Skokie SD 69 presents revised Special Services Delivery Plan with five priority areas for 2024-25

Kristine Joaquin Schubert, Director of Student Services, presented the districts revised Special Services Delivery Plan and described how special services support students with disabilities through specialized instruction, related services, accommodations and assistive technology.

Schubert outlined five priority areas for 2024-25: (1) support teachers on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Foundations/CHAMPS practices through coaching and professional development; (2) support first- and second-year school psychologists through leadership and facilitation coaching; (3) train SEL specialists on functional behavioral assessments and behavior intervention plans and build district alignment; (4) embed student teachers and mental-health interns in year-long training placements and expand tuition reimbursement supports; and (5) strengthen specially designed, individualized instruction and match staffing levels to student need, including increasing co-teacher/resource positions to reduce caseloads for newer teachers.

Schubert said the district increased co-teacher/resource teaching roles to support least-restrictive environments and to allow newer teachers smaller caseloads while they access training and coaching. The presentation identified implementation challenges including limited specialized staffing, recruitment and retention pressures, and ongoing state and federal compliance requirements. Trustees received the plan for review; no final action was taken at the Aug. 20 meeting.