The Newhall School District is one of only six districts in the state that has been selected by the California Department of Education Special Education Division as a participant in the Least Restrictive Environment  – Supporting Inclusive Practices Promising Districts Grant.

“What is especially exciting about this honor is that the CDE invited us to participate, without application, because of our special education  students’ high achievement scores and our policies aimed at including special education students in general education, whenever possible,”  said Dr. Todd Fine, the district’s Director of Pupil Services.

The district will receive a grant of $236,666 in 2014-2015 for its involvement in this program.  As a “showcase” district, NSD will receive visitors during the year to observe its special education programs and NSD staff will make presentations throughout the state about the district’s programs.  Grant funds will be used to provide Inclusion Specialists, new personnel who will concentrate on supporting special education students and their teachers in general education academics and behavior.

As part of the award, the district will introduce “Circle of Friends,” at its schools that are heavily impacted by special education classrooms.  This program provides inclusion for students with disabilities on school campuses by establishing understanding and acceptance of differences, building genuine friendships, decreasing bullying, and making a significant social impact within communities.

The program will take place at student lunch periods and helps students with disabilities (autism, Down Syndrome, etc) form lasting friendships with non-disabled peers through meaningful social interactions in the natural school environment.  General education students are trained to model and shape appropriate social skills for their peers with special needs.