Call for Comment from US Dept of Education

Press Release

Public Comment Period Open for Regulation Reform Agenda

In February 2017, President Trump issued Executive Order 13777.  In this Order, ‘‘Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda,’’ the US Department of Education is mandated to review current education regulations such as IDEA. This review would focus on:

*Outdated or ineffective regulations

*Duplicated services or regulations and/or areas of need to be created

*Cost effectiveness within US Treasury guidelines

*Regulations that eliminate or inhibit job creation

The order is seeking input on those regulations that the public would like to be considered for review.  Public comment can be made by mail to Hilary Malawer, Assistant General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW., Room 6E231, Washington, DC 20202, by email at: Hilary.Malawer@ed.gov or online at the web link below:   https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/06/22/2017-13157/evaluation-of-existing-regulations?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term

Public comment must be specific and reference the regulation (FR Doc # 2017-13157) in the subject line along with specifics of the regulation to be reviewed and any suggestions or recommendations.  Public comment must be made by August 21, 2017.

Happy Holidays from PEATC!

Happy Holidays from all of us at PEATC!!

Virginia Regulatory Update on Seclusion and Restraint

Learn about ways to participate in the process

 The most recent draft of the Second Review of Proposed Regulations Governing the Use of Seclusion and Restraint in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools in Virginia (Proposed Stage) is available HERE

 Public Participation in the Regulatory Process

 There are many ways the public can participate in the regulatory process and make their voice heard. These opportunities include making a public comment, attending board meetings, and public hearings.

 For more information and to learn more about participation processes please click HERE

“I told them YES!”

Sitting in traffic on my way home from work, the speakers begin to ring, it’s home calling.

“Hello”

“Hey,” says my husband, “guess who just called?”

“Hmmm, the elementary school, do they want to talk again?”

“Nope, not the elementary school,” my husband explains, “it was someone from the US Department of Education and he wants to know if you and Noah would be willing to speak.“

I can hear the increased tone of his voice and quickened pace, as he explains. “They are wondering if you guys would speak at the 40^th Anniversary celebration of IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and, and… it’s at the WHITE HOUSE!  I told them YES!”

At this point, I visualize a scene in a movie where the frame is paused and everything begins to rewind at high speed.  What is happening?  Who just called my house? How did they get my number? What has my husband just agreed to?

Well, here is how the story has unfolded thus far.  As a result of talking and advocating and talking some more about children with dyslexia to stakeholders and anyone else who would listen, then combine that with my work at the Virginia State PTI working with families of special needs children in the public school system, Noah and I surfaced as a family who have a vested interest in IDEA. This is the federal law that serves and protects children with disabilities who receive services in public school. Next week is the 40-year celebration of IDEA.

But what has the last three weeks of our lives looked like, what actually happens when you say yes to speak at the White House.  What happens when a regular family of 5, with 2 working parents whose 3 public school kids, 2 with special needs are invited to an event at the white house….. Chaos…. Ok maybe not chaos maybe more like 1 chaotic mom and four family members running interference and avoiding her if at all possible.

We have been vetted and cleared.  Well, of course you say, you’re going to the white house.  Social Security cards for all have been located; yes even the nine-year-old.

We have had multiple briefings.  Again, expected, no?  I mean, of course, I watch TV like the rest of you!  The fourteen-year-old now is prepared to remotely dial into any conference call anywhere, a life skill I know he will need in the future!  Check that box, done.

We have written speeches and had those cleared.  Reminiscent of college professor feedback, praying it will be minimal because honestly you are pretty sure you have use up all the knowledge and creativity you had in that one piece.

Clothes have been acquired carefully for each child and we are committed to representing ourselves as a proud American family.

We have dates, times, links, addresses, agendas and are fully informed that they are subject change at any time and without notice.

Really, we just need to practice and we are all set.  Right? Next Wednesday we pick back up with our normal routine of drama, chorus, wrestling and gymnastics.

I share this story with a light heart because I don’t believe I have the words to portray the honor and humility I feel as a very regular mom who has been offered this opportunity.  An opportunity that culminates much of the work I have dedicated my life to for the last five years.  And an opportunity that will very much live in the hearts of my family for the rest of their lives.

Noah and I will speak at the White House event celebrating the 40^th Anniversary of the IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at 9:30 am. This event can be watched live on this link: https://www.whitehouse.gov/live

November 2015 as Family Involvement in Education Month

On October 22, 2015, the Board of Education’s, Chair, Dr. Billy Cannaday, presented a “Resolution of Recognition” to Commemorate November 2015 as Family Involvement in Education Month. Phil Harris, Coordinator for Family Engagement, Virginia PTA, Dana Yarbrough, Director, and Center for Family Involvement, Partnership for People with Disabilities at VUC and Tina Norris, Family Engagement Specialist, PEATC received the Resolution on behalf of the Family Involvement Network.

The Board often notes the critical role families play in the education of our youth. Whether through parents, step-parents, siblings, grandparents, adopted parents, or guardians, the support and active participation of families in our schools supports children’s success in school, and as they become productive citizens, contributing to our communities.

The Board of Education wholeheartedly supports the work of the Department, the Parent Education Advocacy Training Center, the Virginia PTA, and the Center for Family Involvement, the Family Involvement Network (FIN), and other partners to develop ideas for stimulating and sustaining parental involvement activities within all of the school divisions in the Commonwealth.

Spread the PEATC message without saying a word!

Spread the PEATC message without saying a word!

 Let our new PEATC shirt do the talking!

 All proceeds go to PEATC’s education and information efforts in Virginia.

 As summer season begins, you may not have school or Special Education in the forefront of your thoughts. But here at PEATC, we constantly strive to build positive futures for Virginia’s children with Special Education needs by working collaboratively with families, schools and communities in order to improve opportunities for excellence in education and success in school and community life.

 PEATC makes this possible through information and training that enriches and empowers families and professionals to build strong partnerships.

 Help PEATC to inform, train, and support Virginia’s children through the purchase of our new PEATC shirt!

 To order, please go to: http://teespring.com/supportpeatc

 All proceeds go to PEATC’s parent education and information efforts in Virginia.