Date of Award

Summer 8-2014

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

With an increase of school-aged children being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum related disorders and a rise in cost, many public organizations are asked to do more, with less. Napa Valley Unified School District (NVUSD) and McGrew Behavior Intervention Services (MBIS) are working together, trying to improve the social, emotional and educational lives of children with individualized education programs (IEP), through the Gateway Program at Silverado Middle School. This research project evaluates the partnership between NVUSD and MBIS, while measuring the effect it has on the students who receive services through an IEP. A literature review covered the following: School Districts and the private sector, Opponents of privatization, and Collaborative Programs. Data was collected through key informant interviews of the CEO/Clinical Administrator and Behavior Therapist of MBIS, and the Special Education Coordinator for Alternative Placement and Program Specialist for Behavior Support representing NVUSD. Information was also gathered through an online survey, 40% percent of the 66 sent out received a response from faculty and staff members of Silverado Middle School. Based upon analysis of the primary and secondary data of this research topic, the collaboration between MBIS and NVUSD is an effective partnership that positively contributes to the education of children that struggle behaviorally and emotionally, who participate in the Gateway Program at Silverado Middle School. The research recommendations resulted from this study include, MBIS and NVUSD aligning with a local congressman and a national organization for special education administrators to seek a revision in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to create more partnerships; NVUSD develop a peer network in schools to create friendships between students with and without disabilities; NVUSD expand the capacity of the Gateway Program from 8 students to 12 students, by pursuing alternative funding through the newly signed Autism CARES bill. In addition, recommendations for further research consist of interviewing past and present Gateway students and their families, and locating similar programs within or out of the state that educate children with disabilities under comparable circumstances.

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