Board hears proposal to adopt curriculum for students with moderate-to-severe disabilities

District staff presented a recommendation to adopt a curriculum specifically designed for students with moderate-to-severe disabilities, to begin in the 2026 627 school year.

A presenter told the board that "LSD has not previously adopted a curriculum specifically for students with moderate to disabilities," and described the curriculum as piloted over the last year and aligned to accessibility standards and online resources. The presenter asked the board to approve the curriculum for use in self-contained programs at elementary and middle schools and to phase implementation in 2026 627.

Board members and staff clarified the programs intended scope: several speakers said it is not appropriate for all special-education students, particularly those at a higher academic level who need more rigorous coursework and a path to general assessments. One participant noted the program supports pathways that lead to alternate assessment and that the district should consider high-school applicability separately.

A teacher at the meeting identified workforce concerns, saying the nationwide shortage in teachers exacerbates local difficulty staffing special-education positions. The transcript records questions about which high-school students the program will serve and where additional supports or alternative placements will be needed.

The transcript does not record a final board vote on the curriculum in the provided excerpt; staff formally presented the recommendation for board consideration.