Chicago Public Schools announced it is taking the unprecedented step of offering millions of dollars in extra support to more than 10,500 students who were stripped of needed services during an illegal overhaul of special education. Experts say they know of no other school district that has provided students wholesale access to compensatory services without a court demanding it, and without proof that the loss of support caused the student to regress. Stephanie Jones, who runs CPS’ special education department, said leadership ultimately decided this was the right thing to do for children. It’s being launched after nearly two years of back and forth with advocates. “I have never heard of anything like this,” said Jones, who took on this position in August. “Our pillars to this are accessibility and being timely and flexible.” Read More |