Special Education Caseload Review/Complaint Procedure

The MTEA and MPS administration have developed a clear process, with specific deadlines, for reviewing and relieving caseload problems.

The new Special Education Caseload Review/Complaint Procedure document is one of the positive results of the joint Special Education Labor/Management Committee, established to provide a forum for raising issues and solving problems.

Principals & Supervisors Have the New Procedure and Form
To initiate a caseload/class size review, teachers must submit a form describing their situation in detail. Filing this form with the principal is the first of up to three steps that may be needed to address the problem.

Principals have a copy of the appropriate form and procedure. Special education supervisors also have these materials, and should distribute them to special education teachers. 

Unresolved Issue of Which Chart to Follow
While agreement was reached on a new procedure, the question of which caseload number guidelines should be followed was not. MTEA representatives believe that MPS should adhere to the DPI's Statewide Caseload Number Chart.

The MPS Department of Special Services has issued Staffing Guidelines for 2003-04. MPS believes its chart provides appropriate guidelines.

Our advice: If you believe your situation warrants attention, file a review request to start the procedure - regardless of which set of guidelines is used.