Priorities
The WSSEC believes that all issues are most appropriately addressed through a coordinated system among agencies serving the needs of infants, children and youth with disabilities. The Special Ed Coalition supports students with disabilities by addressing statewide policy issues that affect them and advocating to ensure protection of their civil rights.
Accountability
The Coalition supports an equitable system of high standards that utilizes multiple types of assessment measures in order to ensure quality, fairness and efficiency.
- The state should honor the diversity of each learner and support the development of each child's talents and interests.
- State standards for students should be culturally sensitive.
- A single test shall never be a barrier to a diploma.
- The state should be just as accountable as the student.
Funding
The Coalition supports a consistent, transparent school accounting system and supports increased funding for basic education to better serve each student.
The Basic Ed Allocation needs to be increased to support all students.
Recruitment and Retention
The Coalition supports activities & policies that will support future educators entering special education, including related service and support personnel.
- The Coalition supports increased retention efforts and maintenance of standards.
- The Coalition supports recognition of years of service for Education Staff Associate (ESA) personnel.
- The Coalition supports recognition of national certification for ESA's.
School Safety and Discipline
The Coalition supports the development of a three-tiered statewide program as described in the Behavioral Disability Task Force Report.
The Coalition supports adequate staff training in order to better serve students with behavior difficulties.
The Coalition also believes students who need alternative placements must receive those placements with staff who are adequately trained and given the resources and support to enable these youth to learn.
Training
In order to improve the education and social development of children with disabilities, the Coalition supports:
- Increased training for families, educators and other professionals;
- Increased outreach to families who may not have ready access to, or knowledge about, public education and community systems;
- Increased information and training for students with disabilities in order to promote self-advocacy and independence.