皇家华人

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 . 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 as we move forward. Here is more information about our family engagement around this work.

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

Jey Buno