The King George School Board held a regular meeting on April 7, 2025, where educators presented innovative strategies aimed at improving literacy among students, particularly those with special needs. The meeting highlighted a hybrid educational model developed by third-grade teachers Theresa Owen and her colleague, which combines elements of both self-contained and inclusion classrooms.

Owen explained that traditional models often separate special education students from their peers, limiting their exposure to the general curriculum. To address this, she and her colleague implemented a hybrid approach where students receive specialized instruction for part of the day and then return to the general classroom for the remainder. This method aims to provide students with the foundational skills they need while also ensuring they engage with the broader curriculum.

The educators reported significant improvements in student performance, as evidenced by standardized MAP test scores. They noted that some students achieved growth in the ninetieth percentile, indicating that they outperformed 90% of their peers in terms of academic progress. The teachers emphasized the importance of collaboration and communication in their model, which they believe is crucial for meeting the diverse needs of their students.

In addition to the literacy strategy presentation, the board discussed changes to the agenda, including a motion to add the superintendent's contract review to the closed meeting. The meeting concluded with a call for public comments, although none were registered.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commitment of King George County Public Schools to enhance educational outcomes through innovative teaching practices and collaborative efforts among educators. The success of the hybrid model could serve as a blueprint for future initiatives aimed at supporting students with varying educational needs.