{"id":2213,"date":"2025-09-18T20:44:23","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T20:44:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bend.k12.or.us\/the-special-edge\/?p=2213"},"modified":"2025-09-19T14:43:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T14:43:13","slug":"special-edge-september-18-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bend.k12.or.us\/the-special-edge\/2025\/09\/18\/special-edge-september-18-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"SPECIAL EDGE SEPTEMBER 18, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Acuity-Based Staffing Model:<\/strong> FROM: Sean Reinhart, MS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I want to share some information about changes to our staffing model this year.\u00a0 This information was shared with building leaders in August, and we believe it important that you all understand the changes to our staffing formula so that you make needed adjustments.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The SPED department can report that overall staffing levels have remained stable from last year to this year.  That said, over the past four years, the district has experienced a considerable increase in the number of students receiving special education services \u2014 an increase of 269 students<\/strong>. Concurrently, we have observed a notable rise in the number of students presenting with complex behavioral and emotional support needs. Although we have seen increasing demands, special education staffing levels have remained flat, prompting the need for an update to our special education staffing formula, particularly about the assignment of Inclusion Educational Assistants (EAs) at school sites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To adjust staffing levels, we have discontinued the \u201call IEP weight\u201d staffing factor that was used to help place Inclusion EAs.  The \u201call IEP weight\u201d factor provided some Inclusion EA staffing based on the school\u2019s total number of students with an IEP, regardless of needs. Within this acuity-based staffing model, Inclusion EA allocations have been determined by individual student need and level of support required.  Under this model, students are identified through a collaborative process involving school-based teams, case managers, and Student Services administrators, and coaches. This process includes a review of the staffing needs assessments completed by case managers, direct observation of students by learning specialists, coaches and admin, consultation with school staff, and IEP review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why does this matter?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, Inclusion EA staffing is designated exclusively to support students with the highest acuity needs. Students with mild disabilities are not factored into the EA staffing formula.\u00a0 It is important for you to recognize this and make any adjustments to staffing schedules.\u00a0 We understand that this represents a shift, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and open communication throughout the implementation process. The Student Services administrative and coaching teams are available to partner with building administrators and teams to review and discuss staffing allocations, support the development of schedules, consult on service delivery models for specially designed instruction, and strategize student grouping to maximize support and efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you all for you dedication to your students and ensuring that they have access to a great education.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Manage Student Teams<\/strong>-from Shannon Watters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re currently experiencing an issue with the Manage Student Teams<\/em> feature. Right now, the ability to mass add a person to a student\u2019s team is unavailable. We know this is inconvenient and appreciate your patience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what\u2019s happening:<\/p>\n\n\n\n