Although the input of teachers, principals, and school psychologists is important in the identification of children for special education services, parents cannot allow these decisions to depend solely on the opinions of school personnel. Parents must be aggressive and actively seek information about their legal rights and responsibilities provided under Federal and State law. They must learn to understand their children's educational needs and then become their children's strongest advocate.
Many African American children have been misdiagnosed and inappropriately referred for special education services but the reality is that the current legal process must be used to obtain the appropriate services and supports that every child is entitled and needs for school and later life success. Parents should not resist evaluations for a child who is struggling but they should be vigilant, making sure that the findings are accurate and that the interventions rendered result in continuous academic and social progress.
Parents can become involved in the special needs decision-making process for their children by learning about the Federal law that guarantees a "free appropriate public education" for all children--the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA). Although there are widespread reports of noncompliance by the majority of States, this law clearly defines parents' rights and responsibilities. Knowledge of the law will help parents to force compliance and access the services their children need. See The Law page on this website.
It is also important for parents to become familiar with their State special education law. There are minimum requirements that States must meet in order to receive Federal funds to assist in providing special education and related services but the specifics of each State law may vary. Contact your State Department of Education for a parent brochure.
The purpose of this website is to empower parents to become strong advocates for their children and to improve the quality of education for all children by raising the level of awareness about learning differences.
"We can, whenever and wherever we choose, educate all children whose schooling is of interest to us. We already know more than we need to do that. Whether or not we do finally depends upon how we feel about the fact that we haven't thus far."