Anecdotally, parents of kids with exceptional needs know from personal experience that advocating for their kids is an uphill battle. However, there is a huge lack of data to prove that by and large, the system isn’t simply not serving our kids. Without data, there can be no accountability. This workshop reviews how special education is set up at the local, state and federal level and what systems are in (or aren’t) in place to ensure that our children are accessing their guaranteed right to a high quality and individualized education. Lastly, this workshop will discuss what we as parents can accomplish if we come together and advocate. This workshop will review:

•existing data and systems of accountability

•areas where much needed data is not available

•lack of enforced accountability

•what we as families can do to take action