Time to Head Back to School and to Rethink Education

Johnny Collett and Kim Richey met with special educators and teachers at Hiawatha’s Essex Westford.Kim Richey chats with a student at Strong Foundations Charter SchoolKim Richey observed individualization strategies at work at Hugh Cole Elementary School.Johnny Collett and Kim Richey with students from Baxter Academy for Science and TechnologyJohnny Collett and Kim Richey meeting with teachers at the Baxter Academy for Technology and ScienceJohnny Collett and Kim Richey observe a lesson at Birch Meadow Elementary of Reading Public SchoolsJohnny Collett and Kim Richey visiting a classroom at Hanover Elementary School at Meriden Public Schools.Johnny Collett and Kim Richey participate in a round table discussion at St. Johnsbury Academy.Johnny Collett sat with children at Little One’s University.Johnny Collett and Kim Richey meeting with teachers, administrators, a parent and a board member at St. George Municipal School Unit.Group picture from the visit RSEC Academy in New Hampshire.

By Johnny Collett, OSERS Assistant Secretary


OSERS Deputy Assistant Secretary Kim Richey and I spent the week of September 10 traveling as part of the U.S. Department of Education’s 2018 Back-to-School Tour. During the week, ED leaders toured the country to get a closer, first-hand look at how schools are meeting the unique needs of students.

Kim and I spent the week in New England visiting traditional public, private/independent, and public charter schools to meet students and educators and to learn how these schools provide supports and services to students with disabilities.

We were encouraged by how these schools are rethinking education to ensure nothing limits their students from being prepared for what comes next in life―whether it is continuing their education, transitioning to a work environment, both, or whatever is their next right step.

We heard from diverse education stakeholders at each school. They provided us with great information, and it was incredibly helpful to benefit from their unique perspectives and experiences. We were reminded again, that those closest to the child really do know best about their education, and that the best ideas and innovations to ensure the success of children come from them, and not from Washington.

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Assistant Secretary Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services U.S. Department of Education