Aislinn

On December 2, 3, and 4, 1996, OSEP (Office of Special Education Programs) held public meetings in the Kansas City, Springfield, MO, and St. Louis areas. OSEP also held outreach meetings with a parent group in St. Louis with parents of preschool aged children served in the St. Louis City district with a Missouri State Special Education Advisory Board from Jefferson City, to understand how families were being treated with the implementation of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). 

The OSEP investigation team included Carolyn Smith as team lead, Ken Klaus, Maral Taylor, Larry Wexler, Helen Eano, and Larry Ringer (who reviewed Part B of IDEA), and Jacquelyn Twining-Martin and Alma McPherson (who reviewed Part H of IDEA), selecting programs in local districts, state and some special districts, sampling the implementation. 

The findings were as follows from the 1997 monitorizations: 

• Students were not always provided with all necessary aids, and different districts considered different services necessary

• Not all students were being provided proper placement, adding to the issues of receiving the proper services to aid them in their education

  • Some were simply removed and transferred to a not helpful supplementary learning

• DESE had not ensured public agencies completed an evaluation that proved they met State guidelines, leading to considerable concerns 

  • The number of referrals meant the districts could receive differing amounts of support from the State, and did not indicate whether or not the referrals were truthful

• The needs for services were based on reputation, whether they actually completed the evaluation, the number of referrals, etc. 

  • They needed to actually meet State guidelines, have a guide to what is considered necessary for students, and needed proper, true evaluation

The corrections made were as follows:

• State guidelines were further established amongst all districts so everyone is on the same page of what is considered necessary for disability services

• Funding was further allocated and added so that more could be put towards the services in education

• The evaluations were monitored more closely, and referrals were actually checked to ensure they were accurate

  • WOW, what a concept!

The announced results of the on-site review from the United States Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services came on January 8, 1998, releasing the results of the monitorizations and the timeline for correctional or necessary updates.

Now, the Paraquad helps so many children and young people thrive and learn through the education system, with progress always on their minds, hoping to continue branching out and utilizing IDEA to further help education for those with disabilities.