Special Education Strategic Plan –
Theme 4: Implementing Organizational Improvements

Year 2 Actions (Current Year)

• Publish and Refine the DSE Support to Schools Guide: Opening-of-schools communication was sent to school-based leaders in July 2026. The guide will be revised as organizational improvements are added so leaders have clearer access to department roles, supports, and request pathways. This guide will continue to be updated with processes for supporting students and schools.
• Implement Revised COMPASS and RISE Instructional Models: Summer and August professional learning prepared staff to implement revised classroom models. Training agendas, staff feedback surveys, program observations, and student evidence will be used to assess consistency and effectiveness.
• Complete the Secondary Staffing Charter: A workgroup is comparing current secondary staffing models with other districts, identifying potential efficiencies, and addressing staff workload concerns. Recommendations are scheduled for completion in October 2026.
• Evaluate and Plan the Next Continuum Expansion: HCPSS is monitoring the 2026–2027 specialized program model against student needs and student success to inform 2027–2028 revisions. Recommendations for the FY28 budget will include the 2027–2028 program continuum revisions. Initial planning for 2027–2028 expansion will focus on supports to Cedar Lane School programming, continuing to expand elementary programming, and enhancing middle school programming to reduce the number of students who are recommended for non-public placements.
• Specific Learning Disability: While the CEPT referrals for students with IEP services for “Specific Learning Disability” are lower than other categories, feedback from staff, families, and advocates indicates a need to examine our current programming, interventions, and support for students with specific learning disabilities to ensure that services are responsive to their individual needs and provide meaningful access to grade-level instruction and timely interventions, recognizing that their needs may be less visible or more easily overlooked, while still significantly impacting their access to instruction and academic success.
• Develop a Regional Program Model: A cross-office team is defining the suite of specialized programming that should be accessible in each county region. The proposed regional model is scheduled for completion in November 2026 and will support more equitable access and proximity to home.
• Complete the Speech-Language Pathologist Charter: A workgroup is analyzing current speech-language service delivery and developing recommendations to improve service delivery, as well as recruitment and retention for the FY28 budget.
• Cedar Lane Project Charter: A workgroup will be formed to evaluate the current programming at Cedar Lane School to provide short and long term recommendations to refine the programming model, instructional practices, student and staff safety, and staff attendance.