Danvers student services rebrands specialized programs, plans phonics training for special education staff

The Danvers Public Schools student services team told the school committee it has finalized a district catalog of specialized programs and is addressing a districtwide gap in reading instruction for students in special education.

Christine Ryan, a member of the student services team, said the office has completed a specialized program guide and staff guide that will be published on the district website so families and new hires can see program descriptions, name changes and job expectations. Ryan said the rebranding is intended to make program names clearer and align services pre‑K through grade 12.

Ryan told the committee an audit and staff survey found a shortfall in systematic reading instruction for some special education students. To address the gap, the district sent two staff to phonics training and will use an IEP grant to bring a consultant for summer professional development. Ryan said the consultant will help staff map assessment to instruction and strengthen methods for suspected reading disabilities.

School committee members praised the rebranding and the strategic approach to provide consistent methodologies across buildings. One member said the new program names (examples given in presentation) better match program goals and make it easier to onboard staff.

Ryan said training will continue in August with options for September professional development and that the district aims to provide the instructional methodology within each school rather than shifting students to other buildings for services.

The student services team also reported progress on audits and collaborative work with community stakeholders, including CPAC and families, and said it plans to continue outreach and publish program materials for families.