Growing Support and Advocacy for Special Education Students and Families in ISD

BY BETSY GRANT

ISD PTSA Special Education Network Chairperson

special-education@issaquahptsa.org

There is an abundance of support through PTSA for special education students and their families within the Issaquah School District. The goal of everyone involved is to improve the school experience for students who require special services and accommodations. There are now two PTSA groups within ISD focused on that goal – the ISD Special Education PTSA Network and the Issaquah Special Education PTSA 2.6.13. What is the difference between the two groups?

The ISD Special Education PTSA Network is part of the ISD PTSA Council and is made up of all members of all the PTSAs within the Issaquah School District. The Network strongly believes in your family being an inclusive part of the school community you attend. It is set up to foster that relationship. If you are a part of your school’s PTA, then you are included in the Network.

The Network is working towards DISTRICT having a representative from each school’s PTSA to represent students and families of that school’s community. The ISD Special Education PTSA Network administers a Facebook page (https://www.facebook. com/groups/issaquahspecialed/), and you don’t need to be a PTSA member to be included on the page, although we highly recommend it. Beyond the Facebook page, the Network regularly advocates with District leaders, creates webinars to provide ISD families with special education students a resource for answers to common issues, and engages with our representatives to foster communication throughout the District. More information can be found on the ISD Council website (https://www. issaquahptsa.org/programs/specialeducation).

The Issaquah School District Special Education PTSA is a special-interest PTSA unit within the ISD PTSA Council. They are a new group that will also support students with disabilities and their families within the Issaquah School District. To be a part of this group, you must become a member of their PTSA. Anyone is welcome to become a member. They represent teachers, students, and families across all Issaquah School District schools. Their mission is to focus solely on the special education community. Their objective is to create a community that learns from each other, shares resources, and advocates for the needs of special education students and their families. They have a Facebook group that is open to their members. One of their first communitybuilding events is hosting a monthly Parent Power Hour. To join or find out more information, go to https://www. issaquahspecialeducationptsa.org.

Beyond the PTSA, there is even more support directly from the Issaquah School District. Last spring, the District hosted a Family Information Night focused on IEP meetings. There are plans to hold more informational sessions in the future. If you missed the ISD Family Information Night on IEP Meetings, you can view the recording and slide decks at https://www.isd411.org/programsservices/equity/. Click on "Resources" -> "Information about IEP Meetings for Families." It is available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.