Q&A
DOE's response to IESP challenges and future improvements
1:20:12
ยท
95 sec
DOE officials provide a more detailed response to the concerns about Individualized Education Services Program (IESP) challenges in Staten Island. They acknowledge the difficulties faced by families this year but express confidence in improvements for the future.
- DOE admits this year was particularly tough for some families with students having IESPs
- Officials explain the extensive overhaul of processes due to rising costs and demand
- DOE highlights efforts to improve communication and simplify the notice filing process for families
- Emphasis is placed on the accessibility of guidance and information for families with IESPs
Liz Vladeck
1:20:12
I apologize.
1:20:13
Council member, I wanted to add a little bit more to that, which is we know that this year in particular was a tough year for some families with students with IESPs.
1:20:25
I described earlier the extensive overhaul and transformative processes we've had to go through, because of the runaway costs and elements of the IESP demand.
1:20:39
But we don't anticipate it to be a problem going forward.
1:20:43
As I mentioned, we're you know, we we know that in the first place,
Jessica Wallenstein
1:20:49
most of
Liz Vladeck
1:20:49
the families that need these services were aware and did timely file their notice.
1:20:54
But we're right I'm saying this year was a tough year.
1:20:57
We were put in a position of needing to shift policy without a lot of heads up or warning.
1:21:03
But we have, to my colleague, to, chief Hammer's point, we have really bent over backwards this year, not just to do work through our CSCs, but to get information to families in any number of ways.
1:21:17
And so there's guidance that we'd be happy to share with you right away, that's on our website that's also going directly to families and step by step walks families with IESPs through what is needed to file that June first notice, which, by the way, not onerous at all.
1:21:34
There's no required form or format.
1:21:36
There are no magic words.
1:21:38
So we can follow-up on the how of that, but we're comfortable and confident that families will feel much more prepared, than maybe they were this year.
Kamillah Hanks
1:21:47
Thank you.