School districts continue to look to Walker Partnerships as they develop new programs that build and strengthen a school system’s capacity to educate students with complex social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
Program development consultation with senior staff at Walker Partnerships can be utilized by school systems when developing a new program or to assist with a program that is currently in operation. In the planning stage, the targeted focus is on the creation of practices, procedures, protocols, and positive behavioral intervention strategies that will guide the daily operation of the program.
Ongoing consultation support by Walker Partnerships staff allows for timely adjustments according to the therapeutic and clinical needs of the students. This can be an important calibration tool for maintaining the operational efficacy of the program and a continuum of support for students.
Walker Partnerships also offers professional development to school-based staff of these programs. Upgrading and refining the skills of program staff, especially new staff, can prove to be very beneficial to the ongoing success of the program.
One unique—and often critically important—aspect of Walker Partnerships services is working with the parents of those students who have been identified as candidates for return into a program within the district. The transitional process can be very difficult for parents, with even when they are in agreement with the decision for a change in placement, and Walker Partnerships will work in collaboration with the school district to support parents through the transition.
Walker Partnerships has collaborated with 13 LEAs to develop district-wide programs that have reduced the number of students placed outside the district, facilitated the return of students to in-district programs, and sometimes even accommodated students from other school districts, with their tuition reducing overall operating costs.
Te learn more about how Walker Partnerships can assist with program development in your school district, contact James Earley at jearley@walkerschool.org or 781-292-2178.
