Chandler Unified outlines special-education continuum, points to growth in inclusive preschool and transition programs

Kim Marshall, the executive director of student personalized learning for Chandler Unified School District #80 (4242), presented an overview of the districtspecial-education continuum during a study session on Feb. 12, 2025, describing how services range from general education supports to specialized classrooms, public day programs and residential placements.

Marshall said the district aims to serve students in the least restrictive environment and reported that "69.3 percent of our students with disabilities are included in the general education curriculum," a figure the district has been tracking against a 70% goal.

The presentation explained the continuum of services used in Chandler Unified, from co-teaching and itinerant supports to resource pull-out services, specialized classrooms (formerly called self-contained classrooms), a public specialized day school (Chandler Learning Center), contracted private-day placements and, in rare cases, homebound instruction for students unable to attend school for prolonged medical reasons.

Marshall described demographic and program changes in early childhood…