Broward Schools Organizational Chart Changes/ESE

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Shhoaglund@... wrote: Parents, Last week Mr Notter, Superintendent of Broward Schools, attended the ESE Advisory meeting to address concerns related to the restructure of the Organizational Chart. His explanation was much appreciated, however there are concerns that still exist. I have sent an email to Mr Notter and the Board related to these concerns (find this below)

and I hope that you will contact your board representative and let them know how you feel about this as well. Thank you for your continued advocacy for the ESE children of Broward County. Regards, Stacey P.S. Go to Browardschools.com to find your School Board Representative Dear Mr. Notter, Thank you for attending last week’s ESE Advisory meeting to address the concerns that parents have regarding the restructure of the organizational chart. I would like to share a few things with you as a result…. Several parents came to me after the meeting to ask what the answer was to the question that was posed to you as to how this change will benefit our children. I believe that was left unclear. Much of the explanation

regarding “Curriculum†was beyond the parents level of understanding. I do understand much of what you said, however, I too, do not recall an answer to this question. As I had stated at the meeting, I appreciate your determination that there will be no co-mingling of funds with ESOL, but I am hopeful that you understand my concern related to this at the school level. We already have co-mingling of ESE dollars at the school level, and I find it difficult to see how the District will oversee such a huge undertaking of accountability. We, as an ESE Community, have been very fortunate to have had Leah move from ESE to Student Support Services. With her extreme background and knowledge of ESE children,

having her as the guide to our ESE Director has been extremely vital to the progress of our students. I fear that having anyone less qualified in the supervisory role of ESE would be a detriment to not only our children, but to our school system as a whole. It is still unclear as to the “Accountability†improvements that you spoke of due to this new structure. We, as a huge District, have many accountability shortfalls. I find it difficult to understand how placing ESE with ESOL will cure this ailment. ESOL children can (unless they are also ESE) learn to read. They can pass FCATs given the appropriate amount of interventions. Some ESE children will learn to read beautifully, some will read below grade level, and some will never read . There are vast differences in learning styles and expectations of the two groups. Placing them together, under leadership that does not truly grasp the full scope of the needs of children with disabilities, is an enigma to me. I feel strongly that

ESE should remain under the guidance and leadership of Student Support Services. As I stated last week, services is the very basis of what our children need. ALL children need curriculum. ALL children need access to a variety of curriculum. It is the support and services that our children

require to achieve at their full potential…. Thus, the very nature of the Student Support Services Department. And… once again, I fear that this separation will have a trickle down effect to parents of non-ESE students. A message of segregation supported by the District may be interpreted by the general population. As I shared with

you, many parents would rather that our children not attend their child’s school. That our children bring down their school’s FCAT scores, thus impacting their school grade and incoming funds. Thank you in advance for your consideration of my continued concerns. Regards, Stacey Hoaglund Parent Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos.

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