Action | Revisions to comply with the “Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004” and its federal implementing regulations. |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 6/30/2008 |
The proposed changes all have one underlying theme -- the schools believe they know best and they do not value, or want to be encumbered by, parents inputs.
I am opposed to all of the proposed changes that take away the parent's voice in dealing with their own children's disabilities. Our son just completed 4th grade, and every year it has been a constant battle to ensure his needs are met. Educators tend to be very dismissive of parent's concerns, and will more than a little condescending. When our son went to school, first I had to educate myself on the relevant laws and regulations, then I had to educate the schools. I had a school principle tell us that she didn't see a need to do anything until our son FAILED in class. I have had to educate our schools on regulations, laws and procedures every step of the way. In most cases this was not due to bad intent on the part of the school officials -- it was due to their lack of experience dealing with hearing impaired children, and ignorance of the related legal requirements.
One of the other commenters, favoring these changes, said:
"IF PARENTS WITH CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS HAVE A GOOD, TRUSTING, HONORING WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR SCHOOL DIVISIONS, THEY HAVE NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING BEING TAKEN AWAY."
That is precisely the problem -- schools are dismissive of parents rights and inputs now, how much worse will it be if their legal rights are taken away as well? Saying that parents still have rights to due process is a copout. It is morally the same attitude as saying "if you don't like it, sue me!", because in essence that is the only option being left to the parents if these changes are enacted. I would turn that comment around to say
IF SCHOOL LEADERS ARE COMMITTED TO BUILDING GOOD, TRUSTING, WORKING RELATIONS WITH PARENTS, AND MEETING SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS' REQUIREMENTS, THEY NEED NOT WORRY ABOUT PARENTS HAVING RIGHTS TO A VOICE IN THE PROCESS.