FUHSD special ed programs being refined

Contrary to rumors, Asperger's Center not being shut down

The Fallbrook Union High School District has announced that it will refine its special education instructional program, contrary to rumors that the department was undergoing budget cuts and eliminating parts of its program. The information was presented to the board of trustees at the April 13 meeting, with various parents of students in the program present.

According to Dr. Stephanie Osowski, the department head of special education for the district, the goal of the department is to provide free and appropriate education with as consistent of an environment as possible.

"We need to provide a continuum of services rather than send students out," said Osowski. "We can keep them on campus."

Currently, the FUHSD special education department addresses the needs of approximately 325 students identified with learning, emotional, and physical needs. Support programs range from core content courses with specialized instructional supports to individual needs based on mental, learning and physical disability.

"At our heart, we want to send a consistent message that what we are doing is ensuring a successful program," said Osowski. "We don’t want teachers to check a box; we want them to work with fidelity to each student’s intervention model."

In order to insure this, Osowski stated there would be more professional development for classified paraprofessionals and teachers who work with students with special needs. This did not require any of the current programs to be dissolved.

Before the information regarding the special education department’s plans was presented, several parents spoke before the board, voicing concerns that parts of the department – specifically the Asperger’s Center – was going to be dissolved. Parents of students who use the program, former students, and even an attorney in support of the program voiced their strong displeasure at the idea of the program being removed. Osowski stated that the parents and board were able to meet earlier in the week as a way to clarify what was happening to the programs. However, some still did not understand what was planned.

"All we are doing is a shift so that we work more effectively," said Osowski. "We can do better, and we have considered adding another learning center. We were never going to do away with the Asperger’s Center."

James O’Donnell, a board trustee asked if any of the changes were illegal, and Osowski clarified saying that all changes were perfectly legal. She also added that any individual in a position at the center would have specialized training on the autism/Asperger’s spectrum.

"We want to add an additional paraprofessional and certificated staff member in [the Asperger's Center]," said Osowski. "We had originally intended to allow other IEP students to refocus in the center and use the room, and we were going to look for an alternative facility with its own restroom."

Osowski then stated that there would be no other IEP students using the Asperger’s Center, and any transition to a new facility would be done slowly, so that the students could become accustomed to the transition.

Trustee Lee De Meo commended what Osowski had presented, stating this was an example of the district listening to parents' concerns.

Sharon Koehler, the board president, stated that this was a prime example of the benefit that comes from talking directly to the district with concerns.

"There was a lot of misinformation out there, and we are sorry that the misconception was allowed to spread," she said. "When someone in the community has a concern or perceived concern, it’s important to consult the people with answers. I do not recommend using social media to find answers because there are too many rumors that are simply not true. One community member phoned me, and found an easy answer."