lodi unified school district september 2013

Lodi Unified School District

September 2013

Special Education Program Review

1

Study Overview

• Special education is a necessary, high-cost program• However, this does not mean that costs are

not manageable

• This study provides an objective analysis and recommendations regarding how to positively impact the cost and quality of the special education program

2

Specific Study Questions1. Review staffing, organization, and utilization of the

District’s Special Education Services program personnel2. The efficiency and effectiveness of related services

including Katnich Community Day School and Turner Academy

3. Efficiency of the current pre-referral processes and interventions

4. Efficiency of the current instructional methods5. Review program data to identify areas of inconsistency

and provide recommendations to address these areas6. A comprehensive cost analysis of the District’s Special

Education Program and the applicable FAPE to students7. Review of the District’s IEP process and training of staff8. Review of contract services including cost effectiveness 3

Study Process

• Findings and recommendations are based on multiple data points• Fiscal

• Program Services

• Organizational and Management Structure

4

Recommendations

• Implement changes in Practice to Support Improved Program Quality Districtwide

5

Recommendations

• Increase Professional Development Opportunities

6

Recommendations

• Continue to Provide a Competitive Alternative to Non-Public School (NPS) Placements

7

Recommendations

• Evaluate Preschool Impact and Support Early Intervention

8

Recommendations

• Reduce Reliance on Contracted Services

9

Recommendations

• Review the Local Plan

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Recommendations

• Restructure Special Education Department to Include Program Management Team

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Recommendations

• Review and Restructure Staffing

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Questions and Discussion

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