS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

I WOULD like to respond to the lawsuit in Franklin County Schools related to special education.

I am a parent as well as a professional working with disabled persons. I've served as a consultant part-time in several school divisions in Virginia, including Franklin County.

I have known and worked with the folks in the special-education department and schools and have without exception found them to consistently go the extra mile. I would have loved for my daughter to be in this school district as she grew up. The support services are excellent.

Franklin County special-education personnel have pioneered in developing and utilizing an adaptive curriculum for mildly disabled persons in language arts, math and, last summer, in science and social studies. They've provided vocational opportunities and are known throughout the state to have one of the best programs at the high-school level.

Marshall Flora, the director, is a man of integrity, providing the maximum to special-need students. Parents in Franklin County have much more for their children than in other areas. They need to express their appreciation rather than dismay.

I'd like to be counted openly as a special educator supporting one of the best programs available. With tight budget cuts, all of us need to pull together in positive endeavors and count our blessings. LOUISE WADE DUBLIN

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