Special Education Public Hearing
This morning's Washington Post includes a story titled Parents of Special-Ed Students Oppose Changing Consent Rule profiling controversy surrounding one proposed change in Virginia's Special Education rules.Currently, school systems must obtain parental consent before eliminating such services as speech or occupational health therapy. But the state Department of Education is proposing that schools be allowed to suspend them without such consent. If a parent objects, the service would be maintained until the matter is settled through dispute resolution.The Loudoun School Board has not taken a position on the proposals. I have asked that the Board be briefed on the proposed changes at its May 13th meeting.
As mentioned in the story, there will be a public hearing where the State Board of Education will hear comment on the proposed changes at Freedom HS on Wednesday, May 15th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Registration for those wishing to speak begins at 6 p.m. on the night of the hearing.
Additional information, including a link to the proposed changes, is available here.
The rest is from an email I received yesterday:
Individuals seeking to speak will be allotted three minutes each unless the number of speakers requires the Chair to reallocate the time available to ensure that as many individuals as possible may speak. Speakers are urged to provide written copies of their comments. Interpreters for the deaf will be provided.
Those wishing to provide written comments may either submit them during a public hearing or submit them as follows:
• E-mail to ReviseSpedRegs@doe.virginia.go
• FAX to (804) 786-8520
• Mail to Special Education Regulations Revision Process
Office of Dispute Resolution and Administrative Services
Virginia Department of Education
P.O. Box 2120
Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120