Archive: February 2000

Special Education Class Size and Caseload
By Steve Kaplan, UniServe Field Organizer

The contract sets caseloads and class sizes the District "will attempt to maintain." These caseloads and class sizes are found in Section 30.1 of the contract. Positions that do not have a designated caseload are to be monitored by a Joint Caseload Committee (Section 30.2).

Whenever a concern arises under the terms of this article, the Joint Committee "will explore possible solutions" (Section 30.3). Solutions may include but are not limited to:

303.1 Reassignment/readjust of staff
303.2 Tighter screening practices at schools
303.3 Increased prevention at the site
303.4 Readjustment of aid time
303.5 Evaluation of student placement
303.6 Reassignment of students to other classes or other  schools
303.7 Application for waivers as appropriate

A number of concerns have come to our attention in the last few months. Since the committee has not been meeting, SDEA has notified the District of our appointees and that the Committe needs to meet quickly. SDEA's goal is to use this process to resolve concerns whenever possible. However, we reserve the right to file grievances when necessary.