Watch the Video Here: https://youtu.be/rb2LZg3dkhs
The Seattle Council Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and Seattle Special Education PTSA, jointly, have made the difficult decision to share the recommendations of the Special Education Taskforce with the public during bargaining between Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Education Association. As organizations that exist to advocate for the needs and rights of children, it is our duty and responsibility to speak out.
For the last year, certificated and classified special education professionals, district management and administration, and families have worked together on the Special Education Task Force to provide recommendations for the bargaining team. Recommendations designed to bring Seattle schools closer to an education model that many schools across the country already have in place – inclusive education. Inclusive education is a proven best practice that benefits all students.
“We are bringing these recommendations to the public, to show what work has already been accomplished. If Special Education is holding up the bargain, why? This work has already been done. Special education should not be the barrier, because all parties have already agreed,” Samantha Fogg, Seattle Council PTSA.
“There are two stories circulating— it’s false to say inclusive education is too difficult and it’s false to say that inclusive education can be managed without adequate staff. As we see in the task force recommendations, we have a map for moving forward.” Cherylynne Crowther, president, Seattle Special Education PTSA.
We renew our call that both parties issue Joint Statements of Fact, to negotiate in good faith, and if trust is so broken that negotiations cannot progress, to ask for help from a neutral party.
You can find the Special Education Taskforce Recommendations now on the Special Education PTSA Website https://seattlespecialeducationptsa.org/news-%26-advocacy/f/special-education-task-force-recommendations and on the Seattle Council PTSA website https://scptsa.org/
