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Special education report: Goose Creek CISD says performance improved in several indicators, seeks further progress on disciplinary removals
Summary
District special programs staff reported climate and program updates, TEA determination history and a strategic support plan focused on social studies and disciplinary removals; dyslexia, autism and Special Olympics programs also highlighted.
Goose Creek CISD special programs staff told the board on Feb. 17 that the district'level special education determination and accountability metrics have shown improvements in several areas, but that disciplinary removals for students served by special education (indicator 18) remain a target for further work.
Director of Special Education Christina Ritter, senior director Holly Farris and Director of Assessment James Husband reviewed the district'level Results Driven Accountability determinations (formerly PBMAS). The presenters said the district has fluctuated on the TEA 0'4 scale, with recent years at performance level 2; the district must submit a strategic support plan whenever a metric is at level 2 or higher.
On indicator 18 (total disciplinary removals), staff said the district has improved from about 80.5% six years ago to 56.2% last year and has set a local goal of 50% or lower. Presenters said vaping incidents have been a significant factor in disciplinary removals and that they are working with campuses to ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations and behavioral supports.
Staff described interventions and curriculum supports: elementary dyslexia services use Reading by Design; secondary dyslexia intervention uses Reading Horizons. District specialists are monitoring accommodation usage, running PLC trainings and coaching teachers. The district also maintains a BCBA (board'certified behavior analyst) to support functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans.
Other highlights included expanded transition and life'skills programming for age'18+ students, partnerships with Texas Workforce Solutions and the Houston Food Bank for job readiness and service projects, and active Special Olympics participation. Special Olympics participation included 65 athletes at a table'tennis event and 40 athletes taken to the state winter games; staff said volleyball finished second at the winter state games.
Why it matters: Special education performance indicators are tied to state monitoring and district improvement requirements. Staff noted areas of strength (graduation and dropout rates for students receiving special education services met or exceeded state targets) and areas requiring focused intervention, especially around disciplinary practices and supports.
Staff and speakers (selected): Christina Ritter, director of special education; Holly Farris, senior director of special programs; James Husband, director of assessment and accountability. The board took no formal action on special education items at the meeting.
Next steps: Staff said they will continue targeted interventions in social studies, strengthen monitoring of accommodations, refine behavior supports and continue collaborations with regional partners for dyslexia training and transition services.
