A Massachusetts mother is speaking out about her son’s distressing experience at an unregulated school in New York, which she attributes to a significant error by education officials. Roberta Biscan, from Wilmington, revealed that the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education mistakenly approved Shrub Oak International School in Yorktown, New York, as the special education institution for her son, Connor, who has autism.
“Connor is a funny, smart, charming young man who is so eager to have friends,” Biscan said. “He has his challenges, he’s come a long way.” Connor, who was just 19 years old at the time, was hopeful that this new educational setting would provide him with the specialized support he needed. However, what initially seemed like a unique opportunity quickly spiraled into a nightmare shortly after his enrollment last July.
“It was very quickly that I learned there were investigations going on with neglect and abuse, which was concerning to me,” Biscan recounted. The alarming reports prompted her to delve deeper into the school’s background. She received insights from other concerned parents about serious issues at Shrub Oak. Upon conducting her own research, she discovered that the school was not approved by New York as a special education program, raising even more red flags.
In November 2023, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) sent a letter to Shrub Oak stating that the school could no longer be “listed as having limited ‘approval’ as an out-of-state provider.” This revelation underscored the severity of the situation, leaving many parents feeling vulnerable and misled. A recent report from ProPublica revealed allegations of abuse and neglect at Shrub Oak, highlighting the school’s lack of oversight by any state agency in New York. This oversight issue left parents with little recourse when faced with problems involving the school.
“Us families should be provided, and the state of Massachusetts should be provided, explanation to why [DESE] is sending money to a school in New York that has no oversight from their own state,” Biscan expressed. “That’s a huge mistake.” This statement reflects the deep frustration and concern of parents who believe their children are at risk in an unregulated environment.
In light of these challenges, Biscan has filed a formal complaint requesting compensatory education for the ten months Connor spent at Shrub Oak. “I feel that my son, as well as the six other children that were placed there from Massachusetts, or young adults, should be offered compensatory hours for time that was lost,” she asserted. This plea highlights the need for accountability and support for families who trust educational institutions to provide safe and effective learning environments.
In response to this troubling situation, DESE informed NBC10 Boston that it has since enhanced oversight of the out-of-state program approval process. The department has implemented an additional layer of review to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Officials are still investigating how the initial error happened, demonstrating their commitment to addressing the oversight issue.
“This should never happen to any kid, never mind kids that can’t necessarily speak up for themselves,” Biscan lamented. “It’s awful.” This statement serves as a powerful reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children with special needs and the critical importance of proper oversight in educational settings. Fortunately, Biscan reports that Connor is now thriving at the League School for Autism in Walpole, where he is receiving the appropriate support he deserves.
Find Support with A Better Way ABA
If you are looking for high-quality ABA therapy in New York, consider reaching out to A Better Way ABA. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized support and resources to help children with autism thrive. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about how we can make a difference in your child’s life. Let’s work together to create a brighter future for your family.