Greenville County Schools Overhauls Special Education Services

News Summary

Greenville County Schools is embarking on a comprehensive review of its special education services to address concerns raised by parents and improve support for over 12,500 students with disabilities. The district aims to enhance individual education plans through feedback from the community and collaboration with external consultants. A recent survey indicated strong parental engagement, leading to the planning of focus groups and community forums to gather further insights. The initiative seeks to rebuild trust with families and ensure that special education services meet the needs of all students effectively.

Greenville County Schools Set to Overhaul Special Education Services

In a proactive move to address ongoing concerns, Greenville County Schools (GCS) is embarking on a significant review of its special education services. The district, which currently supports over 12,500 students with disabilities, aims to ensure that each child’s unique needs are met effectively through their individual education plans (IEPs).

Response to Parental Advocacy

In recent months, parents have stepped forward with concerns regarding special education services, advocating for the creation of an advisory council. This council would focus on tackling districtwide special education issues, ensuring that families have a platform to share their insights and experiences. In December 2024, the GCS announced it would bring in external help to tackle these important discussions and the pressing need for enhanced special education services.

External Review Commences

To conduct this thorough review, the district has enlisted the help of The American Institute of Research, a well-respected nonprofit research organization. An entrance conference to kick off this collaboration is set for April 1, where both the external consultants and GCS administrators will lay the groundwork for a comprehensive evaluation.

What’s on the Agenda?

The review will cover a wide array of aspects related to special education, including current systems, procedures, policies, staffing, and how well these elements align with general education practices. It’s a thorough examination that aims to shine a light on both strengths and areas needing improvement.

Collecting Insights from the Community

To ensure a well-rounded assessment, the review will incorporate valuable feedback from parents, teachers, and administrators. A survey, which ran from January 16 to February 14, 2025, garnered an impressive 1,859 responses. Participants shared insights on various topics such as IEP development, student success, communication, and overall support for students with disabilities. This survey reflects a 15% return rate, highlighting active community engagement.

Moving Ahead with Focus Groups

Following the survey, GCS launched internal focus groups to dive deeper into the findings. Meetings involving principals and assistant principals have already taken place, with plans in motion for a teacher forum on March 27 to gather further input from special education teachers. The commitment to listening and gathering insights shows that GCS is dedicated to making meaningful changes.

Community Forums on the Horizon

Further enhancing community engagement, GCS plans to host community forums for parents and guardians at varied locations. These sessions, moderated by community leader Deb Sofield, will provide an opportunity for parents to voice their thoughts and help select representatives for the Shared Ownership Summits. These summits will involve a diverse set of stakeholders aimed at addressing pressing concerns and finding solutions together.

Building Trust and Accountability

Parents have expressed concerns that immediate establishment of the advisory council was not prioritized before launching the external review. Nonetheless, GCS is desiring to rebuild trust with families by embedding their insights into the decision-making process. The U.S. Department of Education has noted the relevance of advisory councils as best practices for local school systems, indicating a path forward for GCS.

Looking Ahead

Traci Hogan, the assistant superintendent for special education, pointed out that the last external review took place in 2014, highlighting the critical need for updated insights into special education services. The tragic death of an 8-year-old boy with autism earlier this year has further galvanized parents and the district, propelling them toward meaningful changes in special education services.

As GCS dives into this extensive review process, the community watches closely, hopeful that these initiatives will lead to better support systems for students with disabilities and a brighter future for all.

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Additional Resources

• Greenville Journal: Special Education in Greenville County Schools Undergoes Review Process
• Spectrum Local News: Greenville County Schools Special Education
• Food Service Director: Greenville County Schools Partnership with Special Ed Department
• Post and Courier: Greenville Schools Special Education Audit
• Wikipedia: Special Education