2015 Election Disability Issues Survey

Mary Adams
For School Board

1. What do you propose to do to make sure the social/emotional needs of children in schools are met?

I have been a consistent advocate for social and emotional resources, as well as for insistence on quantitative, qualitative and “expert” (i.e. directly involved people) evidence for the varied programs and approaches across different schools. I remain passionate about this work and represent the Board on the Community Task Force on School Climate, which is providing recommendations on the supports necessary to transform school climates and support all children, as well as offer a new code of conduct.

2. What are your ideas to improve the availability of “school to work” opportunities in our community?

I support collaboration by committed and knowledgeable individuals to develop and extend already existing opportunities for students and adults with different needs and abilities, such as those developed at Strong Memorial Hospital, Wegmans and other area employers.

3. Will you work to ensure that students who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or Deaf-Blind receive qualified interpreters? How will you go about doing this?

Yes. My understanding is that we are compliant with these fundamental requirements. I would certainly follow up any concerns that are expressed to me with our administration.

4. What will you do to ensure that students with disabilities as well as students in general are seen as individuals and not data generators?

I have a track record of opposing harmful high stakes standardized tests. I have actively supported adequate resources and staffing for schools that emphasize holistic, multi-dimensional learning including, but not limited to the Childrens School of Rochester, Expeditionary Learning Schools, School Without Walls and Montessori Academy. I will continue to collaborate with other parents, educators and community experts to develop sound educational practices including better curriculum/pedagogy, as well as more meaningful assessments.

5. What will you do to ensure that the IEP process is more interactive and both student and parent friendly?

The district has invested in an electronic management system for IEP’s. While this may seem like a staff-centered tool, I believe it can and should improve parental access and decision-making regarding each child’s needs. This is a crucial area for human support of students and parents — stability and quality of staffing is very important.