If you’ve been following the news, you know that public education is under a microscope right now. Alison and I have been talking a lot about the attacks on the Department of Education, but headlines only tell you so much.
Sometimes, you need to get the story from the women on the ground.
Recently, I attended an Education Forum at the First Congregational Church of Long Beach featuring Dr. Tiffany Brown, the Deputy Superintendent of the Long Beach Unified School District. While Dr. Brown’s presentation on equity and inclusion was inspiring, I wanted to dig deeper. I wanted to know if the "administrator view" matched the reality in the classrooms and courtrooms.
So, I grabbed two of my dearest friends—who happen to be heavy hitters in the world of special education—to break it down for the Girls Gone Menopause crew.
Meet the Experts:
Lara DeFeo: An Early Childhood Special Education teacher with 32 years of experience working with children ranging from mild speech delays to significant autism spectrum disorder.
Jenn Kroptke: A Special Education attorney who advocates for parents trying to navigate the often-confusing legal landscape of public schools.
Here are the three biggest takeaways from our "real talk" session that every parent (and voter) needs to know.
1. The “Cadillac” vs. The “Chevy”
If you are a parent fighting for an IEP (Individualized Education Program), you want the absolute best for your child. But here is the hard truth Jenn dropped on us: Schools are not legally required to give your child the "best" education.
As Jenn explained, "School districts don't have an obligation to provide something that's the best. They have an obligation to provide an appropriate education".
Lara backed this up with an analogy that is used often in her field: "We will provide that child the car, not necessarily a Cadillac".
This distinction is crucial. When you sit in those meetings, you aren't arguing for the luxury package; you are arguing for the vehicle that will get your child from point A to point B. Understanding this legal standard can change how you advocate—shifting from demanding "the best" to proving that what is currently offered isn't "appropriate" or effective.
2. The Intimidation Factor is Real
Dr. Brown spoke beautifully about the district being an "ally" to parents. But Jenn pointed out that by the time parents hire her, that allyship has usually crumbled.
Imagine walking into a conference room. On one side, it’s just you (and maybe your partner). On the other side? A school psychologist, a speech pathologist, an occupational therapist, a general ed teacher, a special ed teacher, and an administrator.
It is 8 vs. 1.
"It’s a room with parents kind of over here and the district all over here," Jenn said. "It's a very intimidating way to try to work... collaboratively".
Lara added that the key to breaking this tension is early communication. Teachers and parents need to talk before the scary meeting happens. "It's not kind or right to blind send somebody in a meeting like that," Lara said.
3. Why Vouchers Are a Trap for Special Needs Families
We also touched on the hot-button issue of school vouchers. While some frame vouchers as "school choice," Lara gave a terrifying perspective on what they mean for special education.
"Vouchers terrify me," Lara said. "Because vouchers don't provide any protection for special education students".
Here is the reality: Private and charter schools can choose their students. They are not required to admit students with significant disabilities, nor are they required to hire qualified special education teachers to support them. If a student with special needs struggles in a private school, the school can simply expel them or suggest they leave.
Public education—for all its flaws—is mandated to serve every child. It is a class changer. As I said during the podcast, "Public schools have to work for Black children, or my community goes... down the toilet".
The Bottom Line
We are living in a time where the oversight of the Department of Education is threatened. As Lara reminded us, without that federal oversight (like the Office for Civil Rights), there is no one to hold districts accountable when they cut corners.
Public education is a fight worth having. Whether you are a parent of a neurodivergent child or just someone who believes in equity, we have to stay informed and vigilant.
Want to hear the full conversation?
Check out the latest episode of Girls Gone Menopause on our YouTube channel to hear more from Jenn and Lara about the "Black Excellence" plan, the impact of budget cuts, and why teachers are the best (but most exhausted) solution we have.
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