FYI - For Your Information (WSSEC)

Children's Alliance Advocacy Camp July 13, 2007

Advocacy Camp is open to any adult in Washington who wants to create change in their community, improve the lives of children and families, and sharpen or learn new advocacy skills. Scholarships are available. Depending on available resources, child care and transportation assistance will also be available. Applications are due September 20th, but acceptances will be made on a rolling basis. Don't delay, apply today.

WASL Myths vs. Facts (PDF) March 31, 2007

WSSEC Public Policy Chair Comments on Special Ed Funding & Current Trial November 2, 2006

This letter was sent to the WSSEC listserve on October 31, 2006 in order to update our readers about the trial related to the lawsuit, that blames special ed students for an overall shortfall in education funding. The WSSEC believes the true shortfall is in the underfunding of the BEA (Basic Ed Allocation) with WA state ranking 42nd in the nation.

Review of Washington Learns Special Education Funding Proposals October 20, 2006

WSSEC Memorandum to Governor Gregoire and Washington Learns Members September 26, 2006

WSSEC Comments on Autism Task Force Draft Recommendations September 9, 2006

Public comments and testimony on September 7, 2006. Find DRAFT recommendations on the Autism Task Force website

Governor Appoints First Education Ombudsman September 9, 2006

"The 2006 Legislature authorized the creation of the Office of Education Ombudsman within the Office of the Governor to assist parents and community members with issues related to public K-12 education."
Remember that Kristin Hennessey is still the Special Education Ombudsman, housed in the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction/Special Ed Section. Contact: khennessey@ospi.wednet.edu 360-725-6075

WSSEC Letter to Gov. Gregoire and WA Learns Members August 5, 2006

Response to WA Learns Meetings of July 2006

Diana Stadden Comments to Governor on Special Ed Funding & Other Important Topics. August 1, 2006

Diana Stadden, of the Pierce County Parent Coalition, gave excellent
testimony to Governor Gregoire at the Puyallup Town Hall meeting on
7/27/06.

Thanks, Diana! Great comments!

Disability Rights Advocates Parent Survey July 15, 2006

Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) is a non-profit law firm based
in Berkeley,CA, and is currently investigating the impact of the
Washington Assessment of Student Learning, or WASL, on high school
students with disabilities in Washington. If you are a parent of a
high school student with an IEP or 504 Plan, and are concerned about
the WASL's impact on your special education student, please complete
a Parent Survey
to assist DRA with its current investigation.

Unless the WASL is shown to be a fair and valid test as applied to
students in special education, it should not be used to deny these
students their right to a diploma.

Feel free to forward this information, or to post the link to our Survey,
for anyone you think may be interested in our investigation.
Contact DRA directly by email Nathan Tribble
or call (510) 665-8644.

JLARC Report on Excess Cost Accounting & Reporting Requirements April 11, 2006

Most Recent JLARC (Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee) Report
on Special Ed Excess Cost Accounting and Reporting Requirements.
February,2006

Grade Level Expectations and Individual Education Plans February 25, 2006

There has been some confusion about GLE's (Grade Level Expectations) and IEP's. A memo from Bob Harmon, Assistant Superintendent for Special Populations that was sent to all Special Ed Directors, is intended to clarify that there is no requirement that GLE's be included on IEP's.

State of the State for Washington Latinos February 20, 2006

A community partnership between The Walla Walla Latino American Forum and Whitman College. The Whitman report now available online was carried out by students.