Eighteen parents of students learning to speak English and 21 parents of children with special education needs have come forward to run for election to the newly created citywide parent council for English Language Learners and the Citywide Council for Special Education. The creation of the councilswas mandated by the state law in August which extended Mayor Bloomberg's control of the city schools.

Each council has 11 members, nine parents and two experts appointed by the public advocate who are expected to have extensive experience and knowledge in educating or working with people with disabilities, or with students who are learning to speaking English. A high school senior will also be appointed for each council.

Forums to introduce the candidates were held this month in all boroughs to introduce the candidates,although they were sparsely attended.

The Department of Education is urging parents of ELLs and children with special needs to vote in an advisory election online now through Friday, April 30. This advisory election is meant to instruct Parents Association officers who do the actual selection of the council members. Parents may log onto www.powertotheparents.org to vote. <!--more-->

The vote is only open to parents of students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or English Language Learners.

To vote, log onto www.powertotheparents.org .

(1) Click button on the screen that says "VOTE HERE"

(2) Enter your Student's ID # (OSIS) to login

(3) Enter your Zip Code as the password

(4) When the candidate list appears, click the box next to the name of candidates that you want to vote for.

(5) Click the button that says "SUBMIT VOTE"

An acknowledgment of the vote will appear on the screen so parents know their votes have been received.

What do you think of the new councils? Are you planning to vote? Comment below.