Who We Are
Coalition for Special Education Equity in Austin ISD is a group of parents, educators, and community partners working to improve the educational experience for children with disabilities. The coalition is focusing on inclusive practices, staff retention/recruitment, bilingual integration, and open/transparent communication.
Mission
CSEE would like to ensure that AISD provides an appropriate education to students receiving special education services and believes that this goal should be reflected in the district’s strategic goals, policies and practices, accountability metrics, and in the board and the superintendent’s priorities. CSEE believes that the district needs to increase outreach to and support of parents and students served by special education. The district also needs to train all teachers, both general education and special education, in differentiated instruction, inclusion practices, early intervention, and disability identification. We believe these improvements should occur for all schools with equity and that the kids come first above all else.
Objectives
Inclusive Practices
To the maximum extent appropriate, children should be educated inclusively in the general education classroom at their home campus. Children both with and without disabilities benefit from inclusive practices through increased resources and diversity in the classroom. Inclusive practices result in better outcomes for all students, those with and without disabilities, including better academic performance, gains in adaptive behavior, and improved social relations.
Staff Recruitment & Retention
Dedicated and well trained staff are the most important element to producing successful outcomes for children with disabilities. Addressing recruitment and retention of special education teachers, paraprofessionals, LSSPs and therapists is critical. We need to provide competitive compensation, appropriate training, and maintain reasonable workloads to retain and attract quality special education staff. We also need to improve leveling practices to ensure stability for both staff and students.
Bilingual Support
Students with disabilities whom English is not their primary language should be provided opportunities for bilingual education and participation in dual language programs. Students and their caretakers should have timely translations and support in their native language for IEPs, ARDs, and other school communications.
Transparency and Open Communication
Open and transparent communication is critical to improving special education in Austin ISD. Cooperation between administration, staff, parents and the community is a powerful tool. Students receiving special education should have a strong voice in school change and equity activities.
Get in Touch
Coalition for Special Education Equity in AISD
info@cseeaisd.org