Teamwork helps Dallas ISD get rid of unprocessed referrals for Particular Schooling companies
Thanks to a team that works and works together, Dallas ISD has successfully cleared a backlog of approximately 2,000 unprocessed referrals for special education services.
Nearly 400 Dallas ISD employees have been working to handle the backlog since late May.
As part of the district’s ongoing commitment to educate all students, the Dallas ISD discovered approximately 2,000 unprocessed assessments and recommendations for special education services back then last spring. The program is one of the fastest growing areas in the district.
To work on the backlog, the Dallas ISD Special Education Team has contacted each family by phone, email, and in person with an unprocessed review or referral. The parents then decided whether to agree or disagree with a student evaluation for special needs education. The district has up to 45 days to complete the assessment after parental consentbut is working on completing the evaluations much earlier.
“There is still a lot to do, but it is amazing how a team with a common vision, a common goal and a common deadline can race to the finish line and pick each other up,” says Gena Koster, Deputy Superintendent of Special Population Groups. “We strive not only to work through the backlog, but also to revise the processes, inputs and expectations that have led to this problem.”
Dallas ISD has partnered with Stetson & Associates to a Nationally recognized firm supporting special schools across the country to redefine the district’s processes and procedures.
Koster added that the county will work diligently to ensure that such a backlog never occurs again.
“We made the first corner, but we still have room for growth and improvement,” said Koster. “With a team dedicated to meeting the needs of every student, we are confident that we will make sure Everyone our students CAN!. “
To learn more about the backlog visit www.dallasisd.org/spedforward.
