The School District of Lee County is changing its Exceptional Student Education (ESE) delivery model \u2014 to the cluster school model \u2014 meaning students will be changing schools for their accommodations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ultimate goal is to enhance student outcomes, better support staff and maximize district resources,\u201d Student Services Senior Director Rachel Gould said at the school board\u2019s workshop on March 10.<\/p>\n
When looking at student outcomes, the data reveals concerning achievement gaps when comparing students with disabilities in Lee County to the state average, she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNationwide teacher and speech teacher shortage is acutely impacting the ability to meet demands,\u201d Gould said.<\/p>\n
The current resource distribution is financially unsustainable \u2014 as the current spending significantly exceeds budget limits.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn order to protect the integrity of instructional programs we need to align spending with student outcomes,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The district is shifting from \u201cdiluted resources to centers of excellence.\u201d Resources are spread too thin across multiple campuses which is resulting in the loss of instructional time to travel and equipment underutilization, Gould said.<\/p>\n
The cluster school model concentrates specific programs to ensure specialized resources, equipment and expert staff are pushed directly to students who need them. The clusters include functional and life skills, social communication, and behavioral support.<\/p>\n
There are three strategic pillars: benefits for students, teacher retention and staff support, and itinerant efficiency and resource optimization.<\/p>\n
She said the transformation includes putting meaningful cohorts together \u2014 for example students who are 18-22 years old.<\/p>\n
For these students, the \u201ctransition work study\u201d hubs will be located at North Fort Myers High School, Cape Coral High School, Lehigh Senior High School and Bonita Springs High School. The hubs will focus on pre-employment skills and community-based instruction with age-appropriate peer groups.<\/p>\n
Gould said the clustering also fosters professional collaboration to share resources and support one another.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt allows for clearer definitions of service delivery models,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
In addition, speech, occupational therapist, physical therapist and behavioral specialist will recover drive time for direct student instruction through the clustering model.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a very significant transition. We are committed to being transparent with parents, schools and families. We are looking at really taking these resources and putting them together to do what is best for students,\u201d ESE Assistant Director Scott Kozlowski said.<\/p>\n
Transition is a two-year implementation with the data audit \u2014 phase one \u2014 already completed. He said they reviewed the individualized education plan (IEP) and separated them into categories to ensure needs were going to be met.<\/p>\n
The second phase is staff and resources, the third phase is communication, and the fourth phase is master schedule alignment.<\/p>\n
Principals at the schools where the student is enrolled are making phone calls to the parents this week to let them know where their child\u2019s new school will be, Gould said. Calls will be followed up with a letter.<\/p>\n
After the presentation, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ken Savage said during his fifth year of teaching in Gainesville, he became a brand-new ESE teacher in a cluster-type of setting.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was an incredible environment for students and teachers. A more robust support system,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is good for students, for teachers and it is a much more efficient model.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once the presentation concluded, Board Member Melisa Giovannelli asked multiple questions that stemmed around logistics, transportation and teacher retention.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am worried about the transition. ESE budgets are larger than regular budgets. How does it affect the budget to the school?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n
Giovannelli said the transition is a drastic change.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am worried about the rollout for it be next year without unintentional consequences. I would like to see this piloted first,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Board Member Vanessa Chaviano said her understanding is they have a group of teachers who travel to each school based on the zone.<\/p>\n
\u201cTraveling is already happening. Now we are asking them not to travel as much. These schools selected are already equipped. In terms of the dollars, the dollars follow the children with those accommodations,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n