Special Programs
English Language Learners
Identification of English Language Learner Coordinators
Paige Pirmann
ELL Coordinator
[email protected]
1924 Dutch Valley Dr, Ste 1, Knoxville, TN 37918
865.328.7482
Amanda Winn
Academic Administrator for Special Programs
[email protected]
1924 Dutch Valley Dr, Ste 1, Knoxville, TN 37918
865.328.7482
Request for Parent/Guardian Interpreter Services or Disability Accommodations
Professional interpreter services may be requested at any time for parents/guardians of students with disabilities by contacting Paige Pirmann at [email protected].
Additionally, if any parent/guardian has a disability or other limitation that would impact their ability to participate fully in their child’s educational planning process, TNVA/TNVJHS would be happy to discuss accommodations that may be available in order to maximize the parent/guardian’s participation. Individuals seeking to discuss accommodations for this reason may contact Amanda Winn at [email protected].
Special Education Grievances or Disputes
TNVA/TNVJHS recognizes that despite best intentions of all parties, disagreements or miscommunications may arise between the school-based team and TNVA/TNVJHS families or students. Should this situation occur, the TNVA/TNVJHS special education case manager will initiate an IEP team discussion where the specific details contributing to any educational concern are fully discussed and addressed as the entire team determines would consider most appropriate for the student. Collaboration is a primary focus for this type of meeting, and the TNVA/TNVJHS Special Education Team seeks to establish and maintain the confidence of its families to always serve its students in order to maximize their educational success.
Dispute Resolution Options
- IEP Facilitation – IEP facilitation is a voluntary process that can be utilized when all parties to an IEP meeting agree that the presence of a neutral third party would help facilitate communication and the successful drafting of the student’s IEP. This process is not necessary for most IEP meetings. Rather, it is most often utilized when there is a sense from any of the participants that the issues at the IEP meeting are creating an impasse or acrimonious climat
- Mediation – A voluntary process in which both parties seek to resolve the issues involved in the concern with an unbiased, third party mediator from the Michigan Department of Education. The mediator who will write up the details of the agreement that the parties come to through the mediation conference, the agreement is signed by both parties, and thus what the document states is mandated to be implemented; This process is overall less time-consuming, less stressful, and less expensive to complete than a due process hearing (see below)
Formal Due Process
Families are NOT obligated to pursue the above alternatives to due process should they feel their concerns can only be resolved through a formal due process hearing. If a formal complaint against TNVA/TNVJHS is submitted to the Michigan Department of Education.
Visit Formal Complaint Form page here
Formal Due Process
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Professional interpreter services may be requested at any time for parents/guardians of students with disabilities by contacting Paige Pirmann at [email protected].
Additionally, if any parent/guardian has a disability or other limitation that would impact their ability to participate fully in their child’s educational planning process, TNVA/TNVJHS would be happy to discuss accommodations that may be available in order to maximize the parent/guardian’s participation. Individuals seeking to discuss accommodations for this reason may contact Amanda Winn at [email protected].