There is widespread frustration with the way that Special Education services are delivered within the district. We, the undersigned, ask that the proposed resolution entitled Improving Special Education Within the LAUSD be submitted to the Board of Education for approval. The text for this proposed resolution can be found at bit.ly/ImprovingSpEd
Why is this important?
Helping students who have disabilities meet their full potential requires that the Special Education services they receive be customized so that their unique needs are met. A one size fits all approach will not work.
To properly develop an individualized plan, the IEP team, which includes parents, students, teachers, specialists, and school-based administrators, must be fully empowered to make decisions at the school site. Unfortunately, these local teams are often prevented from crafting appropriate plans for students due to the rigid rules set by LAUSD bureaucrats. As a result, needed programs are not made available, students are forcibly mainstreamed when it is not appropriate, and the district misses opportunities for meaningful inclusion with general education students. These pervasive failures have resulted in deep frustrations within the Special Education Community.
If "the true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members," then history will judge our school district poorly. The proposed "Improving Special Education Within the LAUSD" resolution would change this trajectory and set a path that would help all students reach their full potential.
With a new school board that includes a pro-public school majority, the time to act is now. Please add your name to this petition so that we can build the momentum needed for them to act. Our most vulnerable students are depending on you.
