HCPSSCommunity Voices Help Shape the Future of Special Education in HCPSS
September 4th, 2026
Staff in the Howard County Public School System’s (HCPSS) Division of Academics and Department of Special Education (DSE) are continuing to implement the targets identified in the five-year DSE Strategic Plan as they work to improve outcomes for both students and staff.
Along with building Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), redesigning roles and expanding coaching and professional learning opportunities, reimagining HCPSS’ regionalized special education service model, HCPSS continues to foster family and community engagement and use feedback to make real-time improvements to the experiences of student, staff and families.
To do this, the Superintendent’s Special Education Advisory was launched in June 2025 and has played a pivotal role in helping to inform and develop the DSE Strategic Plan. This group was comprised of HCPSS administrators, staff and a student representative, as well as representatives from various community organizations including the Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC), the Autism Society of Maryland, The Councils of Elders, the Parent Teacher Advisory Council and more.
HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes celebrated the advisory’s efforts at the June 25, 2026, Board of Education meeting. “Each member brings a unique and important perspective that proved vital as we worked side-by-side to develop the Department of Special Education strategic plan,” said Superintendent Barnes. “They dedicated their time amidst their own busy schedules to contribute their best thinking and positive energy to review multiple iterations of the plan before we reached the final version.”
In addition to the development of the strategic plan, community engagement helped support the creation of the 2026-2027 HCPSS Continuum of Special Education Services. This new public-facing guide provides families and staff with an overview of HCPSS special education delivery models, program descriptions and program locations. The guide also reinforces that placement decisions are made by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team based on each student’s unique needs and consideration of the least restrictive environment.
“Our new continuum of special education services represents an important step in the ongoing evolution of our programming to better align with the strengths and needs of our students,” said Dr. Jennifer Webster, Chief Academic Officer. “We know this work will require continued reflection and refinement, and we look forward to partnering with families, staff, and community members as we shape the next iterations of our services and supports.”
Moving into the second year of the five-year DSE Strategic Plan, the Superintendent’s Special Education Advisory will continue to advise future actions, and DSE staff will continue to engage SECAC leaders and other community partners to help redesign special education in Howard County to ensure the voices and experiences of students and families inform improvements.
Visit the HCPSS website to learn more about the DSE Strategic Plan.