Special Education

By Kathy Wisnicki, Ph.D.

Implementing a cost-effective and responsive special education program will be one of my top priorities as your School Board member.

Improving Special Education

My three-point plan will ensure that the Santa Monica/Malibu School District's Special Education plan meets the needs of all of the students in our district who require these services:

Train all of our teachers to identify special needs early + early on in the child's development, and early on in the school year. Recognizing emerging special needs at an early age will allow us to determine what specific services each student needs. Training our teachers to detect signs in special needs children will ensure that each student has the individualized education plan that he/she needs to succeed.

Improve communication between the school district and all stakeholders + parents, students and community groups. Our school district will work best if School Board members and district employees act as a partner with parents in the education of their children. Parents must be included as the district determines how we will meet each child's needs. As a School Board member, I will be accessible and proactive in communicating with students, parents, and community groups who seek to improve the education our district provides.

Guarantee equal access to special education for all students in the Santa Monica/Malibu Unified School District. We have a responsibility to educate every child in Santa Monica and Malibu. Special education services must not be exclusive to those who can afford to hire outside specialists and attorneys. I will fight to make special education services available to all who need it in a manner that is cost-efficient to the school district.

For more information, please call me at (310) 663-VOTE or visit my website at http://www.votewisnicki.com or e-mail me at votewisnicki@charter.net.