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KCKPS Special Education 2025-2028 Action Plan

The Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) Special Education Department has developed a three-year action plan to strengthen programs, improve communication, and support staff and families.

This plan reflects input from educators, parents, and community members, and focuses on four main areas:

1: Building a Shared Vision & Improving Communication

  • The Special Education Department’s mission is Kids First, and our vision is empowering all students with exceptionalities to reach their full potential in school and community. We will continue engaging families by providing regular updates on programs, events, and initiatives happening across special education.
  • Leadership will visit schools regularly to connect with staff and hear directly about successes and challenges.
  • A stronger communication system will ensure that principals, staff, and families receive timely, accurate information.

 

Quarterly Progress Updates

Quarter 1 (October 2025): 

Each of the actions below supports our district’s “Better Every Day – Laser Focus” commitment by improving the quality and consistency of our outreach. The result is a stronger sense of partnership between central office, school teams, and families, a foundation that is essential for student success.

  • The SPED Leadership Team conducted 41 visits to schools this quarter, including 22 elementary, 9 middle, 3 high schools, and 7 alternative programs, to connect with principals, staff, and students. These visits are focused on listening, not just checking in. We’re hearing directly from teachers, paraprofessionals, and principals about what’s working well and what areas need additional attention. Meeting face-to-face with staff to discuss successes, challenges, and needs has been incredibly valuable. These visits are designed to ensure students receive appropriate support aligned with their IEP.
  • To further enhance department communication, we have expanded our updates to principals through the Administrative Office and contribute regularly to the Superintendent’s End-of-Week Report, ensuring consistent and transparent communication across all levels.

Quarter 2 (January 2026):

Each of the actions below supports our district’s “Better Every Day – Laser Focus” commitment by improving the quality and consistency of our outreach. The result is a stronger sense of partnership between central office, school teams, and families, a foundation that is essential for student success.
  • This quarter, Special Education leadership placed a strong emphasis on visibility, connection, and consistency across schools and stakeholder groups. Members of the SPED Leadership Team, including the Executive Director, Directors, and Managers, were present in 44 schools across the district, visiting 30 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, 4 high schools, and 3 alternative programs. These visits provided meaningful opportunities to hear directly from building staff, observe the implementation of special education services, and identify both strengths and areas where additional support is needed. Presence in schools continues to be an important strategy for strengthening relationships, improving communication, and ensuring alignment between district expectations and building-level practices.
  • In addition to on-site visits, the department maintained consistent communication with district leaders and the Board of Education. Updates were shared through the Administrator’s Desk for KCKPS leaders and the Superintendent’s End-of-Week Report to the Board. These communication efforts support transparency and ensure stakeholders receive information about special education.

2: Strengthening Collaboration & Positive Culture

  • Special education teachers and staff will have more opportunities to share feedback and help guide district decisions.
  • Regular meetings, surveys, and focus groups will give everyone a voice in solving problems and improving programs.
  • These efforts aim to create a positive, respectful culture where students, staff, and families feel supported.

Quarterly Progress Updates

Quarter 1 (October 2025): 

Our second focus area is collaboration and culture, the heartbeat of The SPED Experience that ensures all interactions with staff, students, families and one another are valued and positive

  • This quarter, we launched our first SPED Roundtable meeting of the 25-26 school year, which includes 12 staff members representing various levels and roles across the district — including special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and psychologists. This group reflects perspectives from both virtual and in-person staff and will collaborate with SPED Leaders through subcommittees focused on Professional Development, Onboarding, and Retention, and Specialized Programs.
  • The SPED department also convened our first SPED Advisory Group meeting — a diverse team that includes parents, staff, Board Member Yolanda Clark, and representatives from Human Resources, Curriculum, and Diploma+. Together, we explored ways to strengthen advocacy, communication, and family engagement across our schools.
  • Dr. Lawrie hosted staff and parent huddles this quarter and has issued three SPED newsletters (August, September, October) to keep all special education staff informed and connected.

Quarter 2 (January 2026):

Our second focus area is collaboration and culture, the heartbeat of The SPED Experience that ensures all interactions with staff, students, families and one another are valued and positive
  • Creating a culture where voices are heard and valued remained a key priority during the second quarter. The Special Education Department continued to provide opportunities for staff and families to engage with SPED Leadership. The SPED Roundtable Subcommittee focused on Special Programs and Placement met on December 10, 2025, offering guidance and input on district programming and placement practices, specifically with Early Childhood transitions. In addition, the SPED Advisory Group convened on November 13, 2025, further strengthening collaboration between families, staff, and district leadership.
  • Intentional efforts to recognize and support staff were also prioritized this quarter. Parent Empowerment and Staff Appreciation Subgroups met on November 6 and December 4, 2025, focusing on each subgroup’s purpose. Monthly SPED newsletters were shared with staff in November and December, sharing feedback from internal staff survey and recognizing two peer-nominated SPED staff members for their outstanding contributions. These newsletters served as both a communication and recognition tool, ensuring staff voices were reflected and celebrated.
  • Additional opportunities for connection were provided through SPED Staff Huddles held on November 19, 2025. These huddles created space for updates, dialogue, and shared problem-solving, allowing staff to engage directly with leadership and one another. Collectively, these structures support a collaborative and inclusive environment where staff can shape continuous improvement efforts across special education.

3: Clarifying Roles & Responsibilities

  • KCKPS will clearly define the responsibilities of principals, coordinators, teachers, and support staff.
  • New handbooks and guides will explain who to contact for different needs and ensure staff work together smoothly.
  • Updates will include guidance for virtual case managers and school psychologists to ensure consistent support across all schools.

Quarterly Progress Updates

Quarter 1 (October 2025): 

The third area of our plan focuses on clarity and consistency.

  • During quarter 1, the SPED Department released updated versions of both the Case Manager Handbook and the Paraprofessional Handbook. These resources clearly outline roles, responsibilities, and lines of support, making it easier for staff to understand not just what they do, but who they can rely on for guidance. We also refined processes for our Virtual Case Managers to ensure equity and consistency across every building.

Quarter 2 (January 2026):

The third area of our plan focuses on clarity and consistency.
  • In alignment with the 2025–2028 Special Education Action Plan, the department continues focused work to clarify roles, responsibilities, and expectations across special education systems. As questions and concerns are identified, leadership reviews existing guidance and handbooks to determine where language, procedures, or expectations may be unclear or subject to varied interpretation. When areas requiring additional clarity are identified, information is shared with the appropriate stakeholder groups and communicated through established channels, including the SPED Newsletter. These clarifications are then incorporated into updates to the corresponding handbooks to ensure consistent understanding, strengthen accountability, and support effective implementation of special education services across the district.

4: Recruiting, Retaining & Training Great Staff

  • The district is improving how it recruits and supports special education staff to make KCKPS a great place to work.
  • A stronger onboarding and mentoring system will help new team members succeed from day one.
  • More training opportunities will be offered for teachers, coordinators, and paraeducators, ensuring staff have the tools they need to best serve students.

Quarterly Progress Updates

Quarter 1 (October 2025): 

Our fourth focus is on people, recruiting, retaining, and developing exceptional staff.

  • During Quarter 1, we welcomed new certified SPED teachers, related service providers, and paraprofessionals, and we continue our active efforts to recruit additional staff. Despite ongoing national challenges in special education staffing, our district continues to lead the way in ensuring students receive the services they need. When we encounter barriers, we collaborate, problem-solve, and leverage available resources to remain in compliance and provide quality support.
  • SPED Leadership requested and listened to feedback from our SPED staff, who expressed interest in a different start to the school year. Instead of our traditional kickoff at Memorial Hall, this year we launched the SPED Experience in partnership with Kansas City Kansas Community College. The event featured workshop-style sessions led by several vendors we currently partner with, all designed to enhance our staff’s daily experience and professional practice at no additional charge to the department or district.
  • In total, 25 hours of professional development were offered this quarter, including compliance training, instructional sessions, and intentional connections for paraprofessionals.

Quarter 2 (January 2026):

Our fourth focus is on people, recruiting, retaining, and developing exceptional staff.
  • The department continued targeted work during the second quarter to strengthen staffing systems and expand meaningful professional learning opportunities. Through intentional planning and collaboration, the focus remained on building sustainable systems that support recruitment, retention, and long-term staff success. The Recruitment, Retention, Mentoring, and Onboarding Roundtable Subcommittee met on November 5, 2025, to review current onboarding practices and examine how new staff are supported as they enter the district at various times in the school year. Members also engaged in thoughtful discussion to identify future improvements aimed at strengthening recruitment and retention efforts across special education.
  • Professional learning remained a critical component of this work. During the quarter, SPED staff participated in a total of 16.5 hours of targeted professional development focused on instructional tools, community resources, and executive functioning supports. These learning opportunities were designed to be practical and responsive to staff needs, ensuring educators and support staff have the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to effectively serve students with disabilities. Collectively, these efforts contribute to a stronger workforce and reinforce the department’s commitment to building staff capacity and sustaining high-quality special education services.

Our Commitment

This action plan is about building a stronger future for Special Education in KCKPS. By improving communication, collaboration, and support, we are ensuring every student receives the high-quality services they deserve.

Questions or feedback?

Contact the Office of Special Education at 913-627-5600.