The mandate to ensure students with special needs receive an adequate education continues to challenge Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS). The system’s director of special education told the Calvert County Board of Education (BOE) Thursday, Aug. 15 that the program has enjoyed much recent success but will have a long list of obstacles to tackle during the 2013-2014 school year.
“The goal is for all students to achieve educational success,” said Christina Harris, who presented an update on CCPS Department of Education. Harris said her department ensures “each student receives a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in a general education/least restrictive environment to the maximum extent possible.”
The goal is to have the students graduate from high school, college and become career-ready.
As of last October, the number of CCPS students receiving special education totaled 1,505, just shy of 9.5 percent. Calvert’s special education’s numbers overall have declined slightly. There are some categories where Calvert is ahead of the state average. They are special language, autism and other health impaired.
Harris indicated CCPS’ programs for autistic students may have a high enrollment due to parents moving to Calvert because of its strong reputation in that area. “Our programs that target autism are very good,” said Harris. “Word gets around.”
To accomplish the goals of the program, Harris said staff begins developing individual education programs for students, in many cases at a very early age. There is collaboration with all of the school system’s departments and with parents and families.
Harris reported the accomplishments made during the 2012-2013 school year include strides in co-teaching, Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI)-trained school teams, inclusive special pre-kindergarten, an Infants and Toddlers Program that meets requirements
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