WJCC presents 2026 Special Education Inclusive Audit and action plan to strengthen co‑teaching and access

Williamsburg‑James City County Public Schools presented its 2026 Special Education Inclusive Audit and Action Plan on May 5, outlining a multi‑year effort to increase access to inclusive instruction across the division.

Brooke Cruz, who led the audit presentation, said the process included school teams and the Department of Special Education to complete a statewide self‑assessment. The audit identified consistent strengths — a commitment to least‑restrictive environments, use of MTSS and scheduling to support access — and priority growth areas.

Key priorities in the action plan include strengthening co‑teaching and co‑planning practices so general and special‑education teachers share instruction ownership; expanding professional development on differentiation and specially designed instruction; creating division exemplars and coaching cycles; and protecting planning time for collaborative work. The plan also includes measures to increase access to high‑quality tier‑1 instruction and to strengthen collaboration with content specialists.

The presentation noted that the action plan responds to state requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Virginia legislation and that divisions must report progress to the VDOE every three years.

Cruz said the division will provide targeted PD, coaching, and walkthroughs to support classroom implementation and emphasized ongoing accountability and reporting to local leadership and the state.