Meaningful family participation begins before the IEP meeting and continues through what happens afterward. From reviewing goals and questioning behavior assumptions to documenting requests and tracking follow-through, families need usable information and a clear way to influence the plan. This article connects those practical steps to the deeper work of accountability, equity, and family partnership.
AURA grew from a much longer effort to understand why educational systems can know inequity exists, possess data demonstrating that it exists, publicly commit to addressing it, and still struggle to change the everyday practices and conditions producing those outcomes. My 2019 graduate school work documents the early systems thinking that would eventually develop into AURA.
Language in Special Education is not neutral. Terms like “case manager” and “caseload” mirror the criminal justice system, not a learning community. This is a clear connection between SPED and carceral culture. I choose Advocate and Student Roster, because our students are people, not files. Change the language, change the culture.
D’Mario Carter, an ELA and Multilingual teacher, is transforming traditional education in the Edmonds School District by championing inclusive and dynamic teaching methods. His innovative approaches and commitment to community engagement are reshaping how students connect with learning and their heritage.
