We are nearing the completion of phase two, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which is part of the SPS Special Education Department improvement plan with the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). We are pleased to report that 4 of 5 of our regions met verification standards in the MOU including: Northwest, Southwest, Central, and Northeast regions. As a result, $2,000,000 of federal IDEA part B monies has been returned to Seattle Public Schools. The Southeast Region and Central office are in the final stages of the review process.

In a follow up survey to the MOU, principals, teachers, school staff and service providers felt fully supported through the process. They also indicated that the Summer Leadership Summit was valuable and believed their school practices had improved as a result of participating in the MOU process.

Continuum-approach to Services-Shifting the collective mindset and practice:

We are in the midst of restructuring our practices and the way we meet the needs of each and every student with an IEP, rather than trying to fit students into defined programs.

• Orientation sessions have begun for all Seattle Schools as Program Specialists visit school teams with information about the shift to a Continuum approach to services.
• School Leaders are invited to participate in regional Continuum Coffee Conversations over the months of May and June as part of their ongoing professional development and support.
• Plans for Star Mentor teams are underway in an effort to formalize and coordinate a system of mentorships for new teachers. The second annual Summer Institute will include learning tracks for Instructional Assistants, newly hired teachers, teachers of Social Emotional Services. All course offerings will include follow up for new teachers.

Recruitment of Special Education teachers:

Recruitment teams have been present at 9 in-state events as well as events in Portland, Oregon, Michigan, Western New York, and Minnesota. The current recruitment efforts have resulted in 75 signed Contingency contracts for Special Education teachers. At this time, 3 newly hired Psychologists as well as interviews for Speech Language Pathologists and Occupational and Physical Therapist staff.

We continue to build on the work described above as we act on our belief that every student in Seattle Public schools deserves membership, challenge, support and achievement.

We value our critical partnership with our families.

With gratitude,

Wyeth Jessee

Executive Director of Special Education Services