5. While inclusion and mainstreaming have benefitted many children with special education needs, these programs are not suitable for all children. For many children, Special Education Centers provide the best option for helping them reach their full potential. Do you commit to keeping these schools fully funded and the option of attending made available to parents during the IEP process?
Elizabeth Badger: "Absolutely!"
Scott Mark Schmerelson: "It is called an Individualized Education Program because it should be tailored to the individual student. That is why I have fought so hard to make sure that Special Education Centers remain open and available to serve our students who need those wonderful centers of learning."
Marilyn Koziatek: Koziatek did not provide a response to the questionnaire.
6. To ensure that children enrolled in Special Education Centers have exposure to their typical peers, do you commit to ensuring that magnet programs are included on these campuses. These magnets would serve children who are interested in pursuing careers in special education.
Elizabeth Badger: "Yes. Our special needs children have as much right as any to pursue, and have access to various magnet programs, as it applies to their career choices."
Scott Mark Schmerelson: "The magnet program at LAUSD is one of the crown jewels of American Education. There are so many opportunities to create schools of specialized learning and this sounds like a fantastic new frontier that should be opened in the LAUSD Magnet program."
Marilyn Koziatek: Koziatek did not provide a response to the questionnaire.
7. The State of Denial report released by UTLA and the CTA revealed that privately-run charter schools under-enroll students with disabilities to bolster their reported outcomes and achieve cost savings. How will you address this issue?
Elizabeth Badger: "I believe charter schools ought to be transparent and adhere to all the rules and regulations of the Public schools."
Scott Mark Schmerelson: "By continuing the work that I have committed to in the past, shining a bright public light on these practices when exposed and working with the local community and my Committee on Special Education to resolve these issues moving forward."
Marilyn Koziatek: Koziatek did not provide a response to the questionnaire.
8. Under language required in every charter school application, the District is allowed to appoint one member to every charter's governing board. Do you support the proposed "Community Representation on Charter School Boards" resolution which outlines a process for ensuring that the district is appropriately represented
Elizabeth Badger: "YES. I have read the resolutions, and do not find any issue with its contents."
Scott Mark Schmerelson: "I am always in favor of utilizing the democratic processes that are available to us and I have been a vocal proponent of district representation on the governing board of charters."
Marilyn Koziatek: Koziatek did not provide a response to the questionnaire.
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