10 Questions to ask School Board Candidates on Inclusive Education
As we approach election season, here are a few questions to ask prospective Board of Education Candidates about their views on inclusive education.
When you hear terms like inclusion, diversity, and equity, how do you believe students with disabilities fit into these principles in our district? As a BOE member, how will you advocate for true inclusion and equity for all students?
Children with disabilities, particularly those with challenges that affect their maturity, social interactions, and behavior, are often given consequences that, while in line with school policy, may be ineffective. How will you determine if current disciplinary practices are beneficial or detrimental to these students? Would you be open to revising long-standing policies based on new research and data?
If a parent approached you with a special education concern and expressed that it was a systemic issue, how would you respond? What actions would you take to investigate and address the problem?
When district personnel are found to be non-compliant with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), how would you like the issue to be handled? What proactive measures would you take to prevent non-compliance from becoming a recurring or systemic issue?
Many parents of children with disabilities rely heavily on public schools for their child’s education, yet often experience contentious relationships with school staff due to the emotional and stressful nature of the IEP process. How do you think our district can improve the climate and relationships between parents and staff? What steps can be taken to prevent fractures in these relationships?
What is your philosophy of special education, and how does it align with the district's goals for inclusive practices? Have you given this issue significant thought beyond district policy?
What is your experience with inclusion, and how do you believe our district can increase inclusive practices? Do you see inclusion as an asset to the classroom or an obligation? Why?
How does the BOE assess whether district personnel are adequately trained in areas such as autism, behavioral challenges, and mental health?
What does it mean to you for students to be supported in the "least restrictive environment"? How would you ensure this principle is upheld in our schools?
How do you plan to budget for the additional expenses associated with educating students with disabilities and ensure that budget cuts do not disproportionately affect them? What steps can the BOE take to prevent service disruptions and ensure students with disabilities receive the support they are legally entitled to?
