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Those advocating for special education students in Georgia got a shot in the arm last night…SB10 passed! It is now on its way to the Governor, where it is expected that he will sign it. This means that starting the 2007-2008 school year, any child currently enrolled in public school in Georgia with a special education eligibility will be able to receive a voucher that can be used at private schools or public schools of their choice. The schools have to participate in the program, and meet certain criteria. But overall, the parents of special education students won the right to choose for their children.
As Melanie Davis Stockwell, chief of staff for Senator Terry Johnson, who wrote the bill, put it,
“We have changed the conversation to be that parents know what is best for their children. This is a great day in Georgia.”
It was exciting, even for us parents on the periphery. We emailed and called representatives, told our stories, asked for them to consider the need for choices for our special kids. And they listened.
Last night many of the advocates and parents went to the Capitol for the late night sessions. Some were able to log on to the internet and watch the proceedings live. Those of us on dialup just kept checking our email for reports on how close things were. The air was electric with hope.
It was nerve-wracking, but gratifying all at the same time. It gave me hope that parents of special needs children can unite and speak out for our children. Our passion overrides our stressed out lives. And I am so thankful for technology. With out email, voice mail, cell phones and the internet, we wouldn’t stand a chance at being able to communicate quickly and effectively to so many people. School administrators, teacher unions and even the state PTA came out against this bill because it is a voucher system and provides school choice. But the congressmen listened to families.
Hats off to the many advocates who spent countless hours and emotional energy communicating with everyone on behalf of our kids.!! They are truly an inspiration! This whole advocacy thing is pretty contagious, actually!
So now the work of implementing these voucher programs begins. It should be interesting to see how great of an impact this has on the ailing special education system in Georgia. And how many children are able to get the education they need by using these vouchers.
For once it is nice to know that someone recognizes that “parents know what is best for their children.”
Check out my earlier blogs, where I was definitely undecided about SB 10:
So, which school will LuLu be attending?
Happy for all parents in GA who need this!!
YOU GO GIRL!