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District outlines special education trends, staffing and new supports
Summary
District special education leaders briefed the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District board on rising special education enrollment, staffing levels, program changes after a WestEd review and steps to expand supports for students with complex needs.
Cindy Malcheski, director of special education for the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, told the school board on Jan. 13 that the district’s special education enrollment has risen to about 11.8 percent of students and that the district is taking several steps to respond.
The presentation, given by Malcheski with coordinators Nikki Morehouse, John Amy and Kristen Benz, summarized federal eligibility rules, local placement practices and trends in disability categories. Malcheski told the board, “We want every student to feel that they belong and are valued in our school community.”
Why it matters: District leaders said the share of students identified for special education increased roughly 1 percentage point from the previous year and remains below the state average. Board members asked how staffing and program models are being adjusted so students can receive required services without disrupting general classroom instruction.
Malcheski described how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act…
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