Collection:LPB

Genre: News, Public Affairs

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2012-04-20

Duration: 00:06:38

Subjects: Education | School choice | Educational vouchers | Charter schools | Children with disabilities | Special Education

Contributors:

• Whinham, Charlie Host
• Sanford, Shauna Host
• Lincoln, Sue Producer
• Fontenot, Jodie Editor
• McReynolds, Ashley Interviewee
• Cormier, Christy Interviewee
• Dastugue, Penny Interviewee

This segment from the April 20, 2012, episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” features Sue Lincoln’s report on the reactions of the parents of special needs students to the new school choice law, including the possibility of a lawsuit. Lincoln reports that the school choice law only guarantees that a student using a school voucher will receive the general services of the school that are open to all students. She interviews parents Ashley McReynolds and Christy Cormier, who discuss their disappointment with the law and their view that the law discriminates against children with special needs. Lincoln also interviews Penny Dastugue, the president of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), who discusses the options available to special needs students within the new law. Hosts: Charlie Whinham and Shauna Sanford