The School Committees Report
Special education update
School Committee members recently received an update from director of students services, Ruth Grube, on the special education programs and efforts underway in both districts. There are more than 800 students who live and attend Concord Public Schools and Concord Carlisle High School who have individual educational plans. Most students are in full or partial inclusion, with access to both the general education curriculum and general education peers.
Since conducting a comprehensive review of the special education approach in both districts in 2017, district leaders have added many programs to support students who require significant differentiation of the curriculum and additional assistance for them to access the curriculum. These programs have allowed more students to remain in the district to receive the services to support their individualized learning plan as opposed to attending out of district schools and programs. The presentation outlined more than a dozen programs within CPS and CCHS as well as the types of specialists who are available to support students. These include, but are not limited to, therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speed pathologists, behavior therapists and other professionals.