• Do the best you can until you know better.

    Then, when you know better, do better.

    ~ Maya Angelou

  • Portland Public Schools Special Education: Our Role, Our Work, Our Children

     

    We are a community guided by shared values: equity, inclusion, and social justice. These principles shape our education and support for all students. Our shared hopes and dreams for our children are for them to be happy, healthy, challenged, and supported. We want them to feel valued and appreciated in their schools.

     

    With these values in mind, we are excited to share our special education programming plan. Developed over the past two years with input from students, families, leaders, and staff, this plan charts our path toward an ambitious and worthy goal: all children will attend their home school, regardless of whether they have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Research shows inclusive schools benefit everyone — students, families, and the community.

     

    To make this plan a reality, we will spend the next three years:

     

    1. Establishing Systems and Structures for Inclusion

    2. Promoting an Inclusive Mindset

    3. Building Advocacy Power for Students and Families of Students with Disabilities

    4. Reimagining Relationships and a Sense of Belonging

     

    This work began last August, when neighborhood kindergartners needing special education services attended Sitton and Marysville Elementaries instead of being bussed to focus programs away from their siblings, friends and community. In August 2024, incoming kindergartners at Astor, Cesar Chavez, Rosa Parks, James John, Peninsula, and Whitman Elementary Schools will get the same experience. The spectrum of IEP services will be provided in their home schools, ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging and receives the support they need.

     

    We recognize the importance of transparency and welcome your questions and feedback as we move forward. Here is more information about our family/community engagement around this work.

     

    Thank you for helping build a more equitable, inclusive, and just system.

     

     

    Jey Buno

     

     

    Jey Buno

    Chief of Student Support Services

    Portland Public Schools
    Office of Student Support services

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Neighborhood School Model (NSM)?

  • What is the timeline for the rollout of the Neighborhood School Model?

  • How will this plan ensure effective communication with families?

  • What measures are in place to evaluate the success of the new model?

  • What resources will be provided to schools to support special education needs?

  • How will staffing be adjusted to support the new Neighborhood School model? Will there be enough staffing to support students with high needs?

  • What will happen to students currently in specialized programs or those with high needs?

  • How will staff be supported through this transition?

  • Will the changes result in fewer options for families?

Family Perspectives

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Staff Perspectives

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