• Attendance Rates
• Free and Reduced Meals students
• LEP (Limited English Proficiency) students 
• Special education student enrollment

Key Challenge #1:  Special Education student enrollment 

Each student at Ruth Parker Eason school has significant and unique learning needs.  Oftentimes, these learning needs are accompanied by behavioral challenges, compromising medical conditions, and/or physical differences. Because of the complex and broad range of needs of our students, the instructional and related service staff must be well versed in both research and evidence-based practices. 

Collectively, we strive to create and modify the instructional practices at Ruth Parker Eason to ensure all students have meaningful access to their learning environment and school community. Our multi-modal approach to specialized instruction incorporates a variety of best practices which may include TEACCH/Structured Teaching, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), Prompt Hierarchy, Community Based Instruction, and Vocational Skills Training. We utilize a transdisciplinary approach to planning instruction and services to ensure every student receives an individualized educational program. This includes the collaboration of related service providers, special education teachers, paraeducators, student support staff, and administration. 

 Of the student population at Ruth Parker Eason, 13% of our students require the support of a Behavior Intervention Plan. Consistent implementation of these plans requires ongoing collaboration between the classroom staff, behavior team, and administration. Regular use of individualized behavioral strategies, paired with analysis of behavior data, provide students with appropriate intervention and instruction over time. School staff also work closely with parents and caregivers to implement effective behavior supports in the home and community environments. Challenging behavior impacts the teaching and learning process and can compromise the safety of students and staff. Because of this impact, the staff at Ruth Parker Eason understand that Behavior Intervention Plans must be implemented with fidelity and that collaboration is the key to supporting behavior; both of which result in student growth and progress. 

Use of these best practices to support the unique learning, behavior, and communication needs of our students is contingent upon ongoing professional development. Training that specifically targets best practices for students with significant disabilities takes place regularly at both the school and county level. Additionally, collaboration with specialists from the Department of Special Education is an integral part of teacher growth, delivery of engaging instruction, and student progress. (Indicators 6 and 16)

• Limited English proficiency for students and/or families
• Families in Crisis (mental, physical emotional, financial)
• Access to healthcare
• Socio-Economic issues (Employment status, income levels, housing availability)

Key Challenge #2:  Families in Crisis

Having a child with special needs catapults families into a lifelong journey that includes hardships, celebrations, and unexpected challenges.  Many times this unpredictable journey includes life events and situations that can be traumatic. At Ruth Parker Eason, our empathetic approach and emphasis on relationships support parents throughout their child’s educational experience.  We meet parents where they are, learn their story, and strive to help as needed when they are faced with missed milestones, setbacks, or unexpected difficulties. Everyone at Ruth Parker Eason works to maintain a focus on what each child CAN do, and establish goals that align to the child’s individual strengths and needs (Indicator 1, 2 and 4).   

Traditional family dynamics and routines can be challenging when striving to meet the needs of a child with special needs. Regular access to daycare, a typical work schedule, and family outings are examples of situations that can become quite complicated. Navigating the world of doctor appointments, medical equipment, and ongoing health scares are also challenges that many of our families face each day. These types of challenges can be overcome through the collaborative efforts of our student support staff, classroom staff, and administration. Such collaboration helps families acquire funding, utilize community resources, and access medical services. Additionally, our Social Worker networks with families and outside agencies to provide respite care, modifications to the home environment, and access to funded programs such as Family Preservation and Social Security.  

Subsequent to the above-mentioned challenges, families may be faced with homelessness, divorce, financial instability, and other high stress scenarios. Recognizing that these challenges are a very real possibility for any family in our school community is the first step to helping. 

Understanding the unique challenges that families face when raising a child with special needs is at the forefront of what we do every day; and the core of building trusting relationships. At Ruth Parker Eason, these relationships allow us to stay in tune with family needs and offer assistance in a caring and empathetic manner. Our hope is that parents, siblings, and family members find Ruth Parker Eason to be a safe and nurturing place; not only for our students, but for their loved ones as well.  (Indicators 1 and 4)

• Socio-economic community issues (employment, income levels, housing costs)
• Significant changes over time in student/community demographics
• Student Mobility
• Special education student enrollment