Howard County Public Schools unveil strategic plan to enhance special education services

The Howard County Board of Education convened on August 21, 2025, to discuss a pivotal strategic plan aimed at enhancing special education services within the Howard County Public School System. Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jen Webster and Acting Executive Director for Special Education Jen Riccardi presented the plan, which seeks to modernize and improve the operational model for special education, addressing the evolving needs of students.

Dr. Webster emphasized the necessity for a redesign of special education, highlighting that the current model is outdated and insufficient to meet the demands of students requiring specialized instruction. The strategic plan is the result of extensive feedback gathered from various stakeholders, including surveys and focus groups, which identified both strengths and areas needing improvement within the district's special education framework.

The plan outlines five key themes for improvement, each aligned with the district's broader strategic priorities. These themes include enhancing instructional consistency across schools, creating supportive and safe learning environments, improving staff support and training, implementing organizational improvements, and fostering family and community engagement. Each theme is designed to ensure that students with disabilities receive the necessary support and resources to thrive academically and socially.

Riccardi detailed the action steps associated with each theme, emphasizing the importance of continuous progress monitoring to assess the effectiveness of implemented strategies. The plan aims to improve individualized education program (IEP) outcomes, increase graduation rates for students with IEPs, and reduce behavioral issues among students receiving special education services.

The board's discussions underscored a commitment to transparency and adaptability, with plans to regularly evaluate the success of the strategic initiatives and make necessary adjustments based on ongoing feedback. This multi-year effort marks a significant step forward in the district's mission to provide equitable and effective education for all students, particularly those with special needs.

As the implementation phase begins, the board and administration are poised to work collaboratively with educators, families, and the community to ensure that the strategic plan translates into meaningful improvements in the educational experiences of students with disabilities in Howard County.