A CALL TO ACTION - Let Governor Inslee know it's time for a change.

Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2014 4:35 PM
Subject: A CALL TO ACTION
Importance: High

Greetings.

Last week, the Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds released their final report and recommendations regarding the creation of a Commission to improve outcomes for students with disabilities in our public schools.  If you have not reviewed the report, it is attached to this email.  As advocates, parents and educators you know it is time for Washington state to take an intentional look at how we educate students with disabilities.  We need the Governor to understand that this issue is important to you, to know that there is an immediate need for this work, and to know that he should support it.  Feel free to write your own personal message or you can edit and use the message below.  If you are a parent of a student with a disability please mention that in your message.  Also… please send out to your networks!

Remember that your voice and your story are powerful advocacy tools.  Please use them and join us in this effort!

Sample Message:

Dear Governor Inslee,

As a parent of a student with a disability (or advocate of students with disabilities), I am writing to ask for your support in the creation of a Blue Ribbon Special Education Commission for Washington State.  

Our systems of general education and special education are not meeting the needs of students with disabilities.  I have read the report from the Office of the Education Ombuds and stand behind its recommendations.   I ask you to do the same.  Disability does not discriminate and students with disabilities are in all areas of our education system across our great state. Any work to improve outcomes for them, will also benefit all students in our schools.  

Please take leadership on this opportunity.  Lend your voice, and support, to Washington’s Blue Ribbon Special Education Commission, so that when we say “All students", we truly mean “Each and Every Student” in our state.  

Thank you for the work you do and for being an advocate to ensure that all of Washington’s students, including those with disabilities, have the opportunity to achieve personal and academic success.

Sincerely,

Your Name

You can send the Governor an email message at https://fortress.wa.gov/es/governor/  or you can write or call him at:

Write

Governor Jay Inslee

Office of the Governor

PO Box 40002

Olympia, WA 98054-0002

Call

(360) 902-4111

TTY/TDD users should contact the Washington Relay Service at 711 or 1-800-833-6388



http://www.governor.wa.gov/oeo/reports/SpecialEdTaskForce%20Report_Nov2014.pdf