Special Education Programs Division

Dr. Hehir presented his final report and recommendations about how to improve outcomes for students with disabilities to the Board Of Education at the public meeting on January 22, 2008.  There was support from board members, staff and parents during the public comments to move forward with the recommendations that were set forth in the presentation and report.  Dr. Hehir provided information regarding strengths of the department, three priority areas to focus on to support students with special needs, and steps to utilize to complete the process over a three year time period.

Strengths:

• San Diego has a significant number of committed and competent Special Education leadership staff at both central and building levels.

• There is an active and capable Community Advisory Committee (CAC).

• The district has begun to integrate mental health services into its schools with a creative and cost efficient model.

• The Special Education budget is in line with that of comparable districts.

• We are able to produce comprehensive data relevant to Special Education.

• Our procedural processes associated with Special Education (e.g. evaluations, re-evaluations) are in accordance with IDEA.

• SDUSD sends relatively few students to out-of-district and private residential placements and serves relatively few students in totally separate settings.

Priority Recommendations:

1. Improve instructional programs for students with disabilities

2. Assure that regular education, including charter schools, take a greater responsibility for students with disabilities

3. Implement an Effective Response to Intervention Model

 The implementation phase will take place over three years in order to fully support students, staff, sites, and families. In order to accomplish improving outcomes for students with disabilities, groups will be formed to specifically focus on an identified priority area, which will allow the group to gather data, research best practices and determine implementation procedures. The groups will be comprised of administration, general and special educators, and parents with respect to cultural and ethnic diversity. An Executive Management group will also be established to provide oversight of the process.

Information will be posted regularly to keep everyone informed once the groups are formed and their work in each area begins.  Communication will be a critical part of the work that is done over the next three years. 

REPORT UPDATES

Special Education Programs Division Communications

Hehir Report Introduction  05/08/2008 - 08:34  This introduction explains the process we will be going through over the next three years. It provides background information, alignment with the district’s Curriculum & Instruction plan and goals for the Workgroups. Click here view Introduction Letter. Communications Updates  03/24/2008 - 11:46  Here you will find updates for the Hehir Report