Can we share the same values at the CSE table?

A parent sits at the CSE table, and after a lengthy, and perhaps difficult meeting, the committee comes to the final decision about what classification best meets the needs of your child.  The CSE chairperson says that he/she is uncomfortable with a certain classification because he/she feels that specific classifications such as emotional or learning disability may label your child and affect his/her future.  And, as result, your child is classified with something that is similiar to but not exactly what is impacting your child in the classroom.  And, even if the end result is that your child’s IEP will address the basic needs for your child, the question remains as to whether or not the chairperson’s values played an important role in the way decisions about classification were made.

Values are defined as a preference for certain means, ends or conditions that is accompanied by strong feelings.  Values may carry emotional tones that can vary in degrees of intensity.  And, because values reflect what we feel, they can be asserted without a need to defend or prove.  When values are used to inform decisions, the end result can be dysfunctional and can reduce the potential for success.  When there are several choices to make, a person who asserts a deeply felt value will feel more comfortable with that choice over a choice toward which they do not hold any feelings.  Some values are universal, such as education.  We can all agree that every student has the right to a free and appropriate public education.  However, when discussing classification for a student who is being considered for special education, personal values should be suspended in order to ensure that the student’s academic, social or behavioral needs will be met appropriately.

Leave your values at the door.  The CSE committee can rely on educational law, both on the state and federal levels, to ensure that your child will receive an IEP that accurately reflects his/her needs in the classroom.  Ask questions as to why the chairperson feels that one classification is better than another.  And, if the answer is that it might affect your child’s future, then ask them to leave their values at the door and focus on what is actually needed rather than on what they feel is needed.