Raise Your Hand parents have developed a plan called Trust Learning Care (TLC), with concrete demands like $12.5 million more for students to access devices and Internet, a full commitment to meeting every student in special education’s IEP or 504 plan, at-home learning kits for young remote learners and outdoor options as the weather warms up.
Tag: Special Education
What’s in the CTU Deal for the Kids?
This article has been updated to add more information on staffing to support English learners. Late yesterday, the Chicago Teachers Union’s House of Delegates approved a tentative agreement in a tight vote. The CTU deal includes good pay and holds the line on health insurance premiums, but what’s in it for the kids? What will the new provisions on class…
Here’s What Happens When Early Childhood Teachers Go Deep Connecting with Families
When I first started teaching early childhood special education four years ago, I was confident in my teaching ability and behavior management skills. I was quickly confronted with the realization that I was working not only with my students, but with their families. During my first round of parent-teacher conferences and the first few IEP meetings, I wasn’t sure what…
A Love Letter to Parents of Kids With Special Needs and Disabilities
Dear Fellow Parent Warriors, While every parent has strong feelings during the early part of the school year—excitement, nerves, even a little worry—our special tribe of parents with children who have IEPs (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 plans feel all those feelings plus some. Our worries are much more complex than just wondering whether our kids will fit in (we…
In Spite of Change CPS is Still Failing Special Education Students in Englewood
Last week Chicago Public Schools announced that they were reversing their decision to cut Special Education positions at about 120 schools. The Board of Education realized that somebody on staff made a mistake. They made a recommendation based on errant and incomplete information that ultimately would have hurt untold numbers of students with special needs. While some folks will take…