Pasadena Unified Board to Discuss Special Education Action Plan

The Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education is set to discuss the district’s Special Education Action Plan during a special meeting on Thursday.

Of the roughly 15,200 students in the PUSD, 2,536 of them — or about 17 percent — receive special education services or support, according to a staff report prepared by PUSD Associated Superintendent of Specialized Student Support/SELPA Marco Villegas and Interim Director of Special Education Larry Brunson Jr.

The discussion will essentially focus on setting goals for improvement in the district special education services over the next few years, said Board of Education Vice President Scott Phelps.

“The purpose of this memo is to introduce our detailed and comprehensive action plan that provides answers to questions by the Board and lays out our sustainability efforts that will move the Division forward,” the report states. “Our plan is guided by the mindset of continuous improvement and innovation that will provide educational benefit to all students in the Pasadena Unified School District receiving special education supports and services.”

The study session was to focus on eight specified areas, including Division of Special Education vision and goals with clear metrics for success; plans for effective budget management; a comprehensive plan for improved student outcomes which will include inclusive practices; a plan for the reduction of special education litigation and restoration of trust with PUSD families; a plan for systems to address compliance, operations, and governance; a plan for improvement of current systems and structures within the Division of Special Education; a plan for proactive systems and processes of quality control; and a plan for utilization of data for effective decision making to increase transparency and communication, according to the report.

The intention was to set out a sustainable strategy to be rolled out over the coming years, “no matter who the team members are within the Division,” the report said.

Thursday’s PUSD Board of Education meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. and can be viewed online at pusd.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=15.