VA: Special-Ed Policy Allows Dropping Services Without Parent Consent

Parents of special-ed students oppose changing consent rule

Washington Post  April 22, 2008

A revision of Virginia's special education rules would eliminate the need for districts to obtain parental consent before eliminating services like speech or occupational therapy.  If a parent objects to the elimination of services, the proposal does provide for continuation of services until a dispute resolution process is complete .  Advocates of the proposal say that it will allow districts to more easily put money towards student needs by reducing bureaucracy.  Opponents say that parents are being shut out of the process.