Maynard Public Schools: Special Education Presentation to Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) May 3, 2016
Agenda
Special Education Overview Special Education in Maynard 3nd annual parent survey: overview of findings; trends from surveys and discussion groups 2015-2016 Initiatives and Highlights Moving Forward
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Special Education is one component of Student Services in Maynard Student Services
Special Education
English Learner Education
Other Support Services,
Civil Rights Compliance,
Homeless
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Drivers of Special Education Practice Federal Laws and Regulations State Laws and Regulations
General Education
Special Education Students
Case Law (Litigation)
Current Trends
Best Practice
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Federal: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Major principles… Zero Reject Free appropriate public education (FAPE) Non-discriminatory evaluation Procedural Due Process Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
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The other drivers
MA Special Education Law and Regulations (goes above and beyond IDEA) Case law (federal, circuit court and state litigation from the BSEA) General Education Best Practice (research based, e.g., ABA) Current Trends in Practice (e.g., Floortime) Students 6
A glance at Special Education in Maynard The numbers… 263 students (as of October 1st)…16.6% of 1421 students (total number up, overall percentage down from FY15) Our total % is consistently at or slightly above state average Primary disability categories similar to state profile… Specific Learning Disabilities Communication Impairment Developmental Delay Intellectual Impairment Emotional Impairment Autism
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Special Education in Maynard
Our continuum of services Ages 3-22 (state mandated) We serve students with very diverse program needs in the district “One size does not fit all” so range of support, services, and specialized programs and setting options (full inclusion to substantially separate programs) 8
Always need to consider when planning Individual students’ needs change Changes in population
Maynard:
Continued increase in students with Autism, students with significant social/emotional needs, preschoolers with intensive special needs
Student mobility (move-ins) Changes in laws, regulations, case law, best practices
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Since 2003, program development…
Increased staffing and material resources Expanded professional development opportunities Introduced new instructional programs Expanded range of program options for students eligible for extended year services Developed specialized in-district programs:
Preschool program ABA program Specialized Programd at GM, Fowler and MHS Connections/Community Connections
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Special Education: Improving practice 2015-2016 Professional Development and Consultation Highlights: Social
Skills/Thinking Executive Functioning Transition Planning Positive Behavior Supports
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Special Education and District Goals Support efforts of all 2015-2016 district goals, priority focus areas… Strategic
Planning Inclusive Practices Social Skills/Social Thinking Bullying Prevention and Intervention Cultural Proficiency Physical Restraint Prevention and Intervention SEPAC Collaboration 12
Highlight: 2015-2016 Strategic Planning
Process summary
Discuss: Draft Strategic Plan documentation (distributed at meeting)
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2015-2016 SEPAC Collaboration/Improving Communication
Annual Parent Survey and Discussion Group Monthly meeting with SEPAC representatives Promoting communication: Communication Map
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Annual Parent survey and Discussion group Goals: To improve communication and collaboration with parents To inform our daily practice and decision making To inform our short-term and long-term plans 15
3rd annual parent survey (Spring 2016) Emailed to all parents of students on IEPs This year: 32 Surveys returned (consistently low like previous 3 years with a range of 32 to 38) Primarily GM and Fowler, with some overlap of schools: 9.7% Preschool 32.3% Green Meadow 32.3% Fowler 32.3% High School 16
Summary of Survey Results for years 1, 2 and 3
Overwhelmingly positive
Consistent themes
Clear areas to be addressed moving forward…communication…
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Summary of survey results Areas to improve… Sharing
information about organizations that offer support to parents Connecting families to other families that can provide information and mutual support Explaining role of SEPAC Facilitating support groups for parents
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Summary of discussion group (year 1 and 2) findings
Overall positive feedback Good venue for me to get different perspectives and stay grounded Good opportunity for parents to hear about and learn from others experiences Topics complimented survey results in the areas of communication, collaboration and resource sharing 19
Summary of focus group findings Take aways… Parents
feel they need to be an advocate for their child…they do Parents have different communication preferences…we should ask Parents want more frequent updates and information…we should provide Parents want more information on IEPs, special ed and related processes, and resources
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Spring 2016 Discussion Groups Evening: May 17th at 6:30, Central Office Morning: May 19th at 9:00, Central Office
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Moving Forward Thank you! It’s been a great 13 years. Next steps: Search Committee for Director of Student Services…looking for parent representatives.
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