One highlight is being able to coordinate quality services for children by networking school administrators with professional consultants who can provide services to meet the IEP goals. By doing some of the leg work for the schools, we find them quite willing to contract with experts in the field to consult in classrooms and home programs. The most disappointing aspect comes when there are implementation problems or compliance issues. This happens quite frequently. Special Education is not working nearly as effectively as it could be.
Current programs are extremely static in a very dynamic period.
Special Education must find a way to implement change that is timely and responsive to the individual needs of the child. The ones I have read all indicate that a critical element is lacking, namely the involvement of parents in the decision making process. This would be reflected in safeguards that hold officials accountable on all levels of effectiveness, including implementation, data collection and analysis of documented student progress. There must be specific consequences delineated should policies not be enforced or implemented. I would implement a statewide overhaul of the system.