Common use of Special Education Class Size/Caseload Clause in Contracts

Special Education Class Size/Caseload. ‌ To recognize the additional responsibilities, time and commitment required of special education teachers and specialists (SLP, OT/PT, Psychologist) related to IEPs, evaluations, meetings and coordination with other educators, the position shall be compensated with an additional stipend identified in Article XVIII, Section 6, commencing with the 2020-21 school year. If any new special education positions are added, the District and Association shall meet to mutually agree upon the application of this stipend to the position. Any special education classroom teacher, special education specialist (SLP, OT/PT, Psychologist), or group of specialists, who faces inequitable challenges in meeting evaluation or IEP responsibilities because of an extra heavy workload shall first explore options for assistance from professional colleagues within the district. Workload could be heavier than usual because of challenges such as additional students on the specialist’s caseload, particular students with unique needs, traveling between multiple buildings, special assignments, or the due dates of IEP or evaluation documents. The following caseload numbers provide guidance for when the number of students, depending on the specific needs of the students, is recognized as creating a workload that is heavier than usual: SLP 40-45 students OT/PT 40-45 students Resource Room 28-32 students High Needs Class 10-15 students Psychologist 1 per 500-750 students in the District based on current expectations that include district-wide special education responsibilities and responsibilities for programs outside of special education (e.g., HiCap, ELL) If a special education teacher’s or specialist’s workload concerns (case management, evaluation and/or other IEP responsibilities) cannot be solved within the group of colleagues, the employee or group shall explore and mutually-agree upon options for assistance from the principal and/or district administrator assigned to supervise that group of specialists or teachers. Depending on the particular challenges unique to that workload, options for assistance could include, but not be limited to: • the hiring of additional staff; • the assignment of paraeducator time; • clerical assistance; • speech language pathology assistants (SLPAs); • certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs); • physical therapy assistants (PTAs); • the reallocation of responsibilities for particular students; • additional paid time; • additional release time for the planning and drafting of IEPs or evaluations; or • reallocation of non-special education responsibilities. If none of the above remedies are mutually-agreeable for the SLP’s or OT/PT’s workload within ten (10) school days of the caseload exceeding the target levels, the SLP or OT/PT shall be paid two (2) hours per month at the employee’s per diem hourly rate per student over the target level.

Special Education Class Size/Caseload. ‌ To recognize the additional responsibilities, time and commitment required of special education teachers and specialists (SLP, OT/PT, Psychologist) related to IEPs, evaluations, meetings and coordination with other educators, the position shall be compensated with an additional stipend identified in Article XVIII, Section 6, commencing with the 2020-21 school year. If any new special education positions are added, the District and Association shall meet to mutually agree upon the application of this stipend to the position. Any special education classroom teacher, special education specialist (SLP, OT/PT, Psychologist), or group of specialists, who faces inequitable challenges in meeting evaluation or IEP responsibilities because of an extra heavy workload shall first explore options for assistance from professional colleagues within the district. Workload could be heavier than usual because of challenges such as additional students on the specialist’s caseload, particular students with unique needs, traveling between multiple buildings, special assignments, or the due dates of IEP or evaluation documents. The following caseload numbers provide guidance for when the number of students, depending on the specific needs of the students, is recognized as creating a workload that is heavier than usual: SLP 40-45 students OT/PT 40-45 students Resource Room 28-32 students High Needs Class 10-15 students Psychologist 1 per 500-750 students in the District based on current expectations that include district-wide special education responsibilities and responsibilities for programs outside of special education (e.g., HiCap, ELL) If a special education teacher’s or specialist’s workload concerns (case management, evaluation and/or other IEP responsibilities) cannot be solved within the group of colleagues, the employee or group shall explore and mutually-agree upon options for assistance from the principal and/or district administrator assigned to supervise that group of specialists or teachers. Depending on the particular challenges unique to that workload, options for assistance could include, but not be limited to: • the hiring of additional staff; • the assignment of paraeducator time; • clerical assistance; • speech language pathology assistants (SLPAs); • certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs); • physical therapy assistants (PTAs); • the reallocation of responsibilities for particular students; • additional paid time; • additional release time for the planning and drafting of IEPs or evaluations; or • reallocation of non-special education responsibilities. If none of the above remedies are mutually-agreeable for the SLP’s or OT/PT’s workload within ten (10) school days of the caseload exceeding the target levels, the SLP or OT/PT shall be paid two (2) hours per month at the employee’s per diem hourly rate per student over the target level.