""I needed to do something to still try to advocate for those students even though I wasn't going to be there to do it as their teacher," Doudna said. "No kid should have to go through what a lot of these kids went through.""
""It's concerning that NPR is presenting a partial view of this issue based on allegations, some from anonymous sources, that we have proven to be false," the spokesperson said. "This important topic deserves fair, informed reporting that reflects the full context of how public education and special education policies operate in schools at the systemic level, not assumptions and misconceptions that overlook the complexity of serving every student well.""
""A spokesperson for Aspire Public Schools said in a written statement that the organization could not comment on the specifics of pending litigation. The spokesperson said the California Department of Education found Aspire to be \"broadly in compliance\" with state and federal laws related to students with disabilities, and that an outside law firm determined all formal complaints alleging discrimination, harassment and retaliation were unsubstantiated and did not recommend any corrective action.""
Two former employees, ex-assistant principal Iris Velasco (Iris Velasco Wilkes) and former teacher Maryann Doudna, are suing Aspire Public Schools alleging retaliation for raising concerns about support for students with disabilities. They seek justice for teachers and students and assert that Aspire failed to fulfill its mission. Doudna stated she acted to advocate for students even after leaving her teaching role and that no child should endure those experiences. Aspire denies the allegations, cites a California Department of Education finding of broad compliance, and reports an outside law firm found complaints unsubstantiated.
Read at Kqed
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