Advocacy

Charter schools in the District of Columbia want to get special education right.

The provision of special education services has been a challenge for public charter schools in Washington, DC and across the U.S. For many charters, a lack of financial resources is coupled with a complex set of federal special education regulations that charter school leaders must navigate. While school districts in most states provide special education services to charter schools, the DC Public School system does not leaving individual charters with the responsibility and obligations to decipher and comply with special education policy and procedures. The Co-operative helps to ensure the voices of the member schools are heard and their issues are addressed.

The Co-operative has developed effective working relationships with personnel at the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). This frequent and direct communication ensures that charter schools are represented in policy discussions and have access to professional development, funding and other opportunities.

Current Activities:

Bi-weekly meetings with OSSE’s Special Education Policy Director & Charter Liaison
Regular informal communication with OSSE’s Special Education Charter Liaison
Coordination with OSSE’s Special Education Director of Training & Technical Assistance
Involvement in OSSE’s technical working group for the Special Education Data System (SEDS)