Compliance is Not Enough | Melissa Corto | TEDxWilmingtonED

When the words 'special education' are uttered in K12 schools today, they are usually followed by another word, 'compliance'. In this case, compliance means the Individualized Education Plan (the IEP), or the federal compliance document that is the cornerstone of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. As a special educator for 9 years, Melissa is very familiar with this document. But, she is also familiar with the confusion, daunting administrative tasks, conflict and divisiveness that accompanies it. She believes now is the time to call attention to the issue. In her talk "Compliance is Not Enough", she demands that the public education system recognize that special education is broken and the focus on compliance does not move the needle forward for students. She asks that we finally begin to change the dialogue. Melissa Corto is the Co-Founder & CEO of Education Modified, an education technology company that uses the latest research and technology to help teachers improve outcomes for students with special needs. Melissa is responsible for setting Education Modified’s strategy, leading product development, & building internal capacity. Prior to founding Education Modified Melissa was a special educator in Brooklyn, NYC at a Title I high school for 9 years. She served as a mentor for new special education teachers entering the profession and was a Girl's Varsity Basketball coach. Melissa has been a leader in alternative approaches to education, lobbying for alternative language and alternative justice programs for students with special needs. She is excited about the possibilities that technology, policy, and social entrepreneurship present for the future of education. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@lbarielncs]

Such an important topic and she has come up with a great program to make student needs clear to staff. We are so excited to use Education Modified at our school.

[@rosskasun7105]

Awesome job, Melissa!

[@tyekillough9078]

Amazing work on this presentation