Specialized Student Services reports DLM participation and low proficiency percentages for ICT students

Heather Gray, principal of Specialized Student Services, presented an overview of the district’s Intensive Communication (ICT) program and reviewed assessment participation and proficiency rates for students served by the program.

Gray said 31 students were eligible for the DLM alternate assessment last year and 29 took the test; two students did not participate because of medical issues or transfers. Breaking out in‑house figures for students served at the Hill campus, she reported ELA proficiency at 14.3%, math proficiency at 21.4% and science at 16.7%, with an overall in‑house proficiency reported as 17.6%.

Gray emphasized individualized instruction, multidisciplinary staffing (special-education teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational and physical therapists, social workers) and family communication practices that accompany IEP goals. She noted that the DLM is an alternate assessment with strict state qualification rules and that some students still participate in the standard IAR assessment where appropriate.

Gray closed by noting chronic‑absence patterns among the youngest students and steps the program is taking to improve participation and data accuracy in future assessments.