The Final Report - Malcolm Shabazz City High School, Madison WI

Decision Item #21:Background:REDUCE/REORGANIZE THE PROGRAM SUPPORT FTE FOR SPECIALEDUCATION (ELIMINATION OF 3.0 PROGRAM SUPPORT TEACHERPOSITIONS)The Department of Educational Services, Division of Special Education, isresponsible to deliver specially designed instruction and related servicesto students with disabilities. The Division of Special Education hasdedicated program support teachers to assist in the implementation ofthose services.Specifically, program support teachers function like “master teachers,” andperform the following functions:• Serve as special education teacher on initial IEP (IndividualizedEducation Programs) evaluations – this is part of the District’s centrallycoordinated IEP system (CCIS)• Serve as facilitator for IEP meetings to determine manifestation relatedto expulsion recommendations• Provide professional development services to staff• Respond to staff requests for supportAlthough the law does not specify a level of support required for specialeducation, the Federal law that governs delivery of special educationservices (IDEA 97) does require that individual plans include a statementof program modifications or supports that will be provided for schoolpersonnel. Program support teachers (PST) play a crucial role in ensuringthat these supports to staff are in place.In addition to the functions identified above, program support teachersplay a variety of roles that vary with their designation, includingcoordinating professional development for all special education staff andserving on the collaborative school reform project. In addition, some PST’sare dedicated to particular functional areas (including autism, assistivetechnology, occupational and physical therapy, technology, and earlychildhood). Five PST positions implement specific mandated programs,including 1.0 early childhood, 2.0 child find, and 1.5 private parochial –assisting with screenings, public information and child identification).Workload figures provided by the Department indicate that the programsupport teachers complete approximately 600 IEP evaluations annually(an average of approximately 32 per PST primarily assigned toevaluations). Program support teachers also complete approximately 75manifestation determinations annually. In 2000-2001, program supportteachers responded to 214 requests for support from staff, including 104autism requests, 39 staff training requests, and 71 student specificrequests. These requests for support are directly related to implementingstudents’ IEP’s.Virchow, Krause & Co. LLP Page 104March 11, 2002