Neighborhood Schools Model

The Neighborhood Schools Model is a plan by PPS beginning in 2021 with the goal of redesigning the way special education is implemented in the district. The model follows the philosophy that special education services should be offered at student's local neighborhood schools rather than at satellite locations or separate classrooms focused exclusively on special education. This program has been rolled out progressively over campuses starting with two in 2023 and six in 2024, with the goal of full implementation at an undetermined point in the future.

Support for Program

PPS is relatively late in rolling out an inclusion-based Special Education model, as states have varying guidelines for school districts on the extent that inclusion in general classrooms is a focus. Guidance by the Oregon Department of Education encourages districts to aim for special education students to spend 80% or more of their day in a general education classroom, whereas less than 9% should be away from standard classrooms for most of their school days.

Supporters of the program believe that inclusion can be a very positive social and educational experience for all children in the classroom, particularly because classrooms are more diverse and children learn to interact with students that may have developmental differences. A general education teacher in addition to other special education resources can offer exposure to more materials and help teachers learn about student's abilities. Some classrooms may also offer special education co-teachers and paraeducators, which can help support SpEd students while still focusing on inclusion in the classroom.

Criticisms

While many critics of programs still support inclusive education for SpEd students, most concerns revolve around funding of these programs. Without proper funding, the responsibility of a multi-modal classroom falls upon the teachers, who already have students with varying needs and may not be specially trained in SpEd. There have historically been shortages with paraeducators and budget cuts for special education support positions, which lead to concerns that there will not be enough support in classrooms for both teachers as well as students.

Additionally, while inclusive education can be a good option for many children, some children with IEPs need the services and support offered in separate classroom environments, and tend to benefit from "focus" classrooms. While details of the plan are not fully clear, students that have high needs documented in IEPs may still be offered services in a special education setting.

What this means for SpEd students and parents

As of 2025, this program is being implemented slowly throughout the district so far, and has mostly been implemented in primary schools starting in kindergarden. Students with preexisting IEPs will not have the provisions of their IEP change, and parents should know that their students are entitled to the services offered within their IEPs. Because of this, it is important to advocate for the rights of your student, and direct questions to this Let's Talk form that is linked on the Neighborhood Schools website.