STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Caverna Independent Schools is inviting families to a free parent advocacy workshop designed to help them better understand special education and Individual Education Plans.
The district is promoting the event as a chance for parents to learn more about how to advocate for their children in the school system.
“[It’s] something that was was requested by some of our parents who wanted to learn more about the special education process, about some of those things that they might find intimidating,” said April Bowersox-McLaren during an interview with WCLU. “[The program is] just about how to advocate for their child.”
“We want people to feel comfortable talking about it, coming to the school and advocating for their child, talking to us about what they want for their child,” she added.
The event, titled “Power Hour: Finding Your Voice,” is scheduled for Feb. 24 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Caverna High School library. School officials say the workshop is meant to be an informal, conversational session rather than a lecture, with time built in for questions and discussion.
The district is encouraging parents who have questions about special education services or IEPs to attend. Local advocate Annie Shirley, who operates Shirley Child Education Advocacy Services and is a special education teacher for students who are visually and hearing impaired, will volunteer her time to lead the session.
During the workshop, she is expected to provide information on the special education process, explain technical terms and help families feel more comfortable talking with the school about their child’s needs.
“[Parents] are our most important partner in their child’s education,” Bowersox-McLaren said.
Organizers hope the “Power Hour” will empower parents to ask questions, participate in IEP meetings and share what they want for their children’s education. The workshop is free to attend and is open to parents in the Caverna school community who are interested in learning more about special education and advocacy.
Also, parents whose child has a IEP can take a survey and be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card.
Key Facts
• Caverna Independent Schools is holding a free “Power Hour: Finding Your Voice” parent advocacy workshop
• Event is scheduled for Feb. 24 from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Caverna High School library
• Focus is on understanding special education, IEPs and parent advocacy
• Local advocate and special education teacher Annie Shirley will lead the session
• Workshop was requested by parents seeking help with the special education process
Michael Crimmins with Glasgow News 1 and Todd Steenbergen contributed to this reporting.
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