Rebuttal to No Certified Letters in Special Education Article
I recently read an article on a special education Website that I disagreed with. The article is about the ramifications of parents sending certified letters, to their school districts. The author of the article believes that certified letters put special education personnel on the defensive, and may believe that you want evidence of delivery, for future litigation.
In my opinion, this is ridiculous; and is another way that many attorneys and parents are giving in to school personnel’s nastiness, and making their advocacy weaker. Why is this ridiculous, in my opinion? I absolutely refuse to change my advocacy because special education personnel do not like what I am doing! Besides it is not usually parents and advocates who escalate special education disputes, but it is usually determined school personnel that do. So why back down by refusing to send letters certified with a return receipt. I will continue my advocacy in an assertive and persistent manner, no matter how special education personnel act.
I have seen a lot in my 20 years of advocacy: I have almost been hit a few times, once had a school employee almost jump on a table and try to choke me, called every name in the book, and that is just the things I can share with you. I will say again: no matter how mean and nasty I will not stop fighting for the child who needs services to benefit from their education.
If at all possible, I do recommend hand delivering letters, but that is not always possible. If impossible, I always recommend sending letters by the Postal Service certified with a return receipt. When my son Shaun was 17 years old and I was in a dispute with my school district, both of us sent so many certified letters that I thought we were pen pals.
I do not believe that we should back down from our advocacy efforts because it might upset the school district. I absolutely do not care if they are upset by my advocacy. When Angelina was around 11 years old, the special education coordinator in my district was leaving, to accept another position. Her and I usually got along okay, she at least was willing to listen to my input and suggestions. I went to her office to bring her a plant, and she ushered me into her office (where she preceded to close all the blinds). This is what she said to me: “JoAnn I never got why you fought so hard for your children—until I had children of my own. I get it now! Please promise me that you will never stop fighting for what your children need!” I was so stunned I was crying my head off, and all I could do was shake my head yes!” I have never forgotten that to this day!
As parents and advocates we must fight for children with disabilities so that they can receive an appropriate education and have a chance at a great adult life! I do not care if I upset special education personnel because I know that I am doing the right thing.
My hope is that you will continue to fight for your children, continue documenting what is going on, and keep sending those certified letters! JoAnn
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