What is going on with the Office of Special Education?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Was there an announcement for the new Acting Associate Superintendent? This is the second Acting Associate Superintendent in two years and Ty get new Acting Superintendent was the Resolution and Compliance Director hired by MCPS last October. So who is now the Director for Resolution and Compliance?

And what about all the vacancies for Special Education Teachers and Para Educators at the school level? Did MCPS just give up on finding employees for those positions as well?

McKnight brought in an enforcer. A lawyer with lots of litigation experience and zero experience in special education.

Does this mean MCPS will actually start following the law or is it a signal that they intend to play hardball and force parents to lawyer up to get anything.

We have had success over the years writing letters to the associate superintendent for special ed and getting immediate corrections.

Who is the enforcer?

That is just one PP's take. And it is false to allege "zero experience in special education" when in fact she was a special educator herself, then later became a lawyer.

Here is the staff directory page with contact info:

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/directory/directory_Boxoffice.aspx?processlevel=34511

She does say she's a former spec ed teacher, but she's been a litigator for the past 13 years, right? Divorce attorney and defending Baltimore County and PGCPS from parents?

Do you think that's in the best interests of sp ed kids? Yikes.

I’m not seeing on the MCPS directory link provided how Diana Wyles was a former special education teacher. Her Linked In profile doesn’t state she has education degree let alone a Masters in Special Education. Her BA in Psychology is noted along with her law degree.

Most recent 18 years - guess only - I saw info she received her Law Degree from Catholic University of America, Columbus in 2004 - 2008? 2004 to 2022 is 18 years, and that makes sense since she was a divorce attorney for about 13 years'ish, I think? And that's about right for 5 years between Baltimore and PG public schools?

Earlier 22 years - guess only - assume four years for an undergraduate degree in psychology, so the only time she could have been a Special Ed teacher was between Age 22 (whatever year that was) and 2004.

That's a total of 40 years that "make sense".

How old is she now? 45? 46? Did you need special training to be a Sp Ed teacher 20 years ago? Not sure, but if not, then it's plausible she may have been teaching between age 22 for up to ((her current age) - 40) years.

A BA in psychology is not qualification to teach Special Education. No teacher certification - let alone Special Ed certification - is listed for her background. She never lists a teaching position for prior jobs.

"I am a native of the DC Metropolitan Area and former special educator."
https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/20770-md-diana-wyles-1795792.html

Maybe you don't need to be a "teacher" to be a "special educator"?

Although the rating is a little scary.

"Review 1.0 star Posted by Sandra April 2, 2013 After handling my divorce for me.... I lost everything. She took my money and made a deal with my spouse's attorney to take the home I raised my children in. I am in the process finding a new attorney, and seeking counseling for the stress she placed on me."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Was there any information regarding staffing changes at the SEAC meeting?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lJq6vZaspgbo7TIb8n-U4f6zTRAYMs0H/view

Not sure who changed?

Kevin Lowndes used to be the Associate Superintendent of Special Education. He left so last year Gwen Mason came back from retirement as Acting Associate Superintendent of Special Education. Diana Wyles was hired last October to be the Director of the Resolution and Compliance Unit after Zvi Greismann was enticed to come back after retirement to temporarily fill in the position. No word on the search for a permanent Associate Superintendent of Special Education and who is supervising the Resolution and Compliance Unit in the wake of Ms.Wyles new duties. A lot of transition in vital Central Office positions.

Gwen Mason wasn't in retirement. She was working in PG County. McKnight has been pulling from PG.

This source said she retired. I also remember at the first SEAC meeting that MCPS said they pulled her out of retirement.

https://app.lifechangeroftheyear.com/nomination_detail.cfm?NominationID=5486&NominationYear=2020&SchoolState=MD&CFID=21344244&CFTOKEN=4b7337501b8dcc75-86AD56AA-ECBD-AAA1-19DD5103AF59300B

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Was there an announcement for the new Acting Associate Superintendent? This is the second Acting Associate Superintendent in two years and Ty get new Acting Superintendent was the Resolution and Compliance Director hired by MCPS last October. So who is now the Director for Resolution and Compliance?

And what about all the vacancies for Special Education Teachers and Para Educators at the school level? Did MCPS just give up on finding employees for those positions as well?

McKnight brought in an enforcer. A lawyer with lots of litigation experience and zero experience in special education.

Does this mean MCPS will actually start following the law or is it a signal that they intend to play hardball and force parents to lawyer up to get anything.

We have had success over the years writing letters to the associate superintendent for special ed and getting immediate corrections.

Who is the enforcer?

That is just one PP's take. And it is false to allege "zero experience in special education" when in fact she was a special educator herself, then later became a lawyer.

Here is the staff directory page with contact info:

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/directory/directory_Boxoffice.aspx?processlevel=34511

She does say she's a former spec ed teacher, but she's been a litigator for the past 13 years, right? Divorce attorney and defending Baltimore County and PGCPS from parents?

Do you think that's in the best interests of sp ed kids? Yikes.

I’m not seeing on the MCPS directory link provided how Diana Wyles was a former special education teacher. Her Linked In profile doesn’t state she has education degree let alone a Masters in Special Education. Her BA in Psychology is noted along with her law degree.

Most recent 18 years - guess only - I saw info she received her Law Degree from Catholic University of America, Columbus in 2004 - 2008? 2004 to 2022 is 18 years, and that makes sense since she was a divorce attorney for about 13 years'ish, I think? And that's about right for 5 years between Baltimore and PG public schools?

Earlier 22 years - guess only - assume four years for an undergraduate degree in psychology, so the only time she could have been a Special Ed teacher was between Age 22 (whatever year that was) and 2004.

That's a total of 40 years that "make sense".

How old is she now? 45? 46? Did you need special training to be a Sp Ed teacher 20 years ago? Not sure, but if not, then it's plausible she may have been teaching between age 22 for up to ((her current age) - 40) years.

From her Avvo profile:

Education: 25%
I accept cases involving violations of special education law, including denials of FAPE, accommodations, IEP drafting and implementation, and school placement. Additionally, I accept cases of disciplinary actions and appeals, school bullying and injuries to students that have occurred at school.
14 years


She sounds exceptionally qualified. She also calls herself a former special educator.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Was there an announcement for the new Acting Associate Superintendent? This is the second Acting Associate Superintendent in two years and Ty get new Acting Superintendent was the Resolution and Compliance Director hired by MCPS last October. So who is now the Director for Resolution and Compliance?

And what about all the vacancies for Special Education Teachers and Para Educators at the school level? Did MCPS just give up on finding employees for those positions as well?

McKnight brought in an enforcer. A lawyer with lots of litigation experience and zero experience in special education.

Does this mean MCPS will actually start following the law or is it a signal that they intend to play hardball and force parents to lawyer up to get anything.

We have had success over the years writing letters to the associate superintendent for special ed and getting immediate corrections.

Who is the enforcer?

That is just one PP's take. And it is false to allege "zero experience in special education" when in fact she was a special educator herself, then later became a lawyer.

Here is the staff directory page with contact info:

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/directory/directory_Boxoffice.aspx?processlevel=34511

She does say she's a former spec ed teacher, but she's been a litigator for the past 13 years, right? Divorce attorney and defending Baltimore County and PGCPS from parents?

Do you think that's in the best interests of sp ed kids? Yikes.

I’m not seeing on the MCPS directory link provided how Diana Wyles was a former special education teacher. Her Linked In profile doesn’t state she has education degree let alone a Masters in Special Education. Her BA in Psychology is noted along with her law degree.

Most recent 18 years - guess only - I saw info she received her Law Degree from Catholic University of America, Columbus in 2004 - 2008? 2004 to 2022 is 18 years, and that makes sense since she was a divorce attorney for about 13 years'ish, I think? And that's about right for 5 years between Baltimore and PG public schools?

Earlier 22 years - guess only - assume four years for an undergraduate degree in psychology, so the only time she could have been a Special Ed teacher was between Age 22 (whatever year that was) and 2004.

That's a total of 40 years that "make sense".

How old is she now? 45? 46? Did you need special training to be a Sp Ed teacher 20 years ago? Not sure, but if not, then it's plausible she may have been teaching between age 22 for up to ((her current age) - 40) years.

From her Avvo profile:

Education: 25%
I accept cases involving violations of special education law, including denials of FAPE, accommodations, IEP drafting and implementation, and school placement. Additionally, I accept cases of disciplinary actions and appeals, school bullying and injuries to students that have occurred at school.
14 years


She sounds exceptionally qualified. She also calls herself a former special educator.

When was the profile updated? It seems very little of her private practice was devoted to representation of special education students. Mostly divorces.

I would be interested in an explanation as to why she calls herself a former special educator instead of special education teacher. Regardless, she is currently a lawyer with a history of fighting against students with disabilities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Was there an announcement for the new Acting Associate Superintendent? This is the second Acting Associate Superintendent in two years and Ty get new Acting Superintendent was the Resolution and Compliance Director hired by MCPS last October. So who is now the Director for Resolution and Compliance?

And what about all the vacancies for Special Education Teachers and Para Educators at the school level? Did MCPS just give up on finding employees for those positions as well?

McKnight brought in an enforcer. A lawyer with lots of litigation experience and zero experience in special education.

Does this mean MCPS will actually start following the law or is it a signal that they intend to play hardball and force parents to lawyer up to get anything.

We have had success over the years writing letters to the associate superintendent for special ed and getting immediate corrections.

Who is the enforcer?

That is just one PP's take. And it is false to allege "zero experience in special education" when in fact she was a special educator herself, then later became a lawyer.

Here is the staff directory page with contact info:

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/directory/directory_Boxoffice.aspx?processlevel=34511

She does say she's a former spec ed teacher, but she's been a litigator for the past 13 years, right? Divorce attorney and defending Baltimore County and PGCPS from parents?

Do you think that's in the best interests of sp ed kids? Yikes.

I’m not seeing on the MCPS directory link provided how Diana Wyles was a former special education teacher. Her Linked In profile doesn’t state she has education degree let alone a Masters in Special Education. Her BA in Psychology is noted along with her law degree.

Most recent 18 years - guess only - I saw info she received her Law Degree from Catholic University of America, Columbus in 2004 - 2008? 2004 to 2022 is 18 years, and that makes sense since she was a divorce attorney for about 13 years'ish, I think? And that's about right for 5 years between Baltimore and PG public schools?

Earlier 22 years - guess only - assume four years for an undergraduate degree in psychology, so the only time she could have been a Special Ed teacher was between Age 22 (whatever year that was) and 2004.

That's a total of 40 years that "make sense".

How old is she now? 45? 46? Did you need special training to be a Sp Ed teacher 20 years ago? Not sure, but if not, then it's plausible she may have been teaching between age 22 for up to ((her current age) - 40) years.

From her Avvo profile:

Education: 25%
I accept cases involving violations of special education law, including denials of FAPE, accommodations, IEP drafting and implementation, and school placement. Additionally, I accept cases of disciplinary actions and appeals, school bullying and injuries to students that have occurred at school.
14 years


She sounds exceptionally qualified. She also calls herself a former special educator.

When was the profile updated? It seems very little of her private practice was devoted to representation of special education students. Mostly divorces.

I would be interested in an explanation as to why she calls herself a former special educator instead of special education teacher. Regardless, she is currently a lawyer with a history of fighting against students with disabilities.

From an MCPS perspective, she's an exceptionally qualified litigator, for sure. You can read up on the cases she won against parents.

Isn't it also possible pull the list of cases she's been on (either representing the Plaintiff or Defendant) using Westlaw or Lexis/Nexis? I think it would be really risky to make a false claim, since someone could call her out on it someday.

[Anonymous]

Correct me if I am wrong, but the term educator seems to be a very broad term. A para educator, a teacher, and a school administrator are all educators with vastly different qualifications and duties. I’m not sure if you necessarily need to be a teacher before you are a school administrator.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Correct me if I am wrong, but the term educator seems to be a very broad term. A para educator, a teacher, and a school administrator are all educators with vastly different qualifications and duties. I’m not sure if you necessarily need to be a teacher before you are a school administrator.

Special educator means a person trained in communication with people with special needs in a way that addresses their individual differences and needs.
https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/special-educator

[Anonymous]

I don't think a divorce attorney our a Counsel counts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think a divorce attorney our a Counsel counts.

I couldn't find what you are thinking about? Do you have a link of the Special Education qualifications a divorce attorney needs to have? This was all I could find:

4. TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
Unless waived by the court, an attorney appointed as a Child's Best Interest Attorney, Child's Advocate Attorney, or Child's Privilege Attorney should have completed at least six hours of training that includes the following topics:
(a) applicable representation guidelines and standards;
(b) children's development, needs, and abilities at different stages;
(c) effectively communicating with children;
(d) preparing and presenting a child's viewpoint, including child testimony and alternatives to direct tes- timony;
(e) recognizing, evaluating, and understanding evidence of child abuse and neglect;
(f) family dynamics and dysfunction, domestic violence, and substance abuse;
(g) recognizing the limitations of attorney expertise and the need for other professional expertise, which may include professionals who can provide information on evaluation, consultation, and testimony on mental health, substance abuse, education, special needs, or other issues; and
(h) available resources for children and families in child custody and child access disputes.
Each court should require attorneys seeking appointments as child counsel to maintain their knowledge of current law and complete a specific amount of additional training over a defined interval.
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/quote/90/23480431.page

Requirements for Regulation or Credentialing of Advocates. Currently, there are no federal or state legislative or regulatory guidelines addressing the educational or credentialing requirements for an individual to serve as an Advocate, nor to inform the practice of “special education advocacy.” It is, therefore, essential that parents are as informed as possible when selecting a professional Advocate.
https://www.copaa.org/page/AdvocateTraining

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Was there any information regarding staffing changes at the SEAC meeting?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lJq6vZaspgbo7TIb8n-U4f6zTRAYMs0H/view

Not sure who changed?

Kevin Lowndes used to be the Associate Superintendent of Special Education. He left so last year Gwen Mason came back from retirement as Acting Associate Superintendent of Special Education. Diana Wyles was hired last October to be the Director of the Resolution and Compliance Unit after Zvi Greismann was enticed to come back after retirement to temporarily fill in the position. No word on the search for a permanent Associate Superintendent of Special Education and who is supervising the Resolution and Compliance Unit in the wake of Ms.Wyles new duties. A lot of transition in vital Central Office positions.

Gwen Mason wasn't in retirement. She was working in PG County. McKnight has been pulling from PG.

This source said she retired. I also remember at the first SEAC meeting that MCPS said they pulled her out of retirement.

https://app.lifechangeroftheyear.com/nomination_detail.cfm?NominationID=5486&NominationYear=2020&SchoolState=MD&CFID=21344244&CFTOKEN=4b7337501b8dcc75-86AD56AA-ECBD-AAA1-19DD5103AF59300B

She went directly from pg to mcps. She is a double dipper collecting retirement benefits and another full time salary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Was there any information regarding staffing changes at the SEAC meeting?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lJq6vZaspgbo7TIb8n-U4f6zTRAYMs0H/view

Not sure who changed?

Kevin Lowndes used to be the Associate Superintendent of Special Education. He left so last year Gwen Mason came back from retirement as Acting Associate Superintendent of Special Education. Diana Wyles was hired last October to be the Director of the Resolution and Compliance Unit after Zvi Greismann was enticed to come back after retirement to temporarily fill in the position. No word on the search for a permanent Associate Superintendent of Special Education and who is supervising the Resolution and Compliance Unit in the wake of Ms.Wyles new duties. A lot of transition in vital Central Office positions.

Gwen Mason wasn't in retirement. She was working in PG County. McKnight has been pulling from PG.

This source said she retired. I also remember at the first SEAC meeting that MCPS said they pulled her out of retirement.

https://app.lifechangeroftheyear.com/nomination_detail.cfm?NominationID=5486&NominationYear=2020&SchoolState=MD&CFID=21344244&CFTOKEN=4b7337501b8dcc75-86AD56AA-ECBD-AAA1-19DD5103AF59300B

She went directly from pg to mcps. She is a double dipper collecting retirement benefits and another full time salary.

Gwen Mason was just a temporary fix to give MCPS time for the search. She is no longer with MCPS. Is there a search still taking place? I don’t see an announcement being advertised.

What is the MCPS plan to fill the in school special education positions? Most of the positions county wide are in special education.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have updated information?

[Anonymous]

According to the staff directory at my MCPS high school it looks like we have 61 SPED staff and 93 regular teachers. I'm not sure how much more can/should be done! More than half the teaching staff is SPED.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:According to the staff directory at my MCPS high school it looks like we have 61 SPED staff and 93 regular teachers. I'm not sure how much more can/should be done! More than half the teaching staff is SPED.

More and more children are diagnosed with these issues daily. At some point in the not too distant future I expect everyone will have a 504/IEP given our current trajectory.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Was there an announcement for the new Acting Associate Superintendent? This is the second Acting Associate Superintendent in two years and Ty get new Acting Superintendent was the Resolution and Compliance Director hired by MCPS last October. So who is now the Director for Resolution and Compliance?

And what about all the vacancies for Special Education Teachers and Para Educators at the school level? Did MCPS just give up on finding employees for those positions as well?

I don't believe MCPS has given up on finding special education teachers or paras. The problem is that people just don't want the jobs. Special Ed jobs are hard-besides the mounds of paperwork and meetings to attend, add to that being verbally and physically assaulted in some cases, would you want that job? I know special educators in the county that literally had to go on disability because of physical incidents in their classrooms. On top of all of that, they aren't paid enough at all.

As for paras, similar issue, except the money is REALLY bad and they are treated as less than professionals in a lot of schools. Take a look at the job listings on the MCPS website-the majority of para jobs open are the ones with no benefits. I think most of the para jobs start at $18-19 an hour. There are lot easier jobs out there for that kind of money and no benefits.

Just a little food for thought...

And meanwhile no one will talk about the elephant in the room …what he hell is going on that our children need so much special education anyway? Something is really really wrong . And it’s not just “better diagnosing “. There is an epidemic afoot not to mention the sometimes ridiculous expectations of parents that will bankrupt the country at some point. It’s just not sustainable to do education this way