Lodi Unified School District September 2013

1. Special Education Program Review • Lodi Unified School District • September 2013 1

2. Study Overview • Special education is a necessary, high-cost program • However, this does not mean that costs are not manageable • This study provides an objective analysis and recommendations regarding how to positively impact the cost and quality of the special education program 2

3. Specific Study Questions • 1. Review staffing, organization, and utilization of the District’s Special Education Services program personnel • 2. The efficiency and effectiveness of related services including Katnich Community Day School and Turner Academy • 3. Efficiency of the current pre-referral processes and interventions • 4. Efficiency of the current instructional methods • 5. Review program data to identify areas of inconsistency and provide recommendations to address these areas • 6. A comprehensive cost analysis of the District’s Special Education Program and the applicable FAPE to students • 7. Review of the District’s IEP process and training of staff • 8. Review of contract services including cost effectiveness 3

4. Study Process • Findings and recommendations are based on multiple data points • Fiscal • Program Services • Organizational and Management Structure 4

5. Recommendations • Implement changes in Practice to Support Improved Program Quality Districtwide 5

6. Recommendations • Increase Professional Development Opportunities 6

7. Recommendations • Continue to Provide a Competitive Alternative to Non-Public School (NPS) Placements 7

8. Recommendations • Evaluate Preschool Impact and Support Early Intervention 8

9. Recommendations • Reduce Reliance on Contracted Services 9

10. Recommendations • Review the Local Plan 10

11. Recommendations • Restructure Special Education Department to Include Program Management Team 11

12. Recommendations • Review and Restructure Staffing 12

13. Questions and Discussion 13