A discussion of education in East Tennessee

Thoughts on new Special Education Director Melissa Massie

It's been what, about 3 months since Ms. Massie took over as Special Education Director? I was open about the profound displeasure with Dr. McCook's tenure, so I wanted to take a minute and congratulate Ms. Massie. I have heard some very positive comments about her leadership.I have not had any IEP meetings for my own child since she took over, at least I don't think so! But several of my friends have, and this is what I'm hearing. The cloud of doom and fear that seemed to hover over administration during these meetings appears to be subsiding.

One friend commented that those who seemed afraid to say or offer anything are now happy and seem excited about helping her child. In the past it was felt that the parent had to ask for every single thing, suggest every strategy and every approach or the school system would not allow teachers to offer it. She commented that Ms. Massie must be doing something right for these administrators to enjoy doing their job, and do it to benefit the child.

Another friend commented that staff have been receiving training that never seemed to happen before. My friend has tried to get programming to address her child's specific needs that always seemed to fall of deaf ears. At her last meeting the staff told her they have been receiving the training. My friend later commented to me that Ms. Massie must actually care about these kids and want to see them educated.

It was also nice to read the last newsletter, In Touch, for disabled families. Ms. Massie had her email address at the end of her column and encouraged anyone to contact her who has comments/questions. That is a HUGE change from sending emails and making phone calls that were never returned. Also in the newsletter, information about graduation. It left me with the impression that this Director is going to be working hard to help as many kids with IEPs as possible receive a general education diploma, which is the difference between going to college or trade school and not being able to further one's education/employment potential. As I understand it currently, if you receive a special education diploma, which is wonderful and shows the fulfillment of many years of hard work, that it is not eligible for admittance into any higher learning center. Again, another wonderful perception of our new Director.

I want to publicly congratulate Ms. Massie for her hard work so far. I said initially my hope was that once she had control she might do many of the things we have wanted in the disabilities community. Myself and others are now increasingly hopeful that it will happen under her leadership. I hope the entire education community can feel that same hope as we close out this school year and look toward the 08-09 school year for our kids.

Tags: administration, autism, director, education, special