Why I'm More Hopeful Than Ever About SPED

The silver lining I discovered at California's biggest special education conference

The future of special education isn't about having all the answers—it's about having the courage to ask better questions.

When I stepped onto the stage at the ACSA Every Child Counts Symposium this week, I saw a room packed with educators who embody both the challenges and the incredible potential of special education in California. These are professionals who wake up every day ready to make a difference, despite being overworked and often under-resourced. They're dealing with unprecedented behavioral challenges, navigating contradictory policies, and juggling competing initiatives—yet they showed up to the conference, eager to learn and grow. And they show up every day for your students.

This experience reinforced something I've believed for a long time: we're at a crucial turning point in special education. Here's what we need to focus on:

• Building bridges between parents and educators

• Embracing innovation (including AI) to support our students

• Creating sustainable support systems for our educators

If you're a parent wondering how to advocate for your child while supporting their educational team, here is a phenomenal resource from a session I attended:

Weekly Resource List

The Parent Implementation Program (PIP) - Chula Vista Elementary School District

A groundbreaking program developed at Vanderbilt University that's showing remarkable results in California. This program focuses on early intervention and parent-educator collaboration, providing structured support for both families and schools.

3 Ways to Build Stronger Parent-Educator Partnerships Even When Resources Are Limited

In order to create lasting change, we need to focus on collaboration rather than confrontation. Here's how we can start:

1. Acknowledge the Reality

Our educators are facing unprecedented challenges, from staffing shortages to increased behavioral issues. Understanding these challenges doesn't mean accepting lower standards—it means being strategic about how we work together to overcome them.

2. Focus on Solutions

Instead of getting stuck on what's not working, bring ideas to the table. Share resources, ask about pilot programs (like the PIP program mentioned above), and be open to innovative approaches, including the thoughtful integration of AI tools to support learning.

3. Build Community

Connect with other parents, join advisory committees, and participate in school events. The stronger our special education community becomes, the more resources and support we can marshal for our children.

That's it.

Short and sweet this week because I am still at the conference.

Here's what we discussed today:

• There are dedicated educators working tirelessly to improve special education

• Current challenges require innovative solutions and collaboration

• Building bridges between parents and educators is key to student success

The path forward in special education isn't about choosing sides—it's about coming together to create solutions. Start by reaching out to your child's educational team with a simple question: "How can we work together to support my child's success?"

Think about one small step you can take this week to strengthen your partnership with your child's educational team. It could be as simple as sending a thank-you note or scheduling a brief check-in meeting.

Remember: as Theodore Roosevelt said,

"Believe you can and you're halfway there."

The other half? That's where we come together and do the work.

All the best,

Megan

Let’s connect on socials: Twitter/X | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Bluesky

Looking for a particular resource? Shoot me an email and let me know and you may just see that resource included in next week’s newsletter.

PS... If you're enjoying SPED Code, please consider referring this edition to a friend.