Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is developing a Special Education Enhancement Plan that will enhance outcomes for students with disabilities and support the goals in the Division Strategic Plan.

In response to a request from the School Board, an external review of FCPS’ special education program was conducted by the American Institute for Research (AIR) which began December 2020 with the final report being presented at the October 4, 2022 School Board Work Session.

AIR was charged with four (4) goals:

1. Evaluate the system’s design, structure, and established processes
2. Evaluate the adequacy of human capital resources
3. Analyze the alignment of services with evidence-based practices
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of communication with stakeholders

Utilizing data from AIR’s special education report, in conjunction with other objective data sources, FCPS will partner with students, staff, parents/guardians, and content experts to develop a comprehensive special education enhancement plan to be completed by May 2023. Plan execution will begin in June 2023.

Focus Areas

The Special Education Enhancement Plan will center on the following four (4) focus areas:

1. Instructional Delivery
2. Special Education Processes
3. Communication
4. Staff Capacity
    

Timeline

• Phase I: Engage
  Fall 2021 - December 9, 2022
• Phase II: Focus
  December 12, 2022 - May 26, 2023
• Phase III: Execute
  June 1, 2023 - July 31, 2026

View the detailed Special Education Enhancement Plan Schedule
 

Planning Teams

Under the direction of the Division Superintendent, the Chief Academic Officer and Assistant Superintendent for Special Services will serve as project sponsors and provide support for the Steering Committee. They will meet regularly with the Implementation Team Co-Chairs and Project Managers to foster the development of a comprehensive plan. 

In addition to those who serve on the School Board, Steering Committee or Implementation Teams, there will be multiple opportunities for stakeholders, both internal and external to the organization, to receive updates and provide feedback on the plan development.

Steering Committee
Internal and external stakeholders with diverse representation (e.g. school level, region, disability, etc.).

Implementation Teams
Multi-disciplinary team of FCPS staff with diverse content expertise.

School Board Engagement

The School Board will receive updates regarding the draft plan and provide feedback on the draft during specified periods of the development process as outlined in the plan schedule.

• October 4, 2022
  • AIR Special Education Review Report
  • AIR Special Education Review Presentation
• November 15, 2022
  • YouTube Recording: Special Education Comprehensive Review
  • Current and Near Future Special Education Actions Supportive of the American Institute for Research’s (AIR) Recommendations
  • Special Education Enhancement Plan Schedule

Questions or feedback?

Email us at [email protected]