District partners with Autism Level Up to enhance inclusive education practices

The Fall River School Committee's Special Education, Alternative Education, and Early Childhood Subcommittee convened on May 29, 2025, to discuss key initiatives aimed at enhancing educational practices for students with special needs. A significant focus of the meeting was the partnership with Autism Level Up, which has been instrumental in promoting inclusive education within the district.

The committee highlighted the success of the Autism Level Up program, which has been active throughout the school year. This initiative aimed to integrate students with high needs into general education settings, allowing them to learn alongside their peers. Approximately 28 pre-kindergarten students participated in the program, known as GROW (Getting Ready Our Own Way). By the end of the year, 22 of these students were set to transition into full inclusion or continue in a partial inclusion model, marking a notable achievement in the district's efforts to foster inclusive educational practices.

The partnership has involved collaboration between building administration, special education administration, and Autism Level Up staff, who provided professional development for teachers and ongoing classroom support. The program includes regular classroom observations and feedback sessions, ensuring that educators receive the necessary guidance to support their students effectively.

Looking ahead, the committee expressed a desire to expand this partnership to Henry Lord School, which has shown a commitment to including students with disabilities in general education settings. The continuation of the Autism Level Up program is expected to be grant-funded for the upcoming year, pending approval from the committee.

Overall, the discussions underscored the district's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for students with special needs and the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving these goals.