A Case Study in Special Education Transportation: Developing a Collaborative Partnership.
(Room 206 A second floor)
05 Nov 25
1:00 PM
-
2:00 PM
Tracks:
Forging Partnerships: Collaborative Leadership
Speaker(s):
Susan King, Executive Director, CLP - Consulting Group; William McDemott, Senior Director of Student Services. First Student
, First Student, Inc; Lisa Riveros, Director of Transportation, Wichita Public Schools, Wichita, Kansas; Laura Greene-Halley, Senior Director, Safety Performance, and Improvement, First Student, Inc
This session will present the case of a collaborative partnership between the Wichita Public schools and their transportation provider. The panel will discuss how the partnership was created to solve the problem of challenging student behavior on the school bus. The solution to this problem was to develop a transportation model that would meet the needs of the students with disabilities. This innovative transportation model requires training, coaching, communication, and commitment to improve the student’s experience. Literature: This case study is the result of an intentional commitment to improve the transportation experience of students with disabilities. School districts are experiencing an increase in student disruptive behaviors. Schools are struggling to provide an environment in which students feel safe and supported. Students with disabilities often experience challenges while riding the school bus (Mercado-Tilley, 2022). Wichita Public Schools, the largest school district in Kansas, experienced bus behavior challenges and committed to developing a partnership to better meet the needs of students. The behavioral referral threat is the most widely used strategy to manage student bus behavior. If this strategy were effective for all students with disabilities the behavior disruptions on the bus would have stopped years ago. This strategy often diminished the authority of the driver and gave their power to the school (Hinton, et al., 2015). The development of a collaborative partnership may empower transportation personnel. The partnership’s foundation was based on improved communication, collaboration, support, and training for key stakeholders to help improve student bus behavior (Chan, Senserrick, & Saggers, 2024). Disclaimer: The intent of this presentation is to share research and information to facilitate a positive transportation experience for students with disabilities. The panel will not be attempting to sell services or products.