On August 14th, 2018, five parents attended a Newtown CT Board of Education meeting and shared their concerns related to the inadequacies of Newtown Special Education practices. The common themes expressed by the families were:
- Lack of collaboration and often times adversarial attitude by Special Education Administration
- Culture of Us vs. Them perpetuated by Spec Ed Administration
- Exclusionary practices towards families during PPT meetings
- Breaches in confidentiality: Parents consistently being sent or given proprietary information about other children receiving special education services and/or have learned their own child's information has been sent to other families without proper notification by the district.
- IEP goals inconsistent with student's individualized needs and poorly monitored progress, if at all.
- The established IEP not being followed as required by law, including ESY
- District's refusal to provide data collection despite parent requests
- Parents paying privatelyfor services that should be provided by way of FAPE within the schools
It is extremely concerning that the Newtown School District refuses to provide our children with an appropriate education and is unable to implement interventions for children with special needs (i.e. learning disabilities) with fidelity. The lack of collaboration, refusal to provide evidence-based treatment and lack of support limits our children's potential while setting them up for failure and further emotional trauma.
If your family is concerned and/or experiencing challenges related to the provision of your child's Special Education, are simply a community member, friend or ally that want to show support please sign this letter. We have requested the Board of Education investigate the conduct and practices of the Special Education Administration and be the voice for our children. Please join us and other parents at the next Board of Education Meeting on Sept 4th as the Superintendent, Dr. Rodrigue, plans to outline her plan of action related to all of the aforementioned concerns.
Our collective voices and advocacy can make a difference in our children's success and futures.
Thank you.
