April 2008 A Culture of Collaboration By Van W. Riley, Ph.D., Superintendent, Huntington Beach Union High School District

 

 

Board President Dr. Michael Simons recently presented an article about special education in School News, a free local newspaper that keeps our community updated on our high schools and elementary schools.  Here is Dr. Simons’ article:

 

The Huntington Beach Union High School District has long established strong relationships with its feeder elementary districts: Huntington Beach City School District, Fountain Valley School District, Ocean View School District and Westminster School District.  The value of this collaboration is especially apparent in the area of special education as evident through the activities of the West Orange County Consortium for Special Education (WOCCSE).  Housed at the Huntington Beach Union High School District Office, WOCCSE supports a full complement of special education services for students and fosters cooperation within the local districts for coordination between regular and special education.  While other districts throughout California are supported by special education local plan areas, WOCCSE is unique in its hands-on approach to meeting the needs of students and parents. 

 

With WOCCSE’s leadership, the districts share common special education procedures, trainings, and parent education programs, thus enhancing resources and decreasing costs. For example, the districts now all use a computerized, web-based system to streamline paperwork requirements (such as the development of Individualized Education Program plans) which increases articulation between schools and staff.  WOCCSE staff consults with districts and IEP teams when additional expertise is needed, especially in the areas of low incidence disabilities, autism, and emotional disturbance.  WOCCSE supports staff through common trainings in instructional strategies, legal procedures, classroom management, and behavioral intervention.  Additionally, WOCCSE facilitates meetings that allow professionals, such as psychologists and program specialists, to meet and collaborate with colleagues from other districts.  At times, WOCCSE will assist district personnel in locating expert resources from one of the other districts or a community agency.  For example, the Huntington Beach Union High School District shares reading intervention strategies, such as trainings, to elementary teachers.  WOCCSE also works very closely with key HBUHSD personnel in implementing a successful transition from middle school to high school.  It is not unusual to see WOCCSE staff visiting incoming students.

 

A culture of collaboration among the districts has been the strength of WOCCSE, which has resulted in better programs and the ability to meet the needs of these special students.