Spanish SPED Parent Resources - La Sopa de la Abuela: Special Education Telenovela
(English captions are available if you'd like to view the videos)
(English captions are available if you'd like to view the videos)
The Orcas Island School District is excited to share La Sopa de la Abuela (Grandma’s Soup) – A Special Education Telenovela. This series was designed to support the engagement of families in the special education process, share information, encourage advocacy skills, and foster collaborative home-school partnerships which positively impact student success. Created by a design team that included family and staff members, we hope you’ll join us for the journey of one family as they navigate their emotions, learn about special education, and make decisions.
To learn more about special education in the Orcas Island School District, please contact Lorena Stankevich, Director of K-12 Student Services, lstankevich@oisd.org 360376-1561
In this episode, we meet Lucia, mother of an elementary school student who has been referred to a Student Support Team Meeting at school. Join Lucia’s journey as she seeks advice and support from a close friend, Karina, and their school’s Bilingual Family Liaison. In this episode, Lucia learns that Student Support Teams may refer a student for a special education evaluation. While dealing with her own concern and worry as she tries to learn more, Lucia must also respond to the reaction of her husband, Jose.
Episode One: “What’s Going On with My Child?”
Key Messages
The special education process is often overwhelming for parents.
Many families experience emotional distress.
Parents may seek support from trusted friends, and staff at schools.
There may be negative associations related to special education and many parents worry about their child being “labeled”.
There are a range of disabilities..
Parents may sometimes disagree about their child’s needs.
Episode Two: “What Do We Need to Know?”
Key Messages
It is important for parents to understand the special education process.
The PRC is a resource for parents, and is designed to ensure that parents have the information and support they need to navigate the special education process.
Parents are active members of the special education team, and parental consent is required at each phase of the special education cycle.
Episode Three: Why are there so many tests?
Key Messages
There are often many staff members at special education meetings
Parental consent is required to conduct a special education evaluation
Special education evaluations involve a variety of assessments
Family members may have suggestions for traditional practices to help children.
Episode Four: How Do We Cope With This News?
Key Messages
It is important to prepare in advance of the meetings. (Episode emphasizes how difficult meetings can be when unprepared….)
Eligibility components must be available to parents two days prior to eligibility meetings.
Parents sometimes question whether they are at fault when children have disabilities.
Having a disability does not have to result in a lack of success.
Eligibility requires parental consent.
Episode Five: What If We Disagree?
Key Messages
Parents are encouraged to provide input to the IEP, and to be active team members during IEP meetings.
It is OK to disagree during meetings.
Parents are not required to agree to IEPs immediately during the meeting.
Family engagement is beneficial to student success in school.