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Committee hears special-education corrective-action status; absenteeism flagged at 33.7%
Summary
The special-education office told the Instructional Support Services Committee about three state complaints, corrective action plans addressing compensatory services, chronic absenteeism and discipline, and reported that special-education absenteeism stands at 33.7 percent for the district.
The district’s special-education director reported to the Instructional Support Services Committee that the district currently has three state complaints requiring corrective actions, and that a combined corrective action plan addresses timely compensatory services, special-education chronic absenteeism and discipline data.
The director said one systemic complaint dating to the 2021–22 period led to corrective actions focused on ensuring students receive compensatory services when services were missed, improving timeliness of responses, and addressing discipline-related service interruptions (in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension and expulsions). A separate corrective reporting requirement examined discipline data for 2023–24.
The special-education director reported the district’s special-education absenteeism rate as 33.7 percent and described a separate self-assessment that identified gaps in providing services to students during suspensions (including cumulative suspensions). The director noted federal law differs from Connecticut state guidance on services during suspensions and that district training is ongoing to ensure staff provide services during shorter suspensions as well as longer ones.
Committee members and administrators said more training and clearer administrative protocols are necessary so that principals and assistant principals consistently arrange instruction and services for suspended special-education students. The committee asked administration to continue professional development, to ensure campus leaders know their responsibilities and to return with progress updates on corrective-action milestones.
The committee was also told of three special-education vacancies (resource-room teachers), four psychologist openings, and one sign-language interpreter facilitator position currently being filled through contractors; administrators said they are seeking district hires while using contracted services where necessary.
No vote was taken; the committee directed staff to return with a timeline for corrective-action compliance and with data showing how services are delivered during suspensions at the campus level.
