As part of the Gaskins Settlement Agreement, many districts in the state of Pennsylvania were required to complete a Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) compliance monitoring with the state. As part of this monitoring process the district is obligated to provide data on inclusion practices and undergo specific staff training designed to target particular areas. Our district is a participant in this requirement.

The Greater Johnstown School District feels strongly about providing students with special needs education in the least restrictive environment. The state requires certain components be completed by the district. A team was established to review the least restrictive practices currently in place. This team is comprised of administrators, teachers and a parent. Their focus is how to improve inclusive practices throughout the district. The district was awarded a $20,000 grant to be used to continue the improvements of inclusive practice already being utilized and to provide additional resources as the district implements new inclusive practices.

In October, the team participated in two days of training and completed a district level assessment. The district level assessment assisted the team in developing an action plan to address least restrictive environment areas that would be improved. As part of this plan the district has provided professional development activities, parent trainings, improved special education processes, and completed a building level assessment.

Another component of the monitoring has been ongoing training and professional development for the team and faculty. The team meets monthly with the Bureau of Special Education representative, PaTTAN and Intermediate Unit 8 consultants. These meetings are instrumental in the development of the LRE plan and provide ongoing support to the district in meeting their inclusive practice goals. The District was also visited in April by Dr. Richard Villa, who presented to administrators and staff. Dr. Villa "has worked with thousands of teachers and administrators throughout North America and the world, to develop and implement organizational and instructional support systems for educating all students within the general education setting." His vision "is to create schools in which all children and youth are welcomed, valued, empowered, supported, and learning."

Future plans for inclusive practices in the Greater Johnstown School District include: the team participating in an additional training at PaTTAN Pittsburgh in May, and at least one pair of co-teachers will visit an exemplary school to monitor how other districts use inclusive practices to provide education to students in the least restrictive environment. Many changes have and will continue to occur as the district completes the monitoring process. These changes will have a significant impact on improving how students with special needs receive services.