Special Education in Seattle Schools: Why Not Better for These Students?

Several stories across my desk on this issue.
1) Here's a letter from one mom to Superintendent Nyland about the bus strike.  I had thought the district HAD to figure out bus service for these students but apparently not. From Soup for Teachers' Facebook page (bold mine):
Third day of the bus strike-fourth letter to SPS

Dear Dr. Nyland and Directors,

Today is the third day of our school bus strike and many of our district’s special education students have not been able to attend school and receive their much needed therapies, services and education during the strike. Federal law requires that you transport special education students to school but you have only offered us mileage reimbursement. For many Special Education families, like my own driving our students to school is not an option. Not only is this a real equity issue, it is also a FAPE denial.

I called OSPI Friday and this morning I received a call from the regional coordinator of bus transportation. He called the director of SPS bus transportation to let him know accommodations needed to be made quickly as I was prepared to file a citizens complaint. I called my Special Education regional specialist and was able to set up taxi service for my students beginning tomorrow.

I should not have had to make all these calls. The district needs to communicate with special education families immediately to offer taxi service. Some families like my own may be able to manage with a reimbursement. For many though, reimbursement will be a barrier as will language, so you will need to have school staff work to eliminate these barriers and get our kids back in school.

Another way you can help get our kids back in school is to put more pressure on First Student. Let them know they must return to the bargaining table and that SPS will not accept anything less than fair health care benefits even for contract employees.

Honor the strike as our brave teachers will be doing on Wednesday. Honor our families by making sure every special education student has a safe way to get to school. 
2) From Newsweek: Disabled Students Make Up 75% of Preschool Expulsions As Trump Officials Reportedly Weigh Rollback of Obama Guidelines
A new Center for American Progress report shed light on highly disproportionate expulsion and suspension rates for disabled students in early education programs, as the future of Obama-era guidance geared toward protecting such populations remains uncertain under President Donald Trump's administration.

The report, released Wednesday, revealed children ages 3 to 5 who have disabilities and/or emotional and social challenges represent 75 percent of early childhood program expulsions and suspensions, despite only making up 12 percent of that student population. 

These children are also more than 14.5 times more likely to face suspension or expulsion than their "typically developing peers," the report stated. It offered breakdowns by disability: the odds of expulsion and suspension range from more than four times more likely for children with speech disorders to more than 43 times more likely for children with behavioral problems.
At the early education level, "suspension" equates to sending a child to the principal or director’s office, or asking a family member to pick a child up early. "Expulsion," on the other hand, might entail informing a family they must seek out a new care arrangement, the report stated. This type of disruption—especially on a frequent basis—is damaging for students' development, Novoa said.
 3) A great op-ed in the Seattle Times from an SPS parent, Lynn Dixon, asking for the state to fully-fund those students' educations.  

Comments

Anonymous said…
OSPI AKA "THE STATE" has investigated SPS for several classes of IDEA violations. In the end NOTHING really IMPROVED...NOTHING! So why would THE STATE AKA "OSPI" Do anything after giving SPS the "ALL IS GOOD" signal AKA "CONDUCT BUSINESS AS USUAL"?

As a result of the GHS case, SPS was to self monitor for civil rights violations...really how has that turned out?

Well the $200K a year administrator of that effort made it less than a year then went on to form a LLC were she consults with districts how to work around the IDEA and not get caught.

--Wireshark remote
Anonymous said…
"Well the $200K a year administrator of that effort made it less than a year then went on to form a LLC were she consults with districts how to work around the IDEA and not get caught."

Ouch.

They should really not do that. Nor should they have sold MLK site and all the other BS they have done.

