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District outlines phased Owl program integration; three students recommended for less-restrictive settings
Summary
Danielle Beschadle, Owl Elementary administrator, described a staged, data-driven process for integrating Owl students into general education classes—including inclusion meetings, TA supports and a four-stage timetable—and reported four to five students are integrating now with three recommended for less restrictive placements next year.
Danielle Beschadle, Owl Elementary administrator, told the board the Owl program is formalizing a phased, data‑driven approach to move eligible students toward less restrictive general education settings.
Beschadle said the process starts with five to eight weeks of data collection from behavior support plans to look for consistency and the absence of unsafe behaviors. An "inclusion meeting" brings together Owl classroom staff, mental health staff, an Owl integration teacher on the gen‑ed side, building administrators and family members to plan supports, transition timing and required adult assistance. Initial integration starts with morning meeting and then selected special-area classes or preferred academic blocks where students are most likely to succeed; adult supports are reduced over time as independence increases until the student is fully included.
Beschadle said the district currently has "four or five" students integrating; three of those have been recommended for a less restrictive environment next year. She emphasized family involvement at every stage and that inclusion is not an automatic requirement for all students leaving Owl.
Mr. Weedor provided follow-up from the Owl middle and high school programs, highlighting restorative practices (daily community circles), experiential trips (adaptive riding and horticulture stations), and Goal program events (prom, Red Wing trip and a June 16 Goal graduation). Mr. Weedor said the Owl programs are showing positive outcomes and that staff are monitoring progress and scheduling program reviews before CSE decisions.
Board members praised the inclusive approach and said the successes are useful examples to share with the community during budget and outreach conversations.
