Special Education Action is a 501(c)3 nonprofit publisher covering special education.
Its mission is to ensure parents, educators, and students have the information and tools necessary to fully understand, address, and safeguard the unique needs of all students who require special education.
Recent Articles
Crisis Management Messaging: Gov. Cuomo’s, Gov. Northam’s, VDOE’s, and FCPS’ Staff on “Distance Learning”
“Sorry this got to you and James”.
—Scott Brabrand, FCPS Superintendent.
4.21.20, Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) Superintendent Scott Brabrand emailed this apology to Donald R. Fairheart, Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Staff, Division of School Quality, Instruction, and Performance, VDOE. James is James Lane, Superintendent of the Virginia Department of Education.
His “sorry” followed an email from Alexander Cochran, Special Counsel to the Governor for Federal Affairs, Office of Governor Cuomo, to Stacey Brayboy, Director of the Virginia Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, warning about FCPS’ failures to launch.
FCPS: “We’re Not Using the IEP During Covid-19 . . . Students May Not Be Found Eligible”
“. . . we’re not using the IEP during COVID-19â€. —Andrew Guillen, manager due process and special education services
This is just one of the quotes from the 4.13.20 “TLP Procedural and Instructional Guidance Training†FCPS provided to staff — and just one of many that are cause for concern.
The presentation indicates: 1) FPCS did not have IEPs or TLPs in place when their online campus for distance learning launched April 14th. Instead, the day before, staff members were being advised on TLPs.
FOIA Release: FCPS “TLP Procedural and Instructional Guidance Training” (4.13.20)
4.13.20: Video Slideshow accompanying “TLP Procedural and Instructional Guidance Training” presented by Dawn Schaefer, coordinator for due process and eligibility; Andrew Guillen, manager due process and special education services; Kellie Cochran, coordinator for special ed related services.
Obtained via FOIA request.
Transcript provided by Special Education Action.
FCPS Makes Case Against Providing Comp Ed, FAPE, and PWNs
FCPS’s response to the complaint makes a case AGAINST providing compensatory education in response to the cessation of in-person instruction during the 2019-20 school year, based on an argument that schools weren’t open and FCPS isn’t responsible for closed and/or partial days.
“Big 8” Letter Requests Special Education Waivers; Children Put Behind 8 Ball
Instead of requesting more supports to ensure provision of FAPE for students and to help teachers, the letter states, “Our goal is to reduce the administrative burden on special education staff . . . ”
“Hot Topics”
When I opened the file, I noticed tracked changes on the document. I clicked them and everything Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) incorrectly redacted popped up, to include names of students, their lawyers, monies paid, and so on.
The document including concerning information, to include FCPS acknowledging some of the very issues that I and other parents have complained about for year, such as failure to identify special education students, failure to implement programs related to Dyslexia with fidelity, and privacy violations.