Monterey Hills Looks to Alleviate Overcrowded Class

has begun implementing solutions for the overcrowded fifth grade special day class at . 

"Just today ... I was having a conversation with our special ed director regarding students in that class who can be better placed in other programs in other schools," said Shapiro last Monday night at .

Although he couldn't mention details surrounding specific students, he says parents are being notified and the district will continue to reevaluate the group after changes are made.

The overcrowding comes on the heels of the district combining two special day classes into one K-5 class. Created by SPUSD teachers Dawn Tull and Sharon Stearn five years ago, the original program included co-teaching efforts between Stearn’s fourth and five grade special needs classes and Tull’s fourth and fifth general education classes.

The Program’s Success

Both Tull and Principal Joe Johnson say they attribute a portion of improved test scores amongst students with disabilities at Monterey Hills to Tull and Stearn's program.

"One of my many goals for this program included fostering an environment of acceptance and scholarship for all students in both classes. During this time, we’ve practiced daily reverse inclusion and mainstreaming grouping