February 2019 Newsletter

February 21, 2019

The Center hit the ground running in 2019 establishing facts, advocating for policies, sharing best practices, and building coalitions. We cannot do this work alone: partnership and collaboration are critical to achieving our mission. We hope that our newsletter helps inform and empower you to take action in your area. Email info@centerforlearnerequity.org to discuss how to improve special education in charter schools near you.

The Murkiness of Special Education in New York City Charter Schools
Paul O’Neill explains why New York must clarify who does what when it comes to special education in charter schools.

Any Radical Changes Must Factor in Equity
Lauren Morando Rhim reminds the Vermont Agency of Education that programs must embrace the responsibilities of upholding student civil rights and those that accompany public dollars as they consider drastic changes to their public education systems. 

3 Arguments Against Amending Regulations Implementing Title IX 
We weighed in on why the proposed changes to Title IX are a bad idea.

The Center Commends U.S. Department of Education’s Initiative to Address the Inappropriate Use of Restraint and Seclusion
We weighed in on why this initiative is a good idea.

ICYMI: Top 5 Special Education Issues We’ll Watch in 2019
We announced the top 5 special education issues to watch this year and why. Spoiler alert: student civil rights and discipline top the list.

Announcements 

Welcome Wendy! 
Wendy Tucker joins our team as the inaugural Senior Director of Policy. Wendy is an attorney, advocate and education policy expert. In 2005, inspired by her own daughter’s journey as a student with a disability, Wendy began representing families in special education matters. Read more about Wendy and please join us in welcoming her to the Center.

Welcome Laura Jean! 
Laura Jean Gilloux joins our team as Operations Manager and will ensure smooth business practices and organizational efficiency. Prior to joining the Center, she spent over eight years providing strategic event planning support for annual giving and capital campaign efforts in higher education. Read more about Laura Jean and please join us in welcoming her to the Center.