Now on the high demand SPED students who don't speak english. Why? Why do we pay for taxis for kids who are immigrants /perhaps not legal? In this day and age of us versus them why would we pay for taxis for kids who are not citizens? I am sure if this will make FWIW's head explode but we have limited resources and if kids are not able to be productive citizens if that hopefully comes about.

why allthebs

NNE Mom said…
Isn't Director Geary an education lawyer and a SPED advocate? She tried to make the pathways more sensible for SPED students in the SATP that didn't pass. Did she get the sensible SPED pathways into the plan that did pass? Seems like she could be taking more of a lead in pushing the district toward a more EEU, pro-inclusion pattern.
Why do we pay for taxis for kids who are immigrants /perhaps not legal? In this day and age of us versus them why would we pay for taxis for kids who are not citizens?"

Really? There are people who are legal immigrants with children so yes, paying for a taxi for that Sped student would be right. As for those who aren't, well, sometimes it's the child who is legal but not the parents. That child is entitled to the taxi. And legally, the state has to educate all children in its borders (it's in the state constitution).

I wasn't aware that this is the age of "us versus them."
Anonymous said…
"Well the $200K a year administrator of that effort made it less than a year then went on to form a LLC were she consults with districts how to work around the IDEA and not get caught."

Uh, I think someone needs to provide sources for claims before they defame people. Who is this person? Does the online database confirm the claimed salary? Is the person now an attorney? Do they represent school districts? How do you know what the nature of the work is? That is a lot of flame throwing with nothing to back it up.

- SWWS

Anonymous said…
Because the US Supreme Court has long ago ruled that undocumented children are not to be excluded from public education. Pyler v. Doe.

-CivilRightsIsWhy
Anonymous said…
@SWWS

The person in question is Kelli Schmidt, Student Civil Rights Compliance Officer - klschmidt@seattleschools.org This blog still list her as working for SPS, that's incorrect.

If you search this blog you will find information about the hiring and exit of Schmidt.

Not only did Schmidt make $$$ at SPS she also hired people under her which raised the SPS administrative budget by an estimated $315K +. There's no evidence that the hiring of Schmidt improved student civil rights compliance at SPS. Schmidt's role seemed reduced to helping defuse abuses after the fact and reduce law suits.

After Schmidt left SPS she created the PLLC Advance Law Office.

For those new to the SPED legal game it's important to understand the game SPS plays with law firms. What happens is Advance Law Office will work with SPS which creates a conflict of interest preventing Advance Law Office or it's lawyers from representing students in cases against SPS. I think Schmidt herself in a ultimate conflict. It's the typical scenario in Seattle for most firms working in education law to have a professional relationship with SPS. Decades of abuses builds lots and lots of lawyer client relationships.

To be fair it's the school districts that have $$$ and ones like SPS spend lots of $$$ on legal, so it's only natural that people make the career choice to defend the abusers with the $$$.

Schmidt seems to be selling her experience as an EX USDE Civil Rights lawyer specifically selling what I call, paper mache compliance.

Feel free to call Schmidt and talk to her, I did.

SPED parent



Anonymous said…
While at OCR, Schmidt was heavily tilted towards SPS. She made impossible situations much worse with the latitude that she gave SPS. I guess no wonder they hired her. Now she is part of the us versus them culture that seems to SPS seems to prefer.

Reader
Unknown said…
Wonderful bloggers like yourself who would positively reply encouraged me to be more open and engaging in commenting. So know it's helpful..



Best Training Institute in chennai
saanvi said…
Thank you for sharing such great information. can you help me in finding out more detail on schools in sector 57
Unknown said…
nice topic which you have choose.
second is, the information which you have provided is better then other blog.
so nice work keep it up. And thanks for sharing. led lawn lights in delhi
Anbarasan14 said…
I believe that your blog will surely help the readers who are really in need of this vital piece of information. Waiting for your updates.

IELTS Classes in Mumbai
IELTS Coaching in Mumbai
Best IELTS Coaching in Mumbai
IELTS Center in Mumbai
IELTS Training in Mumbai
IELTS Coaching Classes in Mumbai
Best IELTS Course near me
THANKS FOR INFORMATION

you can search low-cost website with high-quality website functions.
Today Join Us
Call: +91 - 8076909847

responsive website designing company in delhi

levantro
interior designer delhi


livewebindia
website designing company

best seo services in delhi

Best It Service Provider:

1. Website Designing And Development.
2. SEO Services.
3. Software Development.
4. Mobile App Development.
SANDY said…
When I initially commented, I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Thanks.
AWS Training in Bangalore | Amazon Web Services Training in Bangalore
Advanced Amazon Web Services Training in Pune | Best AWS Training in Pune
AWS Online Training | Best Online AWS Certification Course - Gangboard
Best Top 110 plus AWS Interview Question and Answers 2019
Unknown said…
It's interesting that many of the bloggers to helped clarify a few things for me as well as giving.Most of ideas can be nice content.The people to give them a good shake to get your point and across the command
Best Devops Training in pune
Thanks for sharing informative article. Asperina Technosoft is leading web development company offering professional service to customers across the globe at affordable price. Follow us at Facebook.
Unknown said…
I have read your blog its very attractive and impressive. I like it your blog.
Data Science training in Bangalore | Best Power BI training in bangalore marathahalli
Unknown said…

it is really helpful. the information in this article is satisfied me. And the information it is very interesting. Thanks for this kind of article.
Deer Hunting Tips Camping Trips Guide DEER HUNTING TIPS travel touring tips
Unknown said…

Nice post. it is very interesting and informative. Thank you for your sharing.
travel trekking tips
see the link Tent Camping 101 Exploring Smithriver
Jagadeesh said…
Learn Digital Academy offers, has been Bangalore’s leading training institution in Digital Marketing.Digital marketing course fees in Bangalore. This training program, practically on Live Projects.
Avi said…
Nice Article…
Really appreciate your work
Birthday Wishes for Girlfriend
TechLovrz said…
This post was really awesome. Will visit again. best collection of funny captions
Aaditya said…
Pretty good post. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, keep sharing.


ExcelR Data Science
janitha said…
I really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. I assure this would be beneficial for most of the people.
data science course malaysia
zaintech99 said…

I just got to this amazing site not long ago. I was actually captured with the piece of resources you have got here. Big thumbs up for making such wonderful blog page! Thanks again.
Bushraah88 said…
This is also a very good post which I really enjoyed reading. It is not every day that I have the possibility to see something like this,
technewworld.in.

lucy88 said…
Very interesting, Wish to see much more like this. Thanks for sharing your information!
Data science
Learn Machine

jaanu said…
Through this post, I know that your good knowledge in playing with all the pieces was very helpful. I notify that this is the first place where I find issues I've been searching for. You have a clever yet attractive way of writing.
big data course
Bushraah88 said…
Really very happy to say,your post is very Awesome to read.I never stop myself to say something about it.You’re doing a Great job.keep it up
www.bexteranutrition.com
www.digital marketingfront.com
designing info.in
www.https://www.hindimei.net
Mahim khan said…
Download kgf chapter 2 moviechapter 2 from here
Download latest vidmix app here
Latest Version Vidmix apk free download
I really like your post and thank you so much for this post. I would like to share one of the best travel agency in Dubai and which offers the best Dubai tour packages at an affordable cost.travel agency in Dubai
I really like your post and thank you so much for the post and I would like to share one of the best auditing services.
audit services in Dubai
Veronika said…
Very good post, keep sending us such informative articles I visit your website on a regular basis.
ncvt mis home
Veronika said…
yojana magazine september 2019 pdf download
I found your article on Google when I was surfing, it is written very nicely and is optimized .Thank you I visit your website regularly.
wilsdm said…
It is nice to see that you have created a school forum where people can share their opinion and their experience for high-quality school.we are offering Franchise for play school with low investment and business supports
AlisonKat said…
Nice information, you write very nice articles, I visit your website for regular updates.
best exercise for burning calories and losing weight
Mitakshara said…
Very good post, keep sending us such informative articles I visit your website on a regular basis.
school management software erp
Kritika said…
If you are interested in then we can provide you themnc companies in gurgaon and gurgaon companies list with contact number.
svrtechnologies said…
Pretty article! I found some useful information in your blog, it was awesome to read, thanks for sharing this great content to my vision, keep sharing...

salesforce developer online training

salesforce tutorial for beginners
eminkakelly said…
At the point when you're attempting to get in shape, you need to ensure that your eating regimen is working for you. That is the reason you ought to be taking an enhancement called keto formation pills diet pills.

https://deliver4superior.com/
Susmita Sen said…
Nice blog,I understood the topic very clearly,And want to study more like this.
CCC Paper
Apkguru said…
Thank you for sharing the valuable information. Thanks for providing a great informatic blog, really nice required information & the things I never imagined. Thanks you once again Cooking Fever Mod Apk
AlisonKat said…
Nice information, you write very nice articles, I visit your website for regular updates.
sr nagar pin code
bavisthra said…
Study Machine learning course bangalore with ExcelR where you get a great experience and better knowledge.Machine learning course bangalore
BIGG BOSS 14 said…
Great article thanks for the share,Bigg Boss 14 Full HD Show Online You Can Also Watch Bigg Boss 14 in hd Full Length
Akshay said…
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thank you, However I am having difficulties with your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I cannot join it. Is there anybody else having the same RSS issues? Anybody who knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanks!! Text vs Font
Ahmad Nur said…
SSC Result 2020 Published Date & Time by ssc result
ssc result 2020
Education Board of Bangladesh.
Many of You Search For SSC Result Kobe Dibe on Internet
as Well as Facebook. The results of Secondary School Certificate
(SSC)—and its equivalent examinations—for 2020 have been published.
SSC & Dakhil Result 2020 Published Date is Very Important For T
he Students Who Attend The SSC Exam 2020.
Angela said…
Wow What a Nice and Great Article, Thank You So Much for Giving Us Such a Nice & Helpful Information, please keep writing and publishing these types of helpful articles, I visit your website regularly.
temperature in goa
Very nice article. I enjoyed reading your post. very nice share. I want to twit this to my followers. Thanks !.
Data Science Certification in Bangalore
I can set up my new idea from this post. It gives in depth information. Thanks for this valuable information for all,..
Data Science Course in Bangalore
Thanks for the nice blog. It was very useful for me. I'm happy I found this blog. Thank you for sharing with us,I too always learn something new from your post.
Data Science Training in Bangalore
This comment has been removed by the author.
I feel really happy to have seen your web page and look forward to so many more entertaining times reading here. Thanks once more for all the details.
Data Science Training in Hyderabad | Data Science Course in Hyderabad
Programs said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject.
Data Science Training in Bangalore
Bangladesh Education Board Result : PSC Result, SSC Result, HSC Result, CBSE Result, Honours Result, Master Result New Published on our website : https://allresultsall.com/category/results/
Dhaka University Admission, Du 7 College Admission, Du Seven collage Subject Choice, Du 7 College Subject Choice news on our Government official website Link : https://allresultsall.com/category/admission/
Bangladesh Education Board (Primary School Certificate) Primary Admit Card 2020 Has been published Candidate first & easily download Primary Admit card on our Government official website: https://allresultsall.com/primary-teacher-admit-card/
Du University Under the Du Seven College Subject Choice News Published on our Government official website : https://allresultsall.com/du-seven-college-subject-choice/
Always so interesting to visit your site.What a great info, thank you for sharing. this will help me so much in my learning
Data Science Course in Bangalore

I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article.
Data Science Training in Bangalore
it was a wonderful chance to visit this kind of site and I am happy to know. thank you so much for giving us a chance to have this opportunity..
Data Science Course in Bangalore
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free.
Data Science Training in Bangalore
NID Card Online Copy 2020 Recently Published. Government web: www.nidw.gov.bd. Candidate first & easily download NID Online Copy. Our website link : https://allresultsall.com/nid-online-copy-www-nidw-gov-bd/
tejaswini said…
I would like to say that this blog really convinced me to do it! Thanks, very good post.data science certification
tejaswini said…
Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed but also entertained!
data science course
Additionally, this is an excellent article which I truly like studying. It's not everyday I have the option to see something similar to this.
360DigiTMG Best Data Science Courses In Bangalore
Anonymous said…
Excellent and very cool idea and the subject at the top of magnificence and I am happy to this post
360DigiTMG data analytics training
Excellent blog found to be very impressive to come across such an awesome blog. I really appreciate the blogger for the efforts they have made to bring such an awesome for all the curious readers who are in very keen of learning an innovative content all the way. Eventually, this blog brings an amazing experience while going through this blog. Thanks a lot and keep sharing the content in further as well.

360DigiTMG Artificial Intelligence Course
Maneesha said…
We are extremely appreciative for your blog entry. You will discover a ton of approaches in the wake of visiting your post. Incredible work
360DigiTMG
Amazing blog on special education information was unique keep posting thank you.
Data Science Training in Hyderabad 360DigiTMG
Data Science said…
I would like to thank you for the efforts you made to write this wonderful blog.
Data Analytics Certification 360DigiTMG
Very impressive article. It is very helpful and very informative thanks for sharing it.
Data Science Course in Hyderabad
Very interesting blog. Many blogs I see these days do not really provide anything that attracts others, but believe me the way you interact is literally awesome. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates you make and as well take the advantage to share some information about

CREDIT CARD HACK SOFTWARE which many are not yet informed of the latest technology.

Thank so much, keep doing this great job.
Very impressive blog with top quality information enjoyed reading it thank you.
Data Analytics Course Online 360DigiTMG
It is a great pleasure to read your message. It's full of information I'm looking for and love to post a comment that says "The content of your post is amazing". Excellent work.

Artificial Intelligence Course in Bangalore
very informative blog, found very useful thank for sharing.
360DigiTMG Data Science Course in Hyderabad
360digitmgdelhi said…
This is a great post I saw thanks to sharing. I really want to hope that you will continue to share great posts in the future.
data science course in delhi
360digitmgdelhi said…
This is a great post I saw thanks to sharing. I really want to hope that you will continue to share great posts in the future.
artificial intelligence course in delhi
Government Official website. HSC Admission Result 2020 Recently Published. Government web. HSC Result Student can download HSC Admission Result PDF File. https://allresultsall.com
360DigiTMG Hyderabad said…
I truly like only reading every one your web logs. Simply desired to in form you which you simply have persons such as me that love your own work out. Absolutely an extraordinary informative article. Hats off to you! The details which you have furnished is quite valuable. Learn best Tableau Course in Bangalore 360DigiTMG
Fantastic blog with unique content and information provided was very valuable waiting for next blog update thank you .
Ethical Hacking Course in Bangalore
Excellent blog information shared was very informative looking forward for next blog thank you.
Data Analytics Course Online
TECHNOLOGY said…
Great information and it is the intent to provide valuable information and best practices, including an understanding of the regulatory process.
unindent does not match any outer indentation level
Techprograms said…
Nice information and thank you and waiting for your new post.
unindent does not match any outer indentation level python
Very informative article with valuable information found resourceful thanks for sharing waiting for next blog.
Ethical Hacking Course in Bangalore
Unknown said…
The modern education has changed. See if can technology replace teachers and change our education system.
Technogeekscs said…
Wonderful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article. This article resolved my all queries.
Python Classes in Pune
Software Testing Course in Pune
Such a wonderful illustrated information. Thank you. It will certainly be very useful info! for my future projects. I would love to see much more articles on the same topic! PMP Certification in Hyderabad
360digitmg said…
You completed certain reliable points there. I did a search on the subject and found nearly all persons will agree with your blog.
Best Data Science Courses in Hyderabad
360digitmg said…
I am always searching online for articles that can help me. There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also. Keep working, great job !
Best Data Science Courses in Hyderabad
360digitmg said…
Regular visits listed here are the easiest method to appreciate your energy, which is why why I am going to the website everyday, searching for new, interesting info. Many, thank you!
Best Institute for Data Science in Hyderabad
360digitmg said…
Glad to chat your blog, I seem to be forward to more reliable articles and I think we all wish to thank so many good articles, blog to share with us.
business analytics course

Your work is generally excellent and I value you and jumping for some more educational posts
360DigiTMG machine learning course malaysia
Regular visits listed here are the easiest method to appreciate your energy, which is why why I am going to the website everyday, searching for new, interesting info. Many, thank you!
business analytics course
Took me time to understand all of the comments, but I seriously enjoyed the write-up. It proved being really helpful to me and Im positive to all of the commenters right here! Its constantly nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! I am certain you had enjoyable writing this write-up.
Best Digital Marketing Courses in Hyderabad
Much thanks for composing such an intriguing article on this point. This has truly made me think and I plan to peruse more
Digital Marketing Training Institutes in Hyderabadad

This post is very simple to read and appreciate without leaving any details out. Great work!

Data Science Course
Maneesha said…
With endless books and articles coming up to offer entryway to bring in cash online field and confounding peruser much more on the real method of bringing in cash, data scientist course
I am glad that i found this page ,Thank you for the wonderful and useful articles with lots of information.
Data Science Course in Mumbai
Mallela said…
Very informative content and intresting blog.Data science training in Mumbai
I am impressed by the information that you have on this blog. It shows how well you understand this subject.

Data Science Course in Mangalore
Data Science Course in Mysore said…
I recently came across your article and have been reading along. I want to express my admiration of your writing skill and ability to make readers read from the beginning to the end. I would like to read newer posts and to share my thoughts with you.

Data Science Course in Mysore
It is imperative that we read blog post very carefully. I am already done it and find that this post is really amazing.
Best Digital Marketing Courses in Hyderabad
Big Data 360 said…
Writing with style and getting good compliments on the article is quite hard, to be honest.But you've done it so calmly and with so cool feeling and you've nailed the job. This article is possessed with style and I am giving good compliment. Best!

Data Science Course in Trichy
Tech said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Good to become visiting your weblog again, it has been months for me. Nicely this article that i've been waited for so long. I will need this post to total my assignment in the college, and it has exact same topic together with your write-up. Thanks, good share.

Data Science Course in Chandigarh
From this post I know that your good knowledge of the game with all the pieces has been very helpful. I inform you that this is the first place where I find problems that I look for. You have a clever but attractive way of writing.
Data Science Training in Pune
Unknown said…
thanks for sharing information awesome blog post
Creative World

Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It's so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also.
Data Science Training
Srigokul said…

Nice Blog. Thanks for Sharing this useful information...

Data science training in chennai
Data science course in chennai

AI Expert said…
I just got to this amazing site not long ago. I was actually captured with the piece of resources you have got here. Big thumbs up for making such wonderful blog page!
<a href="https://360digitmg.com/india/artificial-intelligence-ai-and-deep-learning-in-pune
>artificial intelligence course in pune</a>
Wow what a Great Information about World Day its exceptionally pleasant educational post. a debt of gratitude is in order for the post.
data scientist course

Impressive. Your story always brings hope and new energy. Keep up the good work.

Best Institute for Data Science in Hyderabad



I feel really happy to have seen your webpage and look forward to so many more entertaining times reading here. Thanks once more for all the details.

digital marketing courses in hyderabad with placement

Popular posts from this blog

Tuesday Open Thread

Why the Majority of the Board Needs to be Filled with New Faces

First Candidates for Seattle School Board Elections 2023