Washington Education Center

The Transitional Resource Room and Transitional Learning Classroom are an extension of the USD 428 schools and districts within the Barton County Special Services Special Education Cooperative (USD 355 Ellinwood, USD 403 Otis-Bison, USD 431 Hoisington). Together, we champion to stabilize behavior and build capacity in students so they can thrive within their base schools and communities.

The purpose of transitional classrooms is to serve as a temporary alternative placement designed to meet the unique needs of special education students who have significant emotional and behavioral challenges and are currently unable to appropriately participate, for all or a portion of their day, in the general education environment. Students have a range of cognitive abilities, are unable to function, and demonstrate significant social/emotional and interpersonal skill deficits. Students who attend a transitional classroom remain students in their general education classroom. It is the ultimate goal for all students to transition back to their general education classroom. The transitional classroom focuses a significant amount of time and attention on activities that encourage positive social skills and personal management skills for significant behaviors. Academic instruction continues to be a part of each student’s program, but may be modified to accommodate each student’s current emotional/behavioral status. Regular collaboration with general education teachers, support staff, and parents is essential to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to each student's education. The transitional classroom facilitates continued integration by cultivating essential skills for students, building home school staff capacity, fostering collaboration between the student’s team, and providing continuity of instruction. Specific services vary according to individualized student needs. 

PTRC is YOUR Make and Take Headquarters!

Need a space to draw, paint, craft, etc.? The Parent Teacher Resource Center (PTRC) is a way USD 428 gives back to our community. It is designed for people of all experience levels. PTRC is a great place for parents to make items from teaching aids to birthday invitations. Students can make posters and display boards for their speeches and school projects. The PTRC is also open to the community and is utilized by school districts, businesses, churches, clubs,  and fairs. The PTRC offers support with individual projects! Check out their website for more information. 

The gifted department provides services for students in our member district who are identified as gifted.  Services include interest-based projects, career exploration, and college preparation.  Students may compact or accelerate their curriculum as necessary to meet their academic needs.  Specific services may vary according to the student's needs.