LMSD has an ongoing commitment to "looking in the mirror" by using program evaluation for organizational learning. Special Education was selected as an area of focus for the 2019-2020 school year, the fifth year of operation under a new administrative structure for the department.
The LMSD Evaluation Leadership Team determined the focus of the evaluation collaboratively with project leaders from Improve Group and WestEd during a two-day, onsite planning workshop in December 2019. The key topics and evaluation questions are provided below.
How effective is the administrative structure at supporting students, families, and staff in meeting special education requirements?
How effective is the administrative structure at supporting students, families, and staff in increasing outcomes for students with disabilities?
Special Education Referrals: How appropriate are the referrals to special education in the effort to prevent disproportionate identification?
Specially-Designed Instruction: To what extent is instruction in LMSD effective for special education students?
Meaningful Inclusion: How can inclusion be made more meaningful and effective at LMSD?
Blind Spots: What are the current and emerging areas in special education that warrant systematic change or a deliberate response?