Transforming Special Education: The Role of the California Association of Private Special Education Schools (CAPSES)

Abstract

Editor’s Introduction: In January 2015, members of the Editorial Board of The Journal of Transformative Leader-ship and Policy Studies (JTLPS) conducted an interview with Dr. Robert Reilly, CAPSES board member, to engage on issues surrounding special education in the 21st cen-tury. This reflective essay was culled from a transcribed interview and themed around six major areas: access, special education policy, services supported by CAPSES, social justice, teacher preparation, and creating an inclu-sive school culture for children with special needs. CAPSES primary mission is to maximize the potential of individuals with disabilities by advocating for them in public policy, and promoting high quality instruction, guidance, therapy and staff development. CAPSES is ded-icated to preserving and enhancing the leadership role of the private sector in offering alternative quality services to individuals with disabilities. By providing the highest quality instruction, therapy and guidance and advocacy to their clients, CAPSES members strive to help special education students maximize their potential and lead independent and dignified lives. Through this interview, JTLPS sought to ascertain how CAPSES works to build this potential with special education students and their fami-lies to ensure appropriate services for them.