Shenendehowa board hears three‑year special education action plan, targets MTSS standardization
Summary
District staff outlined a special education program review and a three‑year roadmap that prioritizes standardizing MTSS K–12, narrowing a reported 21% graduation gap, clarifying eligibility for aid and improving co‑teaching fidelity; recommendations are expected in February.
District staff presented findings from a special education program review and a three‑year action plan aimed at improving consistency, academic outcomes and fiscal clarity across special education services.
The presenter (identified in the transcript as Miss Hazelton and/or an assigned facilitator) said the review produced four subcommittees aligned to district goals: organizational culture; personnel and professionalism; school and classroom practices; and fiscal responsibility. The teams include a mix of STA, CSEA, SAW, DLST and DASS representatives; the presenter said they engaged 24 STA members, 8 CSEA members, 13 SAW members, 3 DLST and 1 DASS member across the district. The plan sets a year‑by‑year roadmap. For year 1 the stated priorities are to identify current needs, standardize MTSS K–12, define co‑teaching expectations, strengthen communication protocols for CSC transitions and improve eligibility/exit criteria for services.
"One of the challenges for MTSS is that it's inconsistent across the buildings and that impacts student referrals and supports," the presenter said, adding that standardizing MTSS K–12 is a top priority for year 1. The review also identified a reported 21% graduation gap and inconsistent implementation of MTSS and co‑teaching models as areas for focused work.
On fiscal matters, the presenter said the district will review and communicate consistent criteria for allocating teacher aide supports, benchmark expenditures against peers, regularly review contracted services and explore sustainable revenue sources (the presenter cited Medicaid as an example). Committees expect to deliver recommendations to Dr. Wilson Turner and the board in February.
Board members commended the intentional stakeholder engagement and emphasized the need for clear lines of responsibility and ongoing communication as the plan moves toward implementation.
