Special thanks also to the Teachers, Therapists, and Consulting Teachers who also joined us. Our students are well cared for!
Dr. Elise Frattura, who joined us last year at the PTSA Conference from UW-Milwaukee, was the key presenter at our August School Leaders Institute, and was amazed by the progress she's seen in Seattle's capacity to provide powerful services for students with disabilities. Here is here reflection:
In October of 2007 I was part of a team of evaluators who completed an on-site review of Seattle Public Schools in regards to students with disabilities. At that time I was surprised by the seemingly high level of comfort in perpetuating a program model, (or reactionary model) as a way to meet the individual needs of learners with disabilities. A short three years later the ground work has been laid for sustainable change in support of a proactive service delivery model for all learners.
The momentum was tangible at the leadership institute this summer for school principals. That is, so many school districts make the mistake of leading such a transformation through special education. Seattle is different. The fact that site leadership and central office curriculum and instruction own the importance of proactive services for all learners says that Seattle is situated and making significant gains in support of high quality instructional and behavioral supports for each and every child! I truly wish you the best and am excited for what the future holds for Seattle Public School children.
Thank you families and teachers for your leadership and partnership, and thank you for sharing your students with us!
