3. ASK recommends that MBUSD study inclusion models in San Francisco USD
(which recently, pursuant to a consent decree, has completely restructured its
educational system to function as one system serving the needs of all students),
Nevada, Utah and Vermont. The reality is that at one time, the Meadows inclusion
project here in MBUSD gave parents and their children hope that the district was
headed in the right direction. Unfortunately, it appears that that model, as
well as all the knowledge and experience gained as a result of that two year
project, no longer exists. ASK recommends that all MBUSD schools adopt the
"Meadows" model as a starting point toward developing more inclusive
schools..
4. ASK recommends that MBUSD follow recommendations and research provided at
both the state and federal level. Examples include the California Special
Education Reading Task Force publication "The California Reading Initiative
and Special Education in California: Critical Ideas Focusing on Meaningful
Reform," and Congressional findings in connection with the 1997
reauthorization of IDEA which stated that "...the implementation of this
Act [IDEA] has been impeded by low expectations, and an insufficient focus on
applying replicable research on proven methods of teaching and learning for
children with disabilities." We also encourage MBUSD to follow the
"Best Practices" guidelines offered by the state of California with
regard to students with disabilities and to utilize the most current research
available.
5. ASK recommends that MBUSD form an all-inclusive "Special Needs
Advisory Committee" which would represent all student stakeholders,
including gifted and special education students. We recommend the committee
consist of the following: at least one Board member; Assistant Superintendent,
Educational Services; Director of Curriculum; Coordinator of Special Education;
Assistant Principal-Curriculum, MCHS; Program Specialist, MCHS and MBMS;
Vice-Principal, MBMS; one elementary principal; one Educational Support
Specialist; Elementary GATE Specialist; Elementary Program Specialist, two
teachers each from the elementary, middle school and high schools; three parents
each [representing special education, GATE and typical children] from the
elementary, middle school and high schools.
The purpose of this Committee will be to:
A. Review and assess current MBUSD special needs programs across the spectrum
of need;
B. Research state and national special needs programs; and
C. Design the MBUSD special needs programs for the years 2000-2004.
