WCTA leaders are advocating for changes to address issues related to the delivery of services for students with disabilities and the workload issues for our special educators and general education teachers.
The Special Education Empowerment Committee has adopted the following goal statements:
R – Raise educator voices
Create a platform for special education professionals to share concerns, ideas, and experiences.
E – Empower through collaboration
Foster unity and problem-solving among SpEd educators across the county.
S – Support systemic change
Identify patterns and challenges to advocate for improvements in special education services.
P – Promote equity and inclusion
Champion practices that serve all students fairly, regardless of ability or background.
E – Engage with CES constructively
Develop thoughtful, solution-oriented feedback to present to County Education Services.
C – Collaborate on solutions
Brainstorm and refine ideas that are practical, impactful, and sustainable.
T – Transform special education countywide
Work toward lasting improvements that benefit students, staff, and the broader educational community.
During the 2025-2026 year, the WCTA Board has dedicated time in their Quarterly Meetings to be in dialogue with WCPS senior leadership about the issues. See the following documents below from these meetings:
- Information about current special education programs provided by Dr. Willow.
- WCTA Board of Directors feedback to WCPS senior leadership shared during the February 13, 2026, Quarterly Meeting.
Also in 2025-2026, members of the WCTA SPEC served on the WCPS Blueprint Committee for Special Education. As a result of this work, a comprehensive report on the current status of special education in WCPS has been written that includes recommendations for multiple years of implementation.
- Click here for the report.
The committee has asked for input to provide documentation and to help direct next steps. Please complete the brief form provided by your WCPS rep with details and recommendations from your day-to-day work experiences in the specific special education assignments for WCPS. The committee will compile a report for Dr. Willow to further consider in determining which issues can be immediately addressed and those that need longer term solutions. This will also provide support for the recommendations in the report from the WCPS Blueprint Committee for Special Education.
For those who would like this option, here is a fillable form to type into, print, and return.