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For Immediate Release:         
April 18, 2023
          
Contact:         
Cassie Nichols
[email protected]

ICYMI: Wichita Parent Speaks on Need for Fully Funding Special Education

KEY QUOTE: "Our students in special education programs have a right to be a part of the community and be productive members of society just as much as any other student. I encourage my representatives, and every representative in the Kansas Legislature, to put politics aside and fully fund special education to ensure every student has the right to be part of a community and thrive."

'My own state legislators have voted against doing what's best for my son'
Beth Hollenbeck, Special to the Wichita Eagle
May 9, 2023

• As the parent of a child with Down Syndrome, I have become all too aware of the revolving door of teachers and paraprofessionals in our schools and, particularly, in our special-education classrooms. 

• It’s not our teachers’ fault. Years of systemic underfunding of our special-education programs has led to a loss of educators who are — rightfully so — unwilling to take yet another pay cut or spread themselves thin to try to keep up with growing class sizes.

• Not having enough teachers to go around means our schools — and particularly our special education classrooms — can’t meet the needs of our special education students’ individualized education programs.

• Right now, my son is in an inclusive learning environment among other students...But over the last few years, I have felt critical components of our special-education programs slip away.

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