Kokomo increases number of special needs students

IU-Bloomington’s Center on Education and Lifelong Learning’s pilot year alliance with Kokomo- Center Schools has helped these schools increase their inclusion rate of special needs students from 14 percent in 2010-11 to more than 60 percent in 2011-12.

“Kokomo-Center Schools has always recognized the role that quality professional development plays in the success of our teachers and schools,” said Jeff Hauswald, superintendent of Kokomo-Center Schools.

These students increased their scores on the Indiana ISTEP-Plus math and English language arts exams in 2011-12, according to an IU press release.

In a survey of fourth grade students’ scores, 17 percent more passed in English language arts and 21 percent more passed in math.

Thirty-one percent more fifth graders passed in math.

“I am very proud of the achievements made, in part, from our collaborative partnership with CELL at Indiana University,” Hauswald said. “Professionals at CELL have brought expertise, research and an approach to school improvement that has allowed our district to continue to grow and improve.”

This alliance is funded by a grant from the Indiana Department of Education.

— Sydney Murray