Chicago (WLS) — The Better Government Association is investigating complaints that the school system does not include classroom assistants in the decision-making process.

Chicago Public Schools policy states that special education classroom assistants may be invited to individualized education program meetings.

However, local activists and parents have told the BGA that the policy is not widely known or enforced, and some believe the CPS discourages assistants from participating.

“Special education classroom assistants are associate professionals who work with students with disabilities,” said BGA education reporter Jewell Jackson. “They are constantly present and empowering in the lives of students, not just in academic learning, but in helping students complete their coursework.”

ABC 7 contacted CPS and said, “Through the Office of Diverse Learner Support and Services (ODLSS), Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is providing access to educational resources and programs for students with special education needs. To that end, ODLSS welcomes and encourages parents/guardians to include their student’s Special Education Teacher Assistant (SECA) in IEP meetings. Special Education Teacher Assistants (“SECAs”) are invited to IEP meetings at the request of a parent or guardian. , or SECA signed in using the Special Education Classroom Assistant title.

The school district publishes its policies and procedures online for parents to access at any time.