Group H: Continuum of Services in Cluster

Participants: Deborah Dineen, Chelyn Joseph, Erik Kola, Maude Lamont, & Jill Robertson

Problem Statement:  (incorporated from group F) It would reduce inequitable access to appropriate placements close to students homes which meet their needs.

Recommendation:  Increase content of services for each region/cluster equitably across the district to provide appropriate options for students.  Match the classrooms to their needs, physical, cognitive, emotional.

Working Well:

• Empathetic Staff (site and cluster)
• Desiring to help students succeed
• Flexible staff (willing to be creative and change strategies as needed)

Does Not Exist/Working Poorly:

• In My Control:
  • Staff available to Provide quality professional development to colleagues for specialized population needs (both for General Ed. as well as Special Ed.)
• Out of my Control:
  • Minimum Standards for available services/resources at each site.
  • Comprehensive resources/services within each cluster (May be specialized within certain sites, but is present in the cluster).
  • Specificity of classrooms within site and/or available somewhere in cluster defined by population need.
  • For site and Cluster, Make available increased frequency of quality training for specialized population needs. Teachers (Gen. Ed. and SpEd) and specialists.
  • For Cluster “Step Down” placement option BETWEEN Highly restrictive and Less restrictive classrooms.