Parental involvement is critical

As the parent of a former special education student (from preschool through high school graduation), I applaud Sondra Alan for alerting the public to the proposed changes to Virginia’s regulations for special education.

My annual participation in my son’s IEP (individual education plan) was crucial to advocating for his individual needs. I am thankful the special services director and other members of the PPT (parent, professional, teacher) committee respected my input. Parental input is crucial because they know their children and the gaps/glitches that need addressing. I also attended every year’s Board of Education meeting when they discussed the budget for the next year. The norm was to make any needed cuts in special education first in those days.

I am proud to say my son is 38 years old, self-supporting, independent and has never collected SSI, though eligible. He definitely would have fallen through the cracks without my participation. I must add that the support of the parents in a positive way at home is part of the necessary team work with the school system to set up the student with special needs for success.

Susan Testa
Bristol, Tenn.