Special Education Teachers Say "No!"

Post date: Jul 17, 2011 5:59:00 PM

On Thursday, July 14, more than 20 special education teachers met in the Richland High School library with Superintendent Jim Busey, Assistant Superintendent Tony Howard, and Assistant Director of Special Programs Nita Kamphuis to discuss proposed changes in case management for students on Individualized Education Programs (IEP). The District proposed changes to secondary Resource Room teachers in order to bridge a gap in the Special Programs budget.

The "case management model" would create a non-teaching case manager position responsible for the creation and administration of 90-100 IEPs in one or two buildings. Currently, Resource Room teachers are responsible for IEPs. Under the "case management model," Resource Room teachers would move from special education into general education, teaching language arts and mathematics support classes. The change in classification would save the District an estimated $300,000 per year.

Special education teachers were unanimous in there response. "This is not a student centered decision," said LaDonna Sterling, REA Vice-President and Jason Lee Instructional Specialist.

Many of the teachers at the meeting voiced their concerns that 1) a case manager would not appropriately serve the special needs of the student, and 2) the general education support teacher would end-up doing the majority of the work.

Superintendent Busey remarked that he was impressed with the passion for student well-being teachers expressed during the meeting.

REA President, Jeri Morrow, thanked all members for the solid turnout and their invaluable input in the process.

White Bluffs Elementary is the only school in the District currently using the "case management model." However, the Letter of Agreement (LOA) between REA and the District expires with the current contract and will not be renewed. Therefore, White Bluffs will need to add a Resource Room teacher for the 2011-12 school year.