Homewood District 153 parents of special education students asked for better information and open lines of communication with administrators.

Several parents made a point of offering their support for the staff. “I do know how hard you work,” one mom said. Still, the parent/district interaction needs a refresh.
Superintendent Scott McAlister, Director of Student Support Services Melanie Mandisodza and Assistant Director Cece Belue were invited to address parents’ concerns as part of the district’s Parent-Teacher Association meeting on Thursday, Jan. 30.
Of District 153’s 2,000 students, approximately 15% are receiving special services, McAlister said. In 1973, the federal government mandated services for students in kindergarten through high school. Some special education students get school services until their 21st birthday.
Services for educational needs are provided through an Individualized Education Plan. A Section 504 Plan provides accommodation so a student with a disability can access education in a regular classroom.
During the meeting, parents new to the school system said they would have appreciated information at registration time that would outline how the special education system works and how they, as parents, can advocate for their children.
Other parents hoped one of the outcomes of the meeting would be starting a parents’ support group. Mandisodza said each child is assessed individually and reminded parents that sharing information may not necessarily relate to their child’s case. However, she did think parents working together and supporting each other could be helpful.
“I don’t know what I don’t know,” one mom said. “To talk to a veteran parent who has a great relationship with this (special education) department,” would be helpful.
One dad said the process and laws can be very adversarial.
“It feels very us versus them,” he said. “We are passionate about our kids, and sometimes it does come out as being adversarial. I think the best thing for us, sometimes, is to take a step back, but sometimes it’s warranted because it is our kids and when something’s not being done…it pisses us off because we’re looking out for our kids.”
Another acknowledged that District 153 is “the most accommodating district in our area,” but she said, “You still have some work to do, mostly in terms of inclusion.” The mom argued that when special ed children are moved into the general education population they need to feel comfortable. The move can be “unfair and humiliating,” she said. Bullying can be a problem.
Still another said expecting her daughter to take a standardized test when she’s not at grade level is unfair.
McAlister said parents can find information for some of their questions on the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) website. ISBE can also provide an advocate for a child, but he asked parents to start by raising their concerns with District 153 staff first.
He stressed that he is always receptive to parent phone calls and concerns. Mandisodza said she hoped the PTA would provide her with parent questions that she can address.
“We are here for your kids. We care about children,” Mandisodza said.