ABSTRACT
Examining the careers of two of the children who were placed in the Education Center can best demonstrate the impact of the events described in earlier chapters of this book. The process they experienced from their entry into the Lakeside school system through their placement in the Education Center, and, in Carl Smith’s case, out again, will be illustrated. The details of each Education Center child’s experiences are certainly unique. Neither Michael Thomas nor Carl Smith represent all the students who have been placed at Evers or in similar programs throughout the United States. Rather, they are presented as examples of how children become caught up in the politics of the grown-up world. Their having been labeled as severely emotionally disturbed has had a significant impact on their lives. Unfortunately, in spite of the intent of P.L. 94-142, this influence has not always been a positive one.
