Blog
School Board Testimony: Third Summer of Problems
I am Janis White, the Immediate Past President of the Seattle Special Education PTSA. This is the third summer in a row that I have come to you to report significant issues with the delivery of recovery services and summer school programs to students with...
Build inclusion with an anti-ableism policy
The Seattle Special Education PTSA is thrilled to see our District recognize the need for more inclusive classroom and school experiences. In 2020-2021, our PTSA focused our advocacy work on three areas — including working to increase inclusionary practices throughout...
Considerations for the new bus contract coming up
Regarding the Transportation Service Standards, we ask you to consider the following when they are re-introduced. For students who use school bus transportation, their school day starts when they step on the bus in the morning. Most students with disabilities do not...
UPDATED: On the new sexual harassment policy
Added additional testimony given to the School Board on May 4 With respect to Policy 3208, the Seattle Special Education PTSA continues to be concerned that it does not refer to students with disabilities. We want to emphasize the data we presented at the last School...
The Science of Reading
https://youtu.be/n2fU0rffMc8?si=XqTbsWNpg3u1EKYh
Open Letter to SPS’ New Superintendent, Dr. Brent Jones
Dear Superintendent Jones and School Board Directors, During the superintendent search process, the Seattle Special Education PTSA testified about the qualities we thought were important for our next Superintendent and also sent the School Board our concerns about the...
Open Letter: Ableist Language Hurts Family Survey
Dear School Board Directors, Superintendent Jones, and Senior Staff, Last May, when the School Board passed Policy 2190, the Seattle Special Education PTSA testified about our concerns regarding disabled students who are also cognitively atypical, or twice-exceptional...
Open Letter: School Building Closures and Covid Issues
Dear School Board Directors, Superintendent Jones and Senior Staff, Over the last few days, the Board of the Seattle Special Education PTSA has heard from families, teachers and staff about unfilled positions in schools due to COVID absences and substitute shortages...
Open Letter: Special Ed Task Force is supposed to have family representatives
Dear Superintendent Jones and Assistant Superintendent Pedroza: The 2019 - 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Seattle Public Schools and Seattle Education Association Certified Non-Supervisory Employees outlines the creation of and membership in a...
Special Education Staff Changes at 50 Schools?
District ignores its own contract, leaves staff and family voices out of decisions about special education staffing. The Seattle Special Education PTSA is concerned about the plan by Seattle Public Schools to make adjustments to special education staffing in 50...
