Target: Kevin Kiley, Chair of House Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee
Goal: Make retention of full special education standards and services top priority.
Millions of students with special needs could become collateral damage in the ongoing attempt to shutter the U.S. Department of Education. Nearly all employees of the department’s Special Education division received notifications of imminent layoffs during the government shutdown. If the department’s agencies are broken up, this important division could land in the hands of an unrelated government department ill-equipped to address all of the sensitive issues associated with special needs education.
The Special Education division helps ensure states meet compliance standards for helping students with special needs receive an optimal learning experience. A recent report revealed that well over half of states are in need of assistance with meeting these standards. The division also investigates allegations of discrimination. Current plans focus on supposedly “returning” education to states (although states already make most decisions regarding education), but many states have already demonstrated they need guidance and help. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed concern about the impacts of the upheaval at the Department of Education on special education in particular.
Sign the petition below to demand these lawmakers follow through on their concerns with decisive action.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Representative Kiley,
It has taken decades for the various agencies of the Department of Education to develop a solid coordination and collaboration strategy. The advances made in special education have been especially hard-won. This progress cannot be unwound on a whim.
An accountability report from the department itself showed that at least 30 states need assistance with meeting IDEA standards, and some of these states need urgent intervention. If that assistance goes away or moves under the supervision of bureaucrats who do not have the knowledge or expertise to provide it, too many young and vulnerable students will be left behind. Do not roll back the hope and the support these children and their families have received. They need advocates who care, not grandstanding politicians looking to score a few points.
Be that advocate and ensure the special education division stays intact and connected.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Antoni Shkraba Studio
