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Special education enrollment rises; district highlights DLC program and autism specialist hire
Summary
The district reported special education enrollment grew from 157 to 187 students this year; staff described expanded in-district supports, a DLC program serving about 12 students, partnerships with local businesses, and a recent hire of an autism specialist to support classrooms.
The district's special programs coordinator told the board that special education enrollment increased from 157 students last year to 187 this year, an increase of about 30 students. Staff attributed much of the increase to new eligibility determinations and student move-ins.
The coordinator described district in-district supports that reduced outside placements from 13 to eight and highlighted the DLC program, which currently serves about 12 students and provides daily life-skills instruction, community job experiences (weekly visits to the fire station and Subway), and partnerships with local businesses such as Figaro's. "That program ... is fantastic," the coordinator said when describing hands-on community work that builds students' fine-motor and life skills.
The board heard that the district recently hired an autism specialist, Autumn Greenwood, who has provided professional development and helped the DLC and classroom teachers meet students' needs. The coordinator noted related supports available through the Willamette Educational Service District (speech-language services, occupational and physical therapy) and said the district now has a contractor for audiology and vision support.
Board members asked whether the DLC program is at capacity; the coordinator said the program can grow depending on individual student needs and caseloads. The coordinator also invited board members to attend a Thanksgiving dinner hosted by the DLC program and said a district blood drive is scheduled for Jan. 19.
Next steps: staff will continue monitoring placements and supports and report enrollment and service outcomes in future administrative program reports.
