APS Parent C.A.F.E. gives voice to parents

Atlanta Public Schools took a different approach at its latest Parent C.A.F.E. (Circle of Adults Focusing on Education).

With the focus on the Department of Special Education, the Parent C.A.F.E. gave parents the opportunity to share their experiences, concerns and suggestions with district leadership.

“Tonight’s was very special because we invited APS interim superintendent Dr. Danielle Battle to be our guest speaker and address our parents, as well as hear our parents’ concerns,” APS executive director of Special Education Emmaundia Ford said.

During the open forum, parents were able to express their concerns to the Department of Special Education leaders, Dr. Battle, and also meet with the special education coordinators for their respective cluster to discuss more specific situations to improve the educational experience for their scholars.

“This was a great opportunity again to speak to our district leaders about what is happening in special education,” former APS parent Nkoyo Effiong Lewis said. “As a parent who has been through this process in APS and who has represented families who are struggling to make sure their children are getting what they need, it was a great opportunity to share with the district what is happening on the ground which may have a lot of disconnect from what the expectations are at the district level.”

The change in format allowed parents to share some of the challenges that they face.

“I worked with the Special Education department to have everyone here and let the parents do the talking. We do the listening and answer their questions instead of us presenting to the parents,” Dr. Battle said. “Our parents want to be partners. They want to be a part of this work and a part of the solution.”

“I enjoyed hearing from the parents and their concerns and reminding us of the things that need to get done,” she added. “They even gave us some great suggestions, so we’re going to be incorporating some of those suggestions.”