I posted this on the post-secondary thread and someone suggested that I get the teachers’ input. My son attends a high school in Santa Clarita where the sped day classes (and even the ED classes) are taught by coaches and pe teachers. I became concerned after I noticed a difference in the knowledge his teachers had in elementary vs high school. (When I’d ask a question about the IEP or specialized instruction, I’d get a blank look—that is if I could get a hold of the teacher and he wasn’t at practice).
I asked around and checked credentials on-line and found out the principal was hiring teachers who could coach over certified sped teachers who had applied for the job. Many of the sped teachers have only PE credentials and teach the special day classes part time and coach the rest of the time. Some of these teachers don’t even have credentials. I’ve checked the rosters at several of the high schools in this area and found this seems to be the general practice. From what I understand there are many qualified teachers who apply but the district is sports focused.
Is this common practice at a high school level elsewhere or just in some districts and is there something I can do about it to increase the quality of my son’s education?
Though it is not standard practice throughout the state (each school district is somewhat autonomous in terms of policy), it does go on. There are many non-credentialed teachers in special ed (and in regular ed, too). Part of the problem is the shortage of special education credentialed teachers. However, in your case, it seems that there are qualified teachers available. Some suggestions: Go to the Board of Education and find someone who will help you. If that doesn’t help, consider going to the media (especially newspapers) to expose the practice. You could also contact both the State and the Federal Departments of Education (Special ED) and file a complaint. You might also contact the EEOC to complain under Section 504 (this is a civil rights law, vs. an educational law.)
Though I don’t know specifics, it seems to me that you would have grounds for both Due Process and Compliance complaints under Special Education Law (IDEA). You might want to contact an attorney who specializes in educational/administrative law.
One thing I know for sure: Any individual educational testing (including achievement testing) for eligibility for sped must be conducted by a person trained and qualified to administer such testing. From what you’ve said, it sounds as though this aspect of IDEA is being routinely violated.