Competency 5. Political Influence & Governance
a. Exhibit an understanding of school districts as a political system - including government models
b. Demonstrate the ability to involve stakeholders in the development of education policy
c. Understand the role and coordination of social agencies and human services
d. Demonstrate the ability to align constituencies to support and build coalition for program and finances
Reflection: Political Influence & Governance
Ruth Paisley, Spring 2011
The nature of early childhood education lends itself to many experiences with political influence and governance. In their child’s early years, parents often are not thinking of the school as a source of family support or care for their child. Because families are more connected initially with the medical, social service, and / or child care services in the community, schools need to collaborate with these sectors in developing effective early childhood services.
Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education services in Minnesota are strongly influenced by the political structures in place for early childhood services. Program funding decisions at the legislative level can determine the availability of interagency family supports, the availability and quality of community programs for inclusive programs for young children with disabilities, and impact the special education services collaboration with social and medical service agencies.
In the past few years I have been fortunate to serve on the Ramsey County Interagency Early Intervention Committee. In the 2008-2009 school year I was the co-chair of the committee representing Saint Paul in the interagency work. During this time we re-established the membership needs and representation on the committee and worked toward implementation of the new Part C criteria with updated procedures. The Ramsey County flow chart, which is still the referral process today, shows the child find referral through evaluation process when a referral is made to the Ramsey County Help Me Grow office. This process is part of the Saint Paul Total Special Education System (TSES) as a requirement in IDEA. The Minnesota Statute (attached) shows the responsibilities of an IEIC. As a leader in Special Education it is important to note that Minnesota has redefined the IEIC structure. This is an important reflection since school leaders need to realize that while we may have political influence in our work, the larger political systems will likewise influence our work and help systems make changes in the upcoming restructuring.
Another exciting development in Saint Paul has been the city-wide Early Childhood Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBiS) Leadership Team. Saint Paul early childhood programs from the schools, Head Start, and child care community have formed a city-wide leadership team for supporting children’s healthy social-emotional development through Early Childhood PBiS. This idea initiated from the Saint Paul Public School early childhood programs as we realize children come to elementary school from a variety of preschool experiences. Saint Paul Public Schools PreKindergarten, Early Childhood Family Education Leadership, Early Childhood Special Education, YMCA child care, CAPRW Head Start, Wilder Child Development, Resources for Child Caring, and others who wished to explore participation are part of this leadership team. Outcomes were developed through a collaborative process and are continually revisited based on the work of the various programs toward the goals. Funding sources are a current discussion as federal stimulus funds have supported some of this work, especially the needed coaching to assure fidelity of implementation.
School Leaders in special education consider their political climate within the school and large community in every aspect of their work. Our students and families have lives larger than the school can influence alone and how we work together with all community sectors and policy makers impacts our students with disabilities and their family’s ability to support and enjoy a quality family life.
Artifacts:
Ramsey County Help Me Grow Flow Chart:
Ramsey County Flow Chart B-5.pdf (41,6 kB)
Saint Paul City-Wide Early Childhood PBiS Leadership Team Outcomes:
EC PBiS Leadership Team Outcomes 2011.PDF (56,9 kB)