Why Conduct a District-Wide Evaluation of Special Education Programs & Services?

1. Why Conduct a District-Wide Evaluation of Special Education Programs & Services? Walker Partnerships A Division of Walker Needham, Ma.

2. Strength of Programs & Services • A district-wide evaluation will identify what special education programs & services are working effectively • How your districts compares to the state averages and like districts in special education census by disabilities, expenditures, out of district placements • What are the trend lines for your district • Identify best practices and effective management strategies • Comply with State & Federal requirements for annual program evaluation

3. Methodology for Conducting an Evaluation • Walker Partnerships conducts a thorough review of all pertinent written documents related to special education: budgets, census by disabilities, program descriptions, job descriptions, roles/responsibilities, professional development offerings, DESE Coordinated Program Review materials, procedural manual, practices and procedures, previous program evaluation reports, staffing patterns and assignments, pre-referral practices, over/under identification, legal issues

4. Methodology (continued) • One on one 30 minute interviews with a cross section of 24 to 36 general and special education school-based personnel, administrators, paraprofessionals and parents • Detailed report of Commendations, Factors that Effect the Implementation of Special Education, Findings, Comparative Data of like districts and the state, Recommendation and detailed Explanation for each recommendation

5. Identify Program & Service Enhancements • Provide a thorough examination of the current status of programs and services • Provided program and service enhancements • Identify the special education professional development needs of the district • Identify effective utilization strategies for related service providers and paraprofessionals • Provide a cost analysis of special education expenditures and cost containment strategies

6. Results of an Evaluation • Detailed recommendations with full explanation for each recommendations • Comparison data to assist with program and service development • Cost analysis that can be used to justified program and service expansion and new program development • Strategies to improve program operations throughout the district

7. Walker Partnerships Experiences • Walker Partnerships has conducted over 100 different types of special education program evaluations since 2004. In FY 12 Walker Partnerships conducted: • 9 District-Wide Evaluations • 4 District-Wide program specific Evaluations • 9 Building–Based Evaluations • 2 Specific Program Evaluations • Grants, 740 & 262, 1 District Walker Partnerships’ mission is to assist school district in building their capacity to serve students within the district through school-based wraparound services. Through a specific program or district-wide evaluation Walker Partnerships can assist you in building your capacity.

8. Contact us for a no obligation consultation for a program evaluation • Jim Earley, Managing Director of Walker Partnerships, 781-292-2178, jearley@walkerschool.org • Jim Shillinglaw, Southeast Region Associate Manager for WP, 339-237-7531, jshillinglaw@walkerschool.org • Bob McArdle, Northeast Region Associate Manager for WP, 781-898-8305, rmcardle@walkerschool.org