Special Ed News from Sparta, NJ

From the Sparta Independent

Special education parents want curriculum changes By Fran Hardy

Sparta — Three parents of elementary students with special needs addressed the board of education this week demanding answers and action regarding what they see as deficiencies in the education their children are receiving in the district.

The main complaint is the kindergarten through fourth reading program, which the parents believe is inconsistent and ineffective, and causing their children to fall behind. They believe the problem affects their children who have Individual Education Plans (IEP) as well as general education students.

The parents asked the board to meet with them in a closed session so they can fully explain their problems and concerns, while protecting the privacy of their children. They said their first meeting with schools Superintendent Dr. Thomas Morton, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Dr. Kathleen Monks, and Director of Special Services Linda Cooper had opened the dialogue, but since that meeting last month they say they received no answers and now want action from the board.

Morton said the parents were asked to bring a proposal with specific questions, concerns, or suggestions either as a presentation or in writing so that issues may be addressed by the education professionals in these areas, but have not done so. He said the proper procedures should be followed in terms of dealing with issues first at the building level, then the administrative level. If after these two steps the parents are still unsatisfied, they can take the matter before the board.

The parents said they do not get the responses they want from the special education providers and administrators. Board President Kevin Pollison said the board understands their concerns and wants to help, but that seven of the nine board members are not education professionals.

It was resolved the parents would submit written questions, concerns, and suggestions regarding specific issues and Morton agreed to make sure they receive written responses from the district’s special education professionals or administrators involved in specific cases. If this step does not prove satisfactory to the parents, a meeting will be set up for them between the education professionals, the administration, and the board.