"A resolution affirming this objective while also more clearly defining the inclusion of parent's wishes... would only serve to improve the District's ability to meet the needs of all students."
- BD1 Candidate DeWayne Davis
DeWayne Davis, who is running for an open seat in LAUSD's Board District 1, has been an active participant in the LAUSD Candidate Forum series. In addition to the answers below, Davis also responded to the ones about PROP-39 co-locations.
For the October edition of this series, Davis was asked five questions about Special Education. For the introduction to this subject along with answers from other candidates, please see the article LAUSD Candidate Forum: Special Education.
The following are the candidate's responses, printed exactly how he provided them, with the exception of some minor formatting edits:
- Question 1: If you were on the Board, would you sponsor and work for the passage of the proposed "Improving Special Education Within the LAUSD" resolution?
I do agree in principal with the spirit of the proposed "Improving Special Education Within the LAUSD" resolution. The legally required understanding, use and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act is an absolute responsibility of the LAUSD. Aligning District policies related to the identification, recognition and support of students with Special Education needs with the obligations under the Individuals with Disabilities Act should be a standard that is evident throughout the entire framework of services provided to families and students. A resolution affirming this objective while also more clearly defining the inclusion of parent's wishes; the scope and nature of alternative programs for students with Special Education needs; as well as the structure within which all stakeholders may explore and expand innovative practices would only serve to improve the District's ability to meet the needs of all students.
- Question 2: Have you signed the petition supporting the proposed "Improving Special Education Within the LAUSD" resolution?
I would want to explore suggested revisions designed to focus the recitals of the petition on the specific outcomes sought. We have work to do. A sound resolution best serves our students and communities.
- Question 3: Federal funding to provide Special Education services is based on the size of the total student body, not the number of students receiving services. Therefore, charter schools benefit financially by discouraging the enrollment of these students as they receive the same amount of funding without having to pay the costs of providing the services. Not surprisingly, the data shows that charter schools as a whole enroll a smaller percentage of children with Special Education needs than their public school counterparts. As a Board Member would you look for ways to recoup the costs from charter schools that have below-average enrollment of students with Special Education needs?
As a Board Member I would first want to see the data to establish the enrollment figures at charter schools as well as want to know more about the enrollment practices of those schools. There are for instance charter schools that specifically focus on enrolling students with Special Education needs. Therefore, I would want to consider ways to support schools in increasing their enrollment of students with Special Education needs (where those numbers indicate lower percentages). My approach is based on a fundamental belief in providing a quality education in all settings. I would look for ways to be proactive in addressing the numbers and use any method of recouping as a last resort after other measures have been implemented.
- Question 4: Will you have a member of your staff dedicated to supporting families with Special Education needs?
I will absolutely have a staff member dedicated to supporting families and students with Special Education needs.
- Question 5: As a Board member will you ensure that the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is able to act independently of District staff so that it can provide you with feedback that is truly reflective of what the Special Education community is experiencing?
The role of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is to advise district leadership regarding the annual priorities covered in the SELPA local plan and to advocate for effective Special Education programs and services. As such, the CAC should be able to carryout those duties in a manner that is free of undue influence and reflects an independent voice.
Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own.