Blog

SSEPTSA is a Finalist for the BECU People Helping People Awards

The Seattle Special Education PTSA (SSEPTSA) is a finalist for BECU’s People Helping People Awards. According to BECU, “these awards are a way for...

Solving Special Education Staff Shortages

School districts face many challenges when hiring Special Education teachers and paraeducators. Washington state auditors recently investigated...

Navigating the “Birds and the Bees” with Neurodivergent Kids

The "birds and the bees" talk can be a daunting conversation for any parent. It’s natural for this conversation to feel uncomfortable under any...

College Support for Students with Disabilities

Trinity Covington from Seattle Colleges recently joined a Seattle Special Education PTSA meeting to share information about the Seattle Promise...
Build inclusion with an anti-ableism policy

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

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

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...

Open Letter to SPS’ New Superintendent, Dr. Brent Jones

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

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

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...

Special Education Staff Changes at 50 Schools?

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...