Schools

Pluses, Minuses For Waltham Special Education: Report

The School Committee received a consultant's analysis earlier this week.

WALTHAM, MA — Special education at Waltham Public Schools draws on highly committed staff and a wide range of support services, an expert believes, but falls short in how those services are delivered.

Education consultant Jessica Thompson presented her findings to the School Committee on Tuesday night, the Waltham Times reported. She said the district’s seven specialized programs often move students about but don’t foster a consistent environment to help them succeed.

Thompson was contracted last year to provide autism staff training but then expanded her role to examine the district’s overall approach to special ed.

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She said Waltham Public Schools should focus on improving coordination and delivery of services, rather than adding new programs or staff positions.

To read the Waltham Times coverage, click here.

Find out what's happening in Walthamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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