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U‑46 outlines new Multi Abilities Classroom model to consolidate special‑education programs
Summary
District staff presented the Multi Abilities Classroom (MAC) plan to consolidate three self‑contained special‑education program types, saying it will place more students nearer their home schools, reduce average travel distance, and standardize curriculum; trustees asked about class sizes, staff buy‑in and individual student placement.
Amanda Leatherby, U‑46 director of Specialized Student Services, told the Board of Education the district will combine its Exceptional Needs 1 (EN1), Instructional Learning Program (ILP) and Modified Learning Program (MLP) into a single Multi Abilities Classroom, or MAC, beginning with the boundary changes for the 2026–27 school year.
"The goal of MAC is to provide equitable and inclusive learning opportunities while emphasizing a balanced and collaborative teaching approach to students with complex learning needs," Leatherby said during the Oct. 6 presentation, joined by Ridge Circle Elementary teacher Elspeth "Ellie" Alvarado.
The district argued the consolidation will place more students at or near their home school. Preliminary elementary‑level data presented by staff shows the number of ILP and MLP students attending their home school would rise from 37 students (about 8 percent) to 122 students (about 34 percent). Average one‑way distance from home to school for students currently in EN1, ILP and MLP classrooms was reported as 5.82…
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