Innovative Partnerships Between Districts and Charter Schools for Special Education Success
(Room 209 A second floor)
06 Nov 25
12:15 PM
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1:15 PM
Tracks:
Innovating for Success: Cutting Edge Practices
In the evolving landscape of public education, independent charter schools and traditional districts often operate in silos, yet their shared mission to support students with disabilities presents a powerful opportunity for collaboration. This session, "Innovative Partnerships Between Traditional Districts and Charter Schools for Special Education Success," offers an in-depth exploration of how the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has successfully developed its Charter Operated Programs (COP) to foster collaboration, improve compliance, and elevate outcomes for students with special needs. Participants will learn about the origins and evolution of LAUSD’s COP, a unique initiative that has redefined the relationship between the district and over 200 independent charter schools. Through this program, LAUSD provides tailored support in key areas such as special education compliance, access to specialized personnel, professional development, and equitable service delivery. These efforts have cultivated a culture of trust, shared accountability, and innovation. The session will highlight practical strategies and real-world examples of how traditional districts can partner with charter schools to address challenges and maximize opportunities. Attendees will hear case studies of successful district-charter collaborations, learn about overcoming barriers like funding disparities and communication gaps, and discover how to develop systems that benefit all stakeholders. Through an interactive discussion, participants will also have the chance to share their own challenges and brainstorm solutions tailored to their contexts. Whether you represent a traditional district, charter school, or education support organization, this session will share tools and insights to break down silos, build bridges, and work collaboratively toward the shared goal of improving outcomes for students with disabilities.