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Worcester School Committee hears detailed SAIL (autism) update as enrollment rises
Summary
District officials told the School Committee that students identified with autism have nearly doubled since 2020 and outlined a unified, three-tier SAIL program, staffing plans, curriculum purchases and next steps to expand early intervention and family supports.
The Worcester School Committee on Wednesday received a detailed update on the district—s SAIL (Specialized Approaches to Individual Learning) program as officials described significant growth in students identified with autism and plans to expand services and professional development.
Dr. Tammy Murray, director of special education, told the committee that 1,085 students in the district have an IEP with autism listed as the primary disability category, a near doubling since 2020 and roughly 19.1% of all students with disabilities in the district. She said the SAIL program is now organized into a three-tiered model to match students— needs with levels of support and that the district currently operates 59 SAIL classrooms plus 14 half-day preschool sessions, for 73 total SAIL classroom/sessions across 14 schools.
"This year we formally tiered all of our SAIL classrooms," Dr. Murray said. "The tiered model creates a clear, structured…
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