Introduction
In the realm of special education, the challenge of improving graduation rates for students with disabilities, particularly those with emotional disturbances (ED), is a pressing concern. The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) has been at the forefront of addressing this issue through the State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) and the State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) initiative known as Grad 701. This blog delves into the key strategies and activities outlined in the updated NDSSIP-SPDG Action Plan for 2024-25 and 2025-26, which aims to enhance the educational outcomes for these students.
Understanding the Grad 701 Initiative
The Grad 701 initiative is an ambitious plan to improve graduation rates for students with disabilities in North Dakota. With a focus on students with emotional disturbances and Native American students, the initiative seeks to achieve a measurable increase in graduation rates from 60.22% in 2013-14 to 67.63% by 2025-26. This goal is pursued through a series of strategic actions that involve professional development, technical assistance, and the implementation of Early Warning Systems (EWIMS) and Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs).
Key Strategies for Success
- Messaging: The Grad 701 Team emphasizes positive messaging to re-engage students who are disengaged from school. The initiative, titled "More Than Behavior," aims to raise awareness about behavior prevention and support.
- Inter- and Cross-Departmental Alignment: Collaboration across departments and agencies is crucial for creating a coordinated support system for schools and families. Regular communication and alignment of efforts are prioritized to achieve common goals.
- Statewide Analysis: Conducting statewide data collection and analysis helps in understanding the graduation outcomes and needs for students with disabilities. This analysis informs the development of targeted interventions.
- Expansion of EBPs and Professional Development: By expanding the number of NDDPI-supported EBPs and training efforts, educators, administrators, and families gain access to high-quality training on EBPs, systems-level change, and family engagement.
- Family Engagement: Developing a comprehensive family engagement system ensures meaningful participation of families in Grad 701 initiatives, supporting their children's education effectively.
Implementation and Monitoring
The Grad 701 initiative involves a meticulous process of implementation and monitoring to ensure its success. Key activities include:
- Selection and onboarding of new cohort schools, providing them with EWIMS training and coaching support.
- Ongoing coaching and technical assistance to existing cohort schools to address implementation challenges.
- Engagement with families through listening sessions and the development of resources to support their involvement.
- Partnerships with higher education institutions to integrate EWIMS, EBPs, and family engagement strategies into teacher preparation programs.
- Development of a chatbot to provide easy access to information about EWIMS, EBPs, and family engagement strategies.
Conclusion
The NDSSIP-SPDG Action Plan for 2024-25 and 2025-26 is a comprehensive approach to improving graduation rates for students with disabilities in North Dakota. Through strategic actions, collaboration, and continuous support, the Grad 701 initiative aims to create a positive impact on the educational outcomes of these students. By fostering a supportive environment for students, educators, and families, the initiative seeks to pave the way for a brighter future for all students with disabilities.
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