Post by Linda on Jul 5, 2005 7:20:37 GMT -5
Special ed advocates fear impact of law's changes
Parents worry schools able to 'push out' kids
By Christine MacDonald
Special to the State Journal
Tips for parents
When dealing with school districts:
• Don't sign documents at a meeting. Ask for a copy of all paperwork, take it home and think about it.
• Schedule meetings with teachers, principals, superintendents and special-education directors at any time to discuss your concerns.
• Try to take a relative, friend, advocate or attorney to meetings with the school for additional support.
• Go to school board hearings. Make a point to get to know the members.
To learn more
For more information on the changes to IDEA:
• Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, www.mpas.org or (517) 487-1755
• Citizens Alliance to Uphold Special Education, www.causeonline.org or (800) 298-4424
• U.S. Department of Education, www.ed.gov
Source: Student Advocacy Center of Michigan
Special education advocates are worried that recent changes in a federal act designed to guarantee students with disabilities access to school will instead make it easier for schools to kick those kids out through expulsion and suspension.
They say that even before the changes in the law, schools were too quick to expel disabled students because of zero-tolerance policies, lack of resources to prevent bad behavior and pressure to improve test scores. They fear that the children who have been "pushed out" are left without even a basic education.
"We are so worried about test scores, we aren't seeing these kids falling through the cracks," said Carolyn Gammicchia, of Shelby Township, who has a son, 14, with autism in Utica schools.
The issue pits parents worried about losing services for their children against school administrators who are concerned about the safety of their classrooms.
"We believe school districts ought to have the ability to protect the safety of everyone," said Reggie Felton, director of federal relations for the National School Boards Association. "If the student remains in the classroom ... we haven't created a safe environment."
On July 1, changes to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act went into effect, including changes to discipline policies.
Parents - not districts - now will have the burden of proof when they fight a student's suspension or expulsion. That will mean parents will have to prove that their child's actions were caused by the disability to successfully contest a suspension that is longer than 10 days.
Parents and advocates say they believe the change gives districts too much discretion.
"A lot of parents don't have the time to educate themselves on special education law," Gammicchia said. "Parents don't have the financial resources to bring in experts."
If a student's action, such as hitting a teacher or making a threat, is proven to be caused by his or her disability, the school can't suspend the student for more than 10 days, unless it involves a weapon, drugs or serious bodily injury. If the disability wasn't a factor, the student can be suspended longer.
Mark McWilliams, who works for the Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service in Lansing, said he believes schools are pushing more kids out through those policies. And the law change will make it worse, he said.
Parents worry schools able to 'push out' kids
By Christine MacDonald
Special to the State Journal
Tips for parents
When dealing with school districts:
• Don't sign documents at a meeting. Ask for a copy of all paperwork, take it home and think about it.
• Schedule meetings with teachers, principals, superintendents and special-education directors at any time to discuss your concerns.
• Try to take a relative, friend, advocate or attorney to meetings with the school for additional support.
• Go to school board hearings. Make a point to get to know the members.
To learn more
For more information on the changes to IDEA:
• Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, www.mpas.org or (517) 487-1755
• Citizens Alliance to Uphold Special Education, www.causeonline.org or (800) 298-4424
• U.S. Department of Education, www.ed.gov
Source: Student Advocacy Center of Michigan
Special education advocates are worried that recent changes in a federal act designed to guarantee students with disabilities access to school will instead make it easier for schools to kick those kids out through expulsion and suspension.
They say that even before the changes in the law, schools were too quick to expel disabled students because of zero-tolerance policies, lack of resources to prevent bad behavior and pressure to improve test scores. They fear that the children who have been "pushed out" are left without even a basic education.
"We are so worried about test scores, we aren't seeing these kids falling through the cracks," said Carolyn Gammicchia, of Shelby Township, who has a son, 14, with autism in Utica schools.
The issue pits parents worried about losing services for their children against school administrators who are concerned about the safety of their classrooms.
"We believe school districts ought to have the ability to protect the safety of everyone," said Reggie Felton, director of federal relations for the National School Boards Association. "If the student remains in the classroom ... we haven't created a safe environment."
On July 1, changes to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act went into effect, including changes to discipline policies.
Parents - not districts - now will have the burden of proof when they fight a student's suspension or expulsion. That will mean parents will have to prove that their child's actions were caused by the disability to successfully contest a suspension that is longer than 10 days.
Parents and advocates say they believe the change gives districts too much discretion.
"A lot of parents don't have the time to educate themselves on special education law," Gammicchia said. "Parents don't have the financial resources to bring in experts."
If a student's action, such as hitting a teacher or making a threat, is proven to be caused by his or her disability, the school can't suspend the student for more than 10 days, unless it involves a weapon, drugs or serious bodily injury. If the disability wasn't a factor, the student can be suspended longer.
Mark McWilliams, who works for the Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service in Lansing, said he believes schools are pushing more kids out through those policies. And the law change will make it worse, he said.
