Reinstate Special Education and Advanced Learning Programs in MCPS

As a former participant of the ELC/advanced math program in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), I witnessed firsthand how these programs empower students to reach their full potential. The decision to remove these classes strikes a personal note. Eroding these essential programs due to underfunding is an unacceptable compromise of our young learners' futures.

MCPS' special education and advanced learning programs have consistently helped students with diverse learning requirements to succeed. In 2018, 92% of MCPS' special education students graduated from high school within five years, compared to the nation's average of 67.1% for students with disabilities (National Center for Education Statistics, 2018). The advanced learning programs also demonstrated a higher-than-average percentage of students progressing to tertiary education (MCPS 2020 Academic Report).

The invaluable impact of these programs on students' lives, cannot be underestimated. By removing such important classes, we are limiting educational opportunities for a significant number of students who might not fit into the mainstream spectrum.

This is a plea to the education decision-makers - let us not compromise on the quality of education for our future generation due to short-term monetary deficits. We are calling on you to reinstate the special education and advanced learning classes in MCPS, ensuring that every student, irrespective of their learning needs, can thrive.

Please sign this petition to bring back these crucial programs in MCPS.