2010-11-13 LPS - Student Services Staffing & Financial Assessment

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43 7. Conclusions and Recommendations Given the many graphs, charts, and statistics included in this report is easy to lose the big picture in all the details. Taking a step back, the research indicates much to be proud of and a number of opportunities to simultaneously increase student learning while reducing costs. Our conclusions and recommendations are intentionally targeted, rather than comprehensive, in the belief that a short list is better than a long one. Ý±³³»²¼¿¬·±² 1. The special education achievement gap is small, compared to like districts in the state. While still striving to continuously improve student achievement, the district should be proud that students with special needs achieve at higher levels than like communities. The gap narrows at the older grades, indicating the longer students are in the system the greater the benefit. 2. The district has a culture of high expectations and a drive for continuous improvement. Lexington is one of the highest performing districts in the state, yet it actively and aggressively works to improve outcomes for students. During interviews with 100 plus people, no one seemed content to rest on past success. Both staff and leadership spoke candidly and passionately about ways to further improve. 3. Programs for students with severe special needs are widely praised. Parents, teachers and administrators all are very pleased with the district’s programs to serve students with significant special needs. They felt that these were high quality classes that provided much needed services. The programs allow students to interact with their typical peers, remain in their community and are very cost effective. 4. The identification rate of students with special needs is typical for the state. It is not common to praise being average, but affluent school districts tend to have above average rates of referral to special education. Given the lack of formal eligibility criteria, this is especially commendable. This success is possible, in large part, by a great deal of intervention and oversight by central office administrators. 5. Very high levels of service and staffing. The district has made an enormous financial commitment to serving students with special needs. Staffing levels are very high, caseloads are small, and a desire to help as many children as possible exists. As the financial environment has worsened, the district has been proactive and thoughtful to find cost effective ways to serve children well. The District Management Council 7 Harcourt Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116 - Tel:1877-DMC-3500 | Fax:617-491-5266 |www.dmcouncil.org