We know how busy today’s special educators are – so we are focused on narrowing the strategies for improving special education to a short list of the most impactful changes. Our structured, step-by-step approach breaks the tasks down into small, manageable increments. By combining inclusive, cross department teams and systemic change management tools the process is enjoyable and appreciated by staff.
Our team of experienced consultants will work with districts to review and analyze your district’s current programs and benchmark
Opportunities Review for School Districts - An opportunities review includes a systematic study of your district’s current special education and general education services, programs, procedures, staffing, and costs. Based on this data, 75 specific strategies to lower cost and increase student achievement are evaluated and the highest potential ideas for your district are identified. A detailed road map outlining current commendable practices, the three to five highest impact opportunities and projected benefits will be provided in a final report.
Service Review for Collaboratives and Regional Service Centers – Using the proven strategies from our Opportunities Review, we will analyze the effectiveness and cost-efficiency and identify ways to help collaboratives be even more useful and beneficial to their member districts.
Our help doesn’t end with a bound report. Our team of veteran educators and consultants provide ongoing support throughout the implementation process.
Project management- DMC works with your district team to implement the changes outlined in the opportunities review.
Professional Development - By incorporating change management strategies with our special education expertise, we ensure that opportunities are turned into reality.
Tools to Ease Implementation – DMC has developed a menu of professional development offerings to provide the knowledge and understanding staff need to embrace best practices.
Monitoring and Refining to Assure Success – Systemic change requires a long term commitment. DMC can provide maintenance and monitoring to make sure that old habits don’t creep back and to bring new staff up to speed quickly. Our monthly reporting allows special education leadership to track results and adjust accordingly.
This program will ensure the success of your new Director of Special Education. In addition to conducting our opportunities review, we support and coach the new director through the most impactful strategies for improving achievement while lowering costs for a seamless integration into the District.
Working closely with districts teams, we use a variety of tools and techniques to ensure success. We utilize a thoughtful, proven plan to get the best results for districts.
Research - We gather a thorough knowledge base about the district’s we help using a variety of research techniques, including:
Analysis – Our team of experts reviews the research to:
Sharing – Our team will present a draft report to small groups of district leaders. This report will outline findings and identify three to five highest leverage opportunities.
Planning – After sharing and refining the report, DMC will host a retreat to develop implementation plans to convert opportunity into reality.
"The Opportunity Review created focus, energy and a practical plan. It took a complicated issue and made it manageable. The review was our launching pad for continuous improvements. Both children and the budget will benefit."
Frank Alvarez, Superintendent, Montclair Public Schools (NJ)
