School district works to improve disability services, up graduation rates

NORWICH – In a study completed by New York State Board of Education in early October, the Norwich City School District is among 75 districts cited for low graduation rates for students with disabilities.

According to state DOE representative Tom Dunn, there was a 21.9 percent dropout rate in the district among students with disabilities.

Cited districts must undergo a thorough review of instructional practices to ensure they are using proven, research-based methods and/or improving their staff’s professional development. Special education experts, funded by the state DOE, lend a hand in the process.

The study was based on data from the 2004-2005 academic year.

Norwich Director of Special Programs Katherine McKeever confirmed that test scores for this population in the district have been in need of improvement for the past three years.

“Districts have to make significant progress for two years consecutively to be off the list. We will not know what the outcome for this year is until at least this November,” she said. McKeever said there are many variables as to why districts are put on the list.

Norwich Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan said corrective measures were already in place before the results of the most recent study were released. School officials have been working with educators and staff to address concerns and correct problem areas.