Every student has a unique set of characteristics and challenges. To best serve them, educators adapt and innovate to ensure no student is left behind. This week, Special Schools leaders hosted the fifth annual Schools Division Update at the Irvington Conference Center. The event provided an opportunity for more than 15 area school district representatives to learn about Harris County Department of Education’s four special schools, literacy programs, capital improvement efforts and future plans.  

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Senior Director of Schools Dr. Charles Ned delivered opening remarks, boasting about the Department’s impact on Harris County students. Director of Curriculum and Special Services Dr. Margaret Patton unveiled several new initiatives that offer students with severe challenges or learning disabilities, like dyslexia, individualized attention during instruction. Starting next year, each district can purchase those “add-ons” for children they’ve identified who might need extra attention.  

The luncheon serves as a forum to provide information about HCDE’s data-driven behavior management techniques, STEM-focused events such as the All-Earth Ecobot Challenge, and the overall goal of integrating students back into their home districts. Administrators also gained insight into the Department’s business model, learning how a sustainability ratio is used to calculate the cost of services offered at each HCDE campus.  

School leaders also encouraged district representatives to mingle and share feedback on the effectiveness of existing practices and programs across HCDE’s four campuses.