Contact: Beverly Wise , 601.835.6774 or bwise@jbhm.com

Special Education

A Quick Look
The goal of the Ed Group's Special Education (SPED) Initiative is to improve instruction for students with disabilities, thereby improving their academic achievement. A district's efforts in meeting federal and state accountability standards will improve through focus on classroom instruction, monitoring student academic progress, and quality educational programming.

A Closer Look
The Ed Group provides multi-levels of assistance to schools to improve the instruction of SPED students. This assistance is based on needs generated through classroom observations.

Building on each school's existing efforts, the services offered include:

• Observation of and mentorship on classroom instruction
• Review of referral process through teacher support teams
• Development of appropriate Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
• Determination of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
• Assessment of students with disabilities on state testing
• Effective inclusion practices (placement, grouping, collaboration, instructional strategies, and grading)
• Maximum benefit from resource and self-contained services
• Implementation of accommodations and modifications
• Evaluation of graduation rate - dropouts, diploma options, transition linkages, and work opportunities (occupational diploma)

Training options range from large group staff development settings for administrators, general educators, and SPED personnel to individual coaching within the classroom setting. A consultant will meet with the superintendent, SPED supervisor, and principal to discuss observations. Written reports of observations and improvement plans will be provided in a timely manner.

For more information on the Ed Group's Special Education services, contact your state director.