New report card designed for special education students

By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

An alternative report card will be implemented next semester for special education students with moderate to severe disabilities in Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD).

Mary Schillenger, director of pupil services, said in a report to the school board that the new elementary school report card was designed for students who were progressing in a "functional curriculum." Currently, students with moderate to severe disabilities receive the same report card as others.

Schillenger said the existing report card is limited in addressing the skills, abilities and performance of special education students. The new document will be used for students who are assessed under the California Alternative Performance Assessment (CAPA).

According to officials, the report card will help staff cite student progress on functional skills curriculum indicated by the student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).

Students who are participating in a modified or alternative curriculum as indicated on the IEP will be graded according to the IEP, Schillenger said. While the format of the new report card is similar to standard ones (assessing progress in language arts, mathematics, science and other standards for third- to fifth-grade students), an asterisk may be added to a grade to indicate that it’s based on a modified curriculum. In addition, a box will be marked to indicate special education services are being delivered.

"The report card is more parent-friendly," Schillenger said at a recent board of education meeting. The Ventura County Special Education Local Plan Area has advocated an alternative report card, she said.