Thank you for the opportunity to attend the VA Special Education Public Hearing earlier this month.   Although, I did not make a public comment at that time, I listened to all sides and was impressed by the majority who were well-spoken, concerned individuals.   I also thought that the VA Dept of Education representatives acted very professionally and courteous to all involved.

My name is Pam Schoppert.   I live with my husband in Leesburg, VA with our three wonderful daughters.   Our youngest daughter, Eliza, was born with Trisomy-21 just 18 months ago, and since her birth we've been learning a new language with respect to her care and education.   We've learned enough to realize how valuable the IFSP and IEP processes are.    We've learned that a team of professional educators, therapists, administrators, and parents is a collaborative, team-centric approach that works to provide the best care for the child and his/her family.      The school system has the child 8 hours a day - - the other 16 hour the child is at home.    Programs must be consistent, well-communicated, and collaborative, without fear that program services could be terminated at any time.      Parents of children with special needs want our children to "graduate" from special education; we love to focus on the successes of our children;  and we are realists in a world that can be harsh for our special kids.     Please revamp the proposed Special Education regulations to be more cooperative with respect to parental consent.

Also, my child has an intellectual disability.   Please do not offend her or our family by stating that she is mentally retarded - - this is limiting her possibilities before she is given them.     This term has developped a negative connotation in it's slang usage and should be eliminated.

Thank you,

Pam Schoppert

P.S.  I am hopeful that we will remain in VA and all of our girls will attend public schools and eventually state universities.