The Draft Special Education Regulations: Message to Teachers

[radketim]

Take it to federal court, much of this goes against federal law and would be struck down.

[meowmelly]

Is this private citizen an educator or is he married or related to a teacher? Its definitely one sided and alarmist. But, hey, we parents are alarmed, too... and so is the Governor of the state of Virginia.

[specialmeansspecial]

VADOE has nothing to do with this video. Your tax dollars are safe. A private citizen stepped forward and did this on his own free time, editing (or lack thereof) and all.

[meowmelly]

WHO produced this video? Better question, did our tax dollars pay for it? Did the VA DOE have anything to do with this tripe? Whoever financially backed this propaganda certainly could have found a highly qualified teacher to do some appropriate editing. And the actors, well, no comment. We parents would REALLY like to know, who paid for the video? Who posted it? Who is responsible?

[gregandrene]

Rather than take the word of a video on YouTube to base your comments to VADOE, read the proposed regs, or one of the many side by side comparisons. The main issue is not paperwork or money, it is removing the parents from the decision making process. If the regs were so costly and burdensome, why wait till now to propose changes? I am glad Virginia goes the extra mile to ensure parents are included as meaningful participants in their childrens' education.

[specialmeansspecial]

Removing the parent from the process is exactly what this isn't about. It's about a signature at the end of parent involvement. Parents remain involved in EVERY aspect of the evaluation process. Unfortunately that fact isn't on the "side by sides" out there. Unlike 48 other states and any other public agencies or organizations I can find, advocacy groups want Virginia Public Schools to require schools to comintue to serve kids that are no longer eligible if parents don't provide a signature.

[gregandrene]

But it is. That signature ensures the parents are treated as the equal partners that the law requires. The parents cannot keep their child in special ed if they truely do not qualify. The LEA has the same courses of action available to them that he parents do, specifically Due Process, mediation, etc. The law also does NOT seperate "really" disabled kids (Autism, etc per your example), from the "others". An LEA can move to terminate ANYONE'S services, and sometimes do. Good work on the vid btw.

[meowmelly]

Wow, can we be any more melodramatic? Could we see just one more overwhelmed teacher? LOL? Look, from year to year, there are different homeroom teachers, special education teachers, principals and directors, but the parents are the most consistent, caring and knowledgeable people on the IEP team. We want to continue to be on the group who decides what is best for our children.

[specialmeansspecial]

"meowmelly", You are included in the decision making. You determine if we can ever do the evaluation, are part of the team that chooses the components, are provided the reports at least two days before the evaluation, are invited to the meeting, are an active participatn where ANY of your input MUST be considered and you have to agree with the outcome of the meeting. Where aren't you included?

[meowmelly]

I said we want to CONTINUE to be included. Where are you getting the I am not included bit? I am the parent admin would like to get rid of - a parent of a child who is not severely disabled, (SLD) but very much needs accomodations. My child is the one the new revisions would most likely cut off first... its about money and time.

[spedadvocateva]

I didn't know that as a teacher I am supposed to oppose parents and advocacy groups who support children with disabilities and best practices in our schools. I do agree that some of the VDOE sped regs are flawed or just bad but don't make paperwork your main argument! What's best for the students? Is paperwork bad with regs like age 14 for transition? My paperwork is less because my students help write their own PLOP, help write their goals and their transition plan. It is their IEP after all.

[specialmeansspecial]

As a teacher you represent your profession and support related ethics and standards. At times, this does conflict with what parents and advocates are asking for. If we all supported parents in the absence of our professional judgment... well, the regulations will pass with revisions similar to the excesses we saw in 1998. Speak up - but do so in the context of your profession. The issue here is not that you agree with me, but that you help define your profession. When all is done-no whining!

[spedadvocateva]

I agree that I will at times conflict with parents and advocates but I always ask "Why?" when it happens, look for common ground, and try to understand the concerns/opinions of others. I define my profession through the students I teach, not through the quantity of paperwork I fill out. I was alarmed when IDEA 2004 moved transition from 14 to 16 and I spoke out then. I'm overjoyed that VDOE has the sense to keep it in. Student outcomes define our profession. We need to stay focused on that.

[specialmeansspecial]

Excellent point. If we could only come to the table with that as the central issue - I think most of the issues being wrestled with would be considered trivial at best... Thanks for the feedback.

[mickermadden]

Couldn't this be posted on teachertube so it is more accessible?

[specialmeansspecial]

I attempted this but it was so slow and complicated it wasn't worth it. In addition, when I tried to view videos - it was so slow uploading - I became frustrated and ended my session early. I certainly don't want to frustrate teachers trying to get info!

Thanks for the suggestion.