Special Education in Troy: External Review

April, 2015

External Review of Data

• State Performance Plan Indicators • Proficiency on Achievement Tests • Graduation Rate

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Major Themes

• Need for increased consistency: District of Schools rather than a School District

–Processes and supports for struggling learners –Access to and capacity for leadership

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Processes and Interventions for Struggling Learners: Observations

• Multi Tiered System of Supports • Common interventions and intervention practices in general

education at tier one and tier two • Student Assistance Process practices

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Processes and Interventions for Struggling Learners: Observations

• Special Education Service Delivery Model • Special Education Teacher Caseload Management • Related Services Staff Assignments

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Processes and Interventions for Struggling Learners: Observations

• Support for students with complex and challenging behavioral needs

• Programming for students at the Postsecondary level • Section 504

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Processes and Interventions for Struggling Learners: Concepts for Consideration

• Explore how additional interventions might be provided in

general education to struggling learners across the district • Strengthen the relationship between the Student Assistance

Process and a Multi-Tiered System of Supports

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Processes and Interventions for Struggling Learners: Concepts for Consideration

• Provide regular training for all staff regarding implementation, roles and responsibilities related to interventions, SAP, and a MTSS

• Explore less categorical models for special education service

delivery, initially at the secondary level

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Processes and Interventions for Struggling Learners: Concepts for Consideration

• Explore/reimagine a plan for deployment of related services staff, perhaps in teams, so that the same psychologist, SSW and SLP serve the same set of buildings

• Explore use of the “Implementation Guide: A workload

Analysis Approach for Examining Speech Language Caseloads in the Schools

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Processes and Interventions for Struggling Learners: Concepts for Consideration

• Explore the need for additional SSW and SLP support • Explore the need for a new district-wide position to provide

additional direct support and leadership in the area of behavior. • Explore non-categorical model such as a leveled system at the

postsecondary level in order to effectively address the anticipated population boom at that level.

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Processes and Interventions for Struggling Learners: Concepts for Consideration

• Review/revise procedures with respect to assignment and implementation of student aides

• Explore alternate options for provision of district-wide

leadership for Section 504

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Access to and capacity for leadership: Observations • Current Special Education Administration

– Capacity – Challenges posed by changes in staff evaluation

requirements – Non-administrative roles/duties

• Teacher-Leadership in the Special Education Department • Leadership for general education staff

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Access to and capacity for leadership: Concepts for consideration

• Reduce the number of teacher-level or non-administrative tasks

that are currently being handled by special education administrators

• Move general education administrative responsibilities out of

the special education department

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Access to and capacity for leadership: Concepts for consideration

• Create a district-level leadership team by adding positions or redefining current positions at all levels, from Early On through postsecondary, then: – Revisit and revise informational and procedural guidance and

support mechanisms

– Review and revise procedures and training practices relative to provision of instruction, supports, accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities

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Next Year…

• Partner with General Education regarding MTSS/SAP/Interventions

• Special Leadership Team

• Behavioral Supports

• Special Education Program and Service Delivery

• Professional Learning for both General and Special Educators

• Post High School Program

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Three Years from now…

• MTSS/SAP/Interventions • Service Program and Service Delivery • Professional Learning for both General and Special Educators • Post-High School Program

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2020! • MTSS/SAP/Interventions • Service Program and Service Delivery • Professional Learning for both General and Special Educators • Post-High School Program

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QUESTION & ANSWERS

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