Ensuring That Students With Disabilities Don’t Fall Through The Cracks - A Systematic Approach

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Franklin Day, Director of Student Support Services for Cheney School District in Washington, as they explore the district’s inclusive and systematic approach to supporting all students. This insightful conversation delves into Cheney’s focus on building an effective Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), balancing inclusionary practices with targeted interventions, and fostering collaboration among general and special education staff.

Key Takeaways:

• Inclusive Vision: Cheney School District aims for all students to graduate with skills for post-secondary education or work, and to be engaged, contributing community members.
• Balanced Inclusion: After moving to full inclusion, the district found some students needed more intensive, skill-based support before returning to general classrooms, leading to a more balanced approach.
• MTSS & Co-Teaching: The district is redeveloping its Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), focusing on tier one and two interventions delivered by classroom teachers, often in co-taught settings.
• Mindset Shift: A major challenge is moving staff from a “pass off” mentality to shared responsibility for all students, supported by regular professional development and collaborative planning.
• Targeted Professional Development: Ongoing, site-level PD and co-teaching training-often during lunch hours-have increased teacher participation and improved instructional collaboration.
• Leadership & Accountability: Principals are empowered as site leaders responsible for implementing PD and co-teaching practices, with district support and clear accountability.
• Community Diversity: Cheney serves a diverse population across three communities, including a college town, an Air Force base, and a higher-income area, requiring tailored approaches and resource allocation.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode

00:54 Meet Franklin Day: Director of Student Support Services

01:21 Understanding the Cheney School District

04:04 Challenges and Strategies for Inclusivity

07:19 Implementing Inclusionary Practices and MTSS

15:37 Leadership and Mindset Shifts

22:10 Franklin Day's Leadership Journey

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Franklin Day: cheneysd.org/services-support/student-support-services/department-directory

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



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