“Deep dive” review finds Knox County Schools needs to do a better job making resources available to special education students and English learners
A “deep dive” review of student support services by Knox County Schools (KCS) found challenges providing resources to special education students and English language learners.
That review of the district’s Student Success Division found many parents of these students were unsure where to find resources and a general need for improved communication with families.
“I truly believe that if everyone viewed all children with disabilities, ESL (English as a second language), and RTI (response to intervention) needs as their own child and were willing to work together to ensure their success – to brainstorm ways to help these kids improve, we would all be better. This includes communication, accommodation, and adding staff,” said one parent during engagement.
The Student Success Division is led by Assistant Superintendent Jason Myers who presented the interim progress for the deep dive review to the KCS Board of Education Monday.
“Our district as well as the Division of Student Success are committed to the pursuit of continuous improvement, and we do believe that this review will provide us with important feedback as we continue that pursuit,” said Myers.
The Student Success Division works to bring together student supports, school culture, and special education teams to provide schools and their students with the support tools needed.
In February, Superintendent Jon Rysewyk announced a thorough review of the policies, procedures, and practices in the KCS Student Success Division, focusing on response to intervention, special education, and English language learners.
The Student Success Division began by gathering input during the winter from families with students who qualify for these services through family surveys. The review then moved to family focus groups during spring.
The Student Success Division has additionally formed a special education task force that plans to continue meeting over the summer to generate recommendations and key findings to share with the board in August.
Additional engagements are planned for ELL families.
