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Pasadena ISD highlights special-education achievements and plans to expand inclusion
Summary
The district’s special-education director described gains in academic outcomes, expanded in-class therapy and inclusion efforts, a grant for specialized equipment, and a goal to reduce placements in nonpublic day schools.
Michelle LeBleu, executive director of Special Education, presented a district spotlight describing improvements and initiatives in specialized services. She cited gains in end-of-course passing rates among special-education students, higher CCMR and graduation outcomes for that student group, and 111 campus academic distinctions districtwide. LeBleu noted programs that support inclusion — Best Buddies, adaptive physical education, classroom-based speech therapy — and highlighted a grant that secured specialized equipment to help a student fully participate.
The department reported outreach such as transition fairs, parent trainings, and partnerships that expand vocational and life-skill opportunities (including students selling products on campus through the Success Class). LeBleu said the department aims to decrease placements in nonpublic day schools and to increase postsecondary completion and graduation rates. She also noted that therapists and support staff serve hundreds of students across the district and that 753 elementary students with severe and profound disabilities received Christmas gifts through a partnership with the Be an Angel Foundation.
Trustees praised staff and thanked the special-education team for their work; the presentation concluded with a request to continue focusing on inclusive practices and measurable outcomes.
