By Ben Rodgers Editor The recently approved Green Bay School District budget includes a transfer of more than $33 million from the general fund to cover special education costs. Why this happens is inexcusable and must stop. We recently completed our seven-story series on special education in Wisconsin through the NEW News Lab, a …
Legislators’ actions on special education are inexcusable Read More »
By Heather Graves Staff Writer DE PERE – For five decades, Syble Hopp has sought to be a place where students with intellectual and other developmental disabilities feel like they belong. “I cannot say enough about Syble Hopp,” Julie Taylor, mom of 19-year-old Preston, who has attended for the past 11 years, said. “The staff …
Just as important: Syble Hopp, a place of belonging Read More »
By Heather Graves Staff Writer BROWN COUNTY – Understanding the special education system in the State of Wisconsin can be challenging. Add funding to the equation and comprehension is likely headed into a tailspin. Federal and state mandates require all public school districts provide special education services to students who require them. The state picks …
By Heather Graves Staff Writer BROWN COUNTY – Parents advocate and directors facilitate. But, it’s teachers who interpret complex 504 accommodation plans and Individualized Education Plans – to turn them into meaningful lessons for students. Area administrators agree the success of any special education department is heavily dependent on the teachers inside the classrooms. A …
By Heather Graves and Lea Kopke The Press Times BROWN COUNTY – The job of a special education director is a balancing act between state and federal requirements and a desire to help students and families. Mandates, continuous paperwork, staff shortages, varied student needs, frustrated parents, limited resources, funding struggles – the list of responsibilities …
By Heather Graves Staff Writer BROWN COUNTY – The transition from elementary school to middle school, and from middle school to high school are milestones for students – new buildings, new kids, new classes, new routines. For special education students and their families these transitions can require copious planning and are oftentimes filled with uncertainty. …
Just as important: A secondary education odyssey Read More »
By Heather Graves Staff Writer BROWN COUNTY – Parents of special education students are driven by the instinctive need to help their child. Districts are tied to federal- and state-mandated rules and regulations. Though the end goal of all involved is to help students succeed, the path to get there can differ drastically, and sometimes …
By Lea Kopke Staff Writer BROWN COUNTY – IEP, 504, LEA, IDEA, FAPE, IEE. These are a mere taste of the alphabet soup that makes up the special education system in Wisconsin. Parents of children with disabilities must become connoisseurs of the dish to fully understand what supports are available to their children and how …
Just as important: Understanding the special education system Read More »
