Study: Better 'Communication' Needed to Improve NHS Special Ed

"Communication" and "inconsistent approaches" to collecting data to aid struggling students are among the biggest areas in need of improvement within North Hampton School’s special education program, according to an independent review of the program.

The Hampton Union has reported the study, released on Dec. 20 by district-hired consultant Dr. P. Alan Pardy, found that while there are positives within the program — such as the school’s sterling New England Common Assessment Program scores — there are also several issues that could be fixed to help improve services and avoid a repeat of the $157,000 spent in special education legal expenses between 2008 and 2012.

"North Hampton's recent experience with complaints, due process hearings, mediations and one federal civil court appearance indicate the dissatisfaction of a small number of parents, and it may indicate that communications and negotiation patterns need to be improved," reads the report, according to the Hampton Union. "At the very least, the school might want to look at these cases with the intention of learning what not to do in the future."

A group of parents have raised numerous concerns over the past several years — particularly in the past year — about NHS’ special education program and the administrative mindset hindering the program. Several have spoken out during public sessions against deficiencies in the program and in support of the independent review, which was prompted by these concerns and three legal complaints against the district.

There were 17 total recommendations made in the report, according to the Hampton Union, which reported the North Hampton School Board will likely review and discuss them at its public meeting in early January.