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Transforming Secondary Special Education: Reimagining Our Service Continuum

Caleb Davidson, Assistant Director of Special Services

May 15, 2025

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The Challenge…

May 15, 2025

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Secondary Service Delivery Model Workgroup - IROD Team Decision-MAKING

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Where we started… Exploring the Root Causes

Secondary Service Delivery Model Workgroup (May, 2023)

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Secondary Service Delivery Model Workgroup - IROD Team Decision-MAKING

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Options…

  • Special Education Drop-In Center �
  • Caseloads by Grade level�
  • Special Education Instructional Coach

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  • Co-Teaching�
  • Streamlined course offerings & flexible service periods

(ALMOAMMAR, 2019)

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Special Education Drop-In Space: ACCESS CENTER

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ACCESS Room Objectives:

  1. Provide comprehensive adult support: Offer tailored assistance for self-regulation, social-emotional well-being, special education accommodations, and assistive technology.
  2. Foster a welcoming environment: Create a space where students feel valued, understood, and supported.
  3. Empower students: Equip them with essential skills and strategies to succeed academically and personally.
  4. Cultivate resilience and growth mindset: Offer resources and guidance to foster resilience and a growth mindset.
  5. Promote academic success: Through drop-in services and mini-lessons, support students in achieving their academic goals.

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WHAT:

Three spaces in the room to meet short term needs:

  1. Group learning space [Green]
  2. Individual work space [Indigo]
  3. Social Emotional supports space [Pink & Royal Blue)

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Middle School ACCESS Center - Room 205

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Middle School ACCESS Center Room 205

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24/25 ACCESS CENTER DATA…

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Why students have visited the ACCESS CENTER?

Where do students leave from when coming to the ACCESS CENTER?

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Caseload by Grade Level

  • Implemented only at the middle school level�
  • Easier to push in and provide co-teaching opportunities�
  • More streamlined collaboration between general education and special education teachers (PLC’s)�
  • Special Education replacement courses can better align with grade level state standards�
  • Built to be a more inclusive model

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Caseload by Grade Level

1st Floor

2nd Floor

1st Floor

2nd Floor

2023-2024

2024-2025

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Co-Teaching

Cascading Communication & Feedback

  • Administration
  • Special Education Teams
  • Counselors
  • Buildings & Content Teams

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Co-Teaching

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Special Education Coach: Instruction & Inclusion Coach

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Special Education Coach: Instruction & Inclusion Coach

  • Academic/Instruction Consultant
    • Instructional Support & Planning
    • Instructional Services Liaison
    • Resource Development

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  • Special Services Professional Development
    • Curriculum
    • IEP/Due Process
    • Co-Teaching Collaboration & Resources

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  • Special Education Mentor Coach
    • Mentor Resources & Timelines

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  • Individualized Teacher Support
    • Curriculum & IEP Support
    • Scheduling & Organizational Support
    • Data Management & Data Tracking

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Special Education Course offerings

By the start of the 24-25 school year, the HS special education team will create a course guide of 9-12 special education courses which includes standards alignment, pre-requisites, and a clear scope and sequence for each course that are consistent between all 9-12 special education teachers.

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Special Education Course offerings

PERSONAL & ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Grade: 9-12

Length: 1 year / 1 Credit

DESCRIPTION: The Personal and Academic Success course is designed to help students achieve their full potential both inside and outside the classroom. This course covers essential topics including organization, time management, study strategies, self-advocacy, career and post-secondary exploration, coping skills, transition readiness, disability awareness, and executive function skills. Through interactive activities and practical assignments, students will develop the skills to succeed academically and personally by learning how to manage their time effectively, set and achieve goals, advocate for themselves, and develop effective study habits.

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Special Education “Seminar Courses”

MIDDLE SCHOOL

A DAY

B Day

Period 1

SOCIAL STUDIES

Period 2

MATH

Period 3

CHOIR

Period 4

SCIENCE

Period 5

ART

Social Skills

Period 6

ENGLISH

Period 7

FACS

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HIGH SCHOOL

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Period 1

HISTORY

Period 2

MATH

Period 3

CHOIR

Period 4

SCIENCE

Period 5

ART

Period 6

Math Seminar

Study Hall

Period 7

English

MATH SEMINAR

Grade: 9-12

Length: 1 year / 0.5 Credit

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DESCRIPTION: Math Seminar is designed for students with specialized Individualized Education goals who require fewer direct instruction minutes in special education. Students enrolled in this course must concurrently be enrolled in a general education math course. The course aims to provide students with specialized instruction to achieve their specific goals and objectives as defined by their IEP team. This course meets daily for only half the class period. This course is paired with a second seminar course or a study hall.

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Questions..?

Caleb Davidson (He/Him)

Northfield Public Schools

Assistant Director of Special Services

Cdavidson@northfieldschools.org

Office: (507) 645-3441

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