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Nov 13Liked by Laura McKenna

I actually have an open OCR complaint that’s been going on forever so I totally hear you. But I also had one that was resolved quickly. I really appreciate this article. Thank you for writing it. I’m in NYC, led by democrats and the special Ed here under democrats is horrible. Wiping out the USDOE might be great for the people trying to deny FAPE for students with disabilities, whether you are red or blue. I do think that their policy statement are used. As an advocate, I use them. OCR. Osers. This will be no more then. That’s awful.

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Hi! (And thanks Laura!) The 9 year number comes from an analysis I’ve been working on; it’s not quite finished yet. The short version is that OCR complaints are handled by 12 regional offices that vary widely in how long they take, and even within offices, it varies based on which state you’re in. 9 years is the highest average I’ve found, for Florida under the Georgia office. The small states under some other regional offices do really well. It was either Vermont or Wyoming that had a 10 month average turnaround.

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When you're done with the analysis, please share. Would love to see it!

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Hi Jennifer. Thanks for your feedback. I'm in the midst of getting trained on filing OCR complaints. I'm going to be working for an autism nonprofit this spring and they want me to be trained in all that. I went to 18-years of IEP meetings, and I'm still learning new things. How does a single mom from Newark navigate this system?

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As a teacher, I've come to view most Departments of Education as Orwellian institutions that prevent education. They tend to create the most onerous and nonsensical policies that hurt those with special needs the most. One can only explain their actions by acknowledging DOEs are not staffed with former teachers who understand the reality of bad legislation.

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As a special education professional for almost 11 years, transition coordinator turned case manager, you captured the experience perfectly. Getting services is an uphill battle the whole way and I’ve had the pleasure of working with parents who are advocacy experts…sadly by necessity. I’m still hopeful that some of this will lead to increased federal funding but I’m not holding my breath.

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Thanks for this post. I think people tend to undervalue institutions and their importance in providing stability, adjudicating issues, holding and building knowledge. They also help create communities of practice, professional networks and association, field-building. Most institutions don't fully realize their missions or potential - and reasonable people disagree on every aspect. Is the world better off without a federal department of education? I don't know, but I would start from a presumption of "no."

I do think being glib about the jobs and hard work of staff and leadership at the Department of Education is unfortunate. If it doesn't achieve what it should, they certainly should accept some responsibility. But much (most?) will lie with Congress and the Executive (White House) who hold the purse-strings and fail to provide the resources or prioritize the mission. The folks in DOE likely agree with you and wish they could do better. Most have probably been doing what they can.

So sure - complain about it and write it off. But don't wonder why things are worse if it's gone.

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