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Board approves one-year empathy-interview training to study special-education behavior concerns

Edmond Public Schools Board of Education · January 9, 2026

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Summary

The board approved a one-year empathy-interview contract intended to investigate behavior and discipline in special education, involving initial training sessions, a month of interviews (about 25–30) by a 7–10 person team, coaching support, and an emphasis on system-level solutions rather than individual blame.

The board approved a one-year contract for an empathy-interview training program intended to examine behavior and discipline issues in special education programs.

A district staff member described the process as beginning with three 90-minute training sessions followed by a month of interviews aimed at understanding patterns and supports for students and staff. The presenter said a select team of roughly 7–10 people would conduct about 25–30 interviews with teachers, parents and staff, with coaching support to develop deeper questioning and identify system-level solutions. The stated goals included improving trust, elevating voices of teachers and families, and helping with teacher retention by addressing root causes rather than applying ad hoc fixes.

Board members asked about time commitment and staff turnover; presenters said the district has had limited turnover among district-level staff over the past three years. Speaker 16 moved to approve the item and a second was recorded; roll-call votes were affirmative and the motion passed.