Parents and education coordinators gathered outside Osceola County Schools yesterday to protest proposed changes to the district’s special education program.
The district plans to consolidate special education services into a few central locations, where some students will remain in general education classrooms, while others may be transferred to different facilities.
Melanie Thomas, a parent of a child with special needs, expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on both students and families. She believes the changes could be both inconvenient and legally problematic.
Under the Poverty Education Act, students with disabilities are entitled to a public school education. Thomas worries that the district’s plan would integrate children who need extensive support into general education settings, where teachers may not be properly trained to meet their needs.
“By integrating these children into general classrooms, we risk denying them the support they need,” Thomas said. “The teachers responsible for these students are not qualified in special education, and that’s a real concern.”
According to Thomas, the changes could lead to students with disabilities receiving fewer services than they are entitled to under their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). An IEP is a legal document outlining how students with disabilities will be educated in public schools.
She pointed out that general education teachers may not have the skills or training to implement IEPs effectively or cater to the diverse learning needs of these students.
“These kids face significant safety and behavioral challenges that general education teachers may not be equipped to handle,” Thomas said. “Classroom sizes will increase, and support for students will likely decrease.”
Thomas also raised concerns about the impact on general education students, who may find themselves competing for attention and time with their peers who have IEPs.
“Teachers who aren’t trained in special education will struggle to meet the needs of a classroom where 30% or more of the students have IEPs. General education students will also be affected by behavioral issues, which could reduce the quality of education for everyone,” Thomas said.
Thomas also voiced concerns about students with more severe disabilities who may not be able to learn effectively in a general education setting. If their current schools are not chosen as special education centers, they may have to relocate.
“There are many transportation challenges that have not been addressed,” she said. “Some parents live 45 minutes away from the new transportation hubs, and the morning traffic is a nightmare. Children may not be able to reach the station on time, and that’s a real concern.”
The Osceola County School District, however, defended the changes, saying they are necessary to improve the overall discipline and resources available in local schools.
“Students must receive a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, which is designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living,” the district said in a statement. “When students have the resources they need to succeed, they become more confident and motivated, which positively impacts the entire community.”
While Thomas acknowledges the district’s intentions, she criticized the lack of consultation with parents and families before implementing the plan. She believes the decision was rushed.
“We’re asking them to halt the current plan because it has significant negative impacts,” Thomas said. “As parents of children with special needs, we’re already facing numerous challenges. School used to be one place where we felt some support, but now it feels like that’s been taken away.”
In response, the district assured the community that staff and teachers will receive training to make the changes work effectively.
“Throughout the rest of the year and into the summer, staff will have opportunities for professional development,” the district said. “General education teachers will receive additional support to implement IEPs and provide the necessary resources for students to succeed in the classroom.”
