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Why Conduct a District-Wide Evaluation of Special Education Programs & Services?. Walker Partnerships A Division of Walker Needham, Ma. Strength of Programs & Services. A district-wide evaluation will identify what special education programs & services are working effectively
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Why Conduct a District-Wide Evaluation of Special Education Programs & Services? Walker Partnerships A Division of Walker Needham, Ma.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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