Pasco schools to expand autism support classes, move Achieve Center and pilot a fourth-grade ‘bridge’ program
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Summary
District staff described expansions of sensory/behavior/communication programs at multiple elementary schools, relocation of Achieve Center services into a larger building and a voluntary Student Success Bridge pilot for certain retained fourth graders.
District staff presented multiple special-education program changes aimed at increasing capacity for students with autism and significant behavior needs, relocating Achieve Center services and piloting an elementary-level academic bridge.
Melissa, a district special-education staff member, described program expansions, relocations and a proposed alternative school space for elementary students with high support needs. She said the county will open new Sensory Behavior Communication (SBCP) programs at Schroeder and Woodland elementary schools to relieve crowding at Deer Park and Moon Lake, and add a K–5 program at Skybrook to relieve Bexley. “We are expanding to open a program at Schrader. And then when you look at water grass, they were gonna have I don't even know. It felt like 60 kids,” Melissa said, explaining the reasoning behind the expansions.
Achieve Center and alternative placement: staff said Achieve Center at Ritchie has outgrown its space and the district proposes moving the program into a building with 10 classrooms to accommodate seven classrooms expected next year and additional features to support a more specialized learning environment. Staff described the location as a potential alternative-school setting for rare, extreme disciplinary reassignment cases but said no students are currently identified for that outcome.
Student Success Bridge Program: staff outlined a voluntary pilot to target fourth-graders who have been retained and have attendance and behavioral concerns but who are not widely academically behind. District analysis initially identified 54 students countywide who met broad criteria, narrowed to 47 across six schools, and then to about 21 students who most closely matched the pilot profile; staff said the pilot classroom would serve about 15 students if families opt in. Melissa described the model as two academic years compressed to align students with their same-age cohort by sixth grade. “We have identified approximately 21 students that this opportunity could be of value to… If 15 say yes, then we're good to go,” Melissa said. Staff said transportation would be provided for pilot participants and the initial pilot would focus on the West Side of the county.
ESE preschool moves: staff also reported moving two ESE self-contained preschool classrooms from LAC Early Learning Academy (LELA) to Sunray and transferring a handful of three-year-olds between Marlow and Cody River to balance projected preschool ESE enrollment.
Why it matters: the changes aim to increase on-county capacity for students with autism and severe behavior needs; to reduce disruptions in neighborhood schools; and to create targeted interventions for students at risk of falling further behind. Staff stressed IEP teams will continue to recommend placements and that the district will monitor enrollment and outcomes before expanding pilots.
Unresolved details: staff said implementation timing, exact class rosters, and assessment/ testing details for the bridge program will be worked out with curriculum and assessment teams and shared with families prior to enrollment decisions.
