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Focus AreaAction PlanExpected OutcomeWhat Has Been Done to DateStatus
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Develop Standardized Documentation and ProceduresCreate a centralized digital platform for all special education-related documentation, accessible by staff and families. This platform should include user-friendly guides, policy documents, and procedure manuals.Consistent understanding and application of special education policies across all schools, leading to improved service delivery and compliance.A centralized Special Education internal drive has been created to store all documents for each of the 19 departments. Each folder is maintained by the designated Special Education leadership team member who serves as the primary point of contact for that department. The Special Education Procedural Manual has been fully updated and is reviewed annually, or as laws change, to ensure compliance. This manual is accessible to all families on the Worcester Public Schools website. An internal Special Education Guidebook has also been created for staff, containing links to relevant policies and procedures. In addition, all Special Education policies and procedures are reviewed and updated annually, or as laws change, and are housed on TeamOnline for staff to access and review throughout the school year as needed.Completed and continues to be updated annually
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Streamline the Quadrant Structure as It Relates to Special EducationTrain staff on the roll out of the revised quadrant structure, its purpose, and everyone’s role within it.Clear understanding of the quadrant structure leading to more efficient administration and less confusion among staff and families.The Special Education Leadership Team meets weekly to review and clarify roles and responsibilities. Special education leaders share updates with their respective departments, and roles have been further defined and refined over the past two school years.Completed
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Improve Communication and TransparencyEstablish a regular schedule of meetings and updates, both in schools and districtwide, to discuss special education matters. Use multiple platforms like emails, newsletters, and a dedicated section on the school website.Stronger collaboration and trust among school staff, administrators, and families, resulting in better support for students.Special Education Supervisors and administrators meet daily, while the Special Education Leadership Team meets weekly to address Special Education matters and quarterly for strategic planning. All departments meet monthly with their designated districtwide Special Education leader. The Special Education Department launched a monthly digital newsletter, shared with the entire district, to highlight programs, provide important updates, and offer information on professional development opportunities both in-district and out-of-district.Completed and remains ongoing
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Enhance Parental Involvement and CommunicationDevelop parent workshops and informational sessions for families. Allow access for families that speak different languages.Increased parental engagement and understanding of their children’s educational needs and support systems.The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and the Special Education Administration have worked closely to make SEPAC meetings more accessible to families by moving them from the DAB to schools within the four quadrants. SEPAC members survey families to identify their needs. During the 2024–2025 school year, workshops were held on topics such as Autism, understanding the new IEP, and Parent Rights. SEPAC Bylaws were created in the spring 2025. Interpreters are available at all workshops and meetings as needed. Completed and remains ongoing
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Professional Development for StaffImplement an annual calendar of training sessions covering various aspects of special education, including new methodologies, legal updates, and inclusion techniques.Enhanced skill sets of educators leading to improved educational outcomes for students with disabilities.WPS maintained a professional learning calendar through which the Special Education Department provided professional development on new methodologies, changes in laws and regulations, IEP writing and resources for creating robust IEPs, inclusion practices, and other relevant topics. The Special Education Department has increased PD opportunities over the past two years and currently has a robust PD plan in place that is updated and reviewed on a regular basis at special education leadership meetings. Completed and remains ongoing
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Training for Inclusive EducationOrganize specialized training sessions on inclusive practices, differentiation, and adaptive techniques; include real-life scenarios and interactive modules.Better prepared teachers leading to more effective inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms.As part of the professional development noted above, Focused Instructional Coaches (FICs) developed training on inclusive practices. This professional development is available to all staff asynchronously and on an as-needed basis through TeachPoint.Completed and ongoing
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Address Staffing ShortagesLaunch a targeted recruitment campaign, offering incentives Reduction in staffing gaps, ensuring that students with disabilities receive the necessary supports.The Special Education Department partnered with local universities (e.g., Worcester State, Clark University, Bay Path, MCPHS) to address critical shortage areas such as Speech-Language Pathologists and Teachers of Moderate Special Needs. A paid internship program was established to fill school psychologist positions, resulting in all Speech-Language Pathologist and school psychologist positions being fully staffed at the start of the school year. Additionally, outreach and partnerships were developed with specialized facilities, including the New England Center for Children (NECC), the Learning Center for the Deaf, and the Perkins School for the Blind, to assist with recruitment in other high-need areas. In addition, we continue to work with the WPS HR department on recruitment. Completed and ongoing
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Equitable Distribution of ResourcesConduct an audit of resource allocation across WPS, followed by adjustments to ensure equitable distribution based on student needs.All schools equipped with necessary resources, leading to a more uniform quality of education and support services.The Special Education Department created an internal resource materials document, which will be rolled out and implemented by the Special Education Leadership Team starting in September.Completed and ongoing
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Program Development and Implementation of Systems (MTSS, RTI, Pre-Referral)Develop comprehensive guides and program development and establish a monitoring system for effectiveness.More effective early intervention and supports, reducing the need for intensive special education services.
The Special Education Department recognizes that each student’s
needs are unique and require individualized support. Our Special
Education Leadership Team collaborates closely with school-based
staff and administrators and regularly participates in team meetings
to ensure that student needs are fully understood and addressed.
In some cases, this collaboration leads to the development of
individualized programming designed to meet highly specific or
complex needs.
Completed and ongoing
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Expand and Diversify Program OfferingsAssess current program offerings and identify gaps; develop additional programs or resources to fill these gaps, focusing on inclusivity and individual student needs.A wider range of educational options catering to diverse student needs, leading to better educational outcomes.Completed and ongoing
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Ensure Compliance with IDEA and Other LawsOrganize legal workshops for staff, focusing on IDEA compliance, rights of students with disabilities, and ethical considerations in special education.Improved legal compliance and ethical practices in handling special education matters.The Special Education Leadership Team and the Evaluation Team Chairpeople have received legal training and updates on regulations from WPS legal counsel several times per year. Completed and ongoing
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Review Evaluation and Placement PracticesImplement a periodic review process for student evaluations and placements, involving external experts when necessary.More accurate and appropriate student placements, ensuring that each student’s educational needs are adequately met.The Special Education Quadrant Supervisors and the Compliance Supervisor review student placements regularly with IEP teams and the Special Education Administration during daily supervisor meetings.Completed and ongoing
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Culture and Community EngagementInitiate programs and campaigns promoting inclusivity, understanding of disabilities, and celebrating diversity across the school community.A more inclusive school environment where students with disabilities are valued and supported.The Special Education Department has partnered closely with the Culture and Climate teams and school-based staff to foster a culture of understanding, acceptance, and inclusivity across our schools. Through ongoing professional development and systemic improvements, the district continues to advance equitable practices, inclusive learning environments, and a shared responsibility for the success of all students.

In the 2024–2025 school year, Positive Youth Development Teams were established, each consisting of a lead BCBA and three paraeducators. These teams provide targeted support to students experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges.

Completed and ongoing
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Engage With the CommunityPartner with local organizations, parent groups, and disability advocates to create programs and events that involve and educate the community about special education.Stronger community ties and greater public awareness and support for special education needs.The Special Education Department has established partnerships with Seven Hills (Worcester Community Connections Coalition), Worcester Educational Collaborative, the Guild of St. Agnes, YMCA, Rainbow, Edward Street Group, Pernet Early Intervention, THOM Early Intervention, Criterion Early Intervention, Sevita Early Intervention, and the Federation for Children with Special Needs. Through the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI) grant, Worcester Public Schools has expanded access to special education services at the Guild of St. Agnes and the YWCA for the 2024-2026 school years.Completed and ongoing
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Integrate Assistive TechnologiesInvest in and train staff on various assistive technologies; provide these technologies in classrooms to support students with disabilities.Enhanced learning experiences for students with disabilities, enabling them to participate more fully in their education.The Special Education Department is launching targeted professional development on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for Evaluation Team Chairpeople, related service providers, paraeducators, and Teachers of Moderate Special Needs in August 2025. This training equips staff with strategies to integrate AAC ranging from low-tech to high-tech into daily routines, fostering student engagement, independence, and effective communication.Completed and ongoing
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