The work you all have done and the accomplishments you have made in the effort to have our children included in the mainstream of education is amazing. I am honored to know you and humbled by your invitation to be a part of this journey.

I don't want to confuse so-called mainstreaming with the concept we are trying to convey as we attempt to create this council, this entity, which is one of transformation. The special ed system as it stands has not been able to put its processes for eligibility criteria, labels and services in place without simultaneously segregating its teachers, students, parents and administrators. Our state is in the top tier for special ed state funding and yet our students are often taught by the least educated. Parents, students and teachers often are unaware of whole school activities and some of our students are prevented from going on field trips, joining clubs, etc. We are encouraged to form separate pta's, separate everything. What I am trying to say, is that its time to stop drinking the kool-aid (google Jim Jones). Our kids need an education and I'm not talking about putting everyone in the same chemistry class. But they need more than academic learning as do all students. I believe that administrative assistants or qualified specialists, if trained properly and supervised, can take over some of the paper work duties that burden the teachers. There are also alternative ways to reduce administration layers and improve relations with parents when they run into problems. The education ombuds report (on this site and mine) explains in detail, some of the problems that can and should be solved and hopefully this will be a wake-up call. It took awhile for the effects of the kool-aid to wear off but when they did I had a vision of how this aircraft carrier could be turned around. I didn't think it would happen in my lifetime, but just maybe...

I am really excited to find this website.

I totally agree about getting that bill pass for allowing parent access to child.

I also am firm believer to getting school to educate and have higher expectation for children with special needs.

Dawn

as a parent of a special needs child back in the 80's i saw to it that my child's school did exactly what they were required to do,at all times.so i fully support the parent access bill in washington state!

Dear Anne,
Thank you for your comment.
Petitions would be great, but also getting in touch with your local Representative would be a great start and asking them to sponsor HB 3093. In my thoughts, children with Behavior Plans fall under the same categorie. Everything has a starting point and this could be it.
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you.

Sarah