August 30, 2023 By Carol Britton Meyer
Interim Executive Director of Student Services Dr. Barbara Cataldo shared an update on the program’s goals for the new school year with the School Committee recently.
The director’s role is to ensure that Hingham Public Schools’ implementation of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks is accessible to all students.
To help ensure this outcome, HPS has developed a comprehensive District Curriculum Accommodation Plan that is used uniformly across all grades and curriculum areas.
In describing the Student Services Entry Plan for 2023-2024, Cataldo explained that since July 1, she has had an opportunity to work directly with school administration — both Central Office and school-based — which she said provided her “with an excellent understanding of the Hingham Public Schools.”
In addition, several teachers visited Cataldo over the last two months, sharing areas of success and concerns about students and offering suggestions for some of the needed areas.
“Additionally, I have worked closely with the senior leadership team to understand the mission and vision and how the activities and curriculum match these essential areas for the Hingham Public Schools,” she said.
The Special Education Parent Advisory Council co-chairs also shared their thoughts, “providing an important parent perspective.”
Looking ahead, Cataldo plans to work with the HPS Special Education Sub-committee “to ensure the district offers the highest quality and most effective programming for all our students, especially those on Individualized Education Plans [IEP] who receive services,” she explained.
Cataldo identified “areas of need” that will receive attention during the new school year. “They do not encompass every aspect of Student Services, but they are most certainly part of the heart of our work in Hingham,” she states in the entry plan.
These include:
- Identifying an outside evaluator to support program evaluation of the special education services in the district.
- Reviewing the framework and operations of all programs and services.
- Reviewing curriculum and materials for all special education programming. Identify areas of need and support planning to address those needs.
- Establishing K-12 vertical threads for programs, including curriculum alignment and student profile.
- Ensuring that information on special education programming is available on the district’s website and easily accessible to families.
Other areas of focus will include strengthening communication among all departments, parents, guardians, and constituents; collaborating with Hingham families and the community; and organizing a training program for the rollout of the new IEP that will be implemented in Sept. 2024.