Dear Source:
In reading the article regarding special education in the territory and non-compliance with legislation, whether in terms of FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education) for students with disabilities, or the process of educational and treatment planning through Individual Education Plans and Individual Transition Plans, my perspective might be a bit different than most readers. I have seen many states in the US/stateside face this same problem beginning with the inception of the legislation and in some instances, it continues up to the present. In those states, there are often tens of thousands of students to be served, and the stressed systems become overwhelmed at the issue of compliance.
In this territory, It seems that there is a golden opportunity to do things right. With fewer individuals involved, creating and implementing the tenets of special education law could easily be a one year skills building and knowledge base augmentation process. During that year, the growing pains of learning to adhere to legislation and to create a win/win between parents and various levels within the educational system could work together, not to try and accommodate tens of thousands, but perhaps multiple hundreds of students. If each side were to put down the gauntlet and work together, years of frustration could be saved having meetings that basically turn into finger pointing and frustration for all.
Yes, one year is critical in any child's educational development, but would it not be better to see better practices develop with full team input that to support arguments that lead nowhere and end up leaving the child in approximately the same position year after year?
It would also enable the school district to access both federal educational funds, and in some instances, Medicaid, to support students in their growth and in the program planning process as well as the provision of allied supports as are required for some students by law. I recently contacted the leaders of our territory to explain how our territory has a unique advantage in being small in terms of population. We can do it right. Within one year, we can have an integrated system of services that is exemplary in the Caribbean as well as in the United States. When other schools pay for outplacement, they may, or could be looking at us in the future as a provider of purchased services.
I am not by nature Pollyanna at all. I have also been entrenched in bitter battles over the welfare of students both from the educator's standpoint as well as a staunch advocate for children and their families. It is not easy to try and trust each other after long periods of bitter exchange, however, it can be done. It takes a commitment from both sides to listen, learn, develop and implement. It takes a mentality of openness, understanding and fervent belief from all parties that yes, we can take the higher road and yes, we can get this done. By tomorrow? Most likely not. Within one year or less to be fully compliant and meet FAPE? Yes.
My hope is that this will not head down the road that has so often occurred. A lawsuit due to a total breakdown in communication that holds of growth and the betterment of conditions for all students for years. If that happens, even if the parents and families win, they lose. In terms of their child, they will lose years of potentially great education for the sake of winning a battle. In that event, the only one who truly loses is the child. Can we at least commit to not ever letting go of what this is all about? The children? I stand ready to help in any way I can, but as history can repeat itself, my hope will remain that we can learn from those who went before us.
Best wishes to all of the children that this will be resolved in a win/win manner that will pave the road for generations of children to come.
Dan Gilbride
Christiansted, St. Croix
Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to visource@gmail.com.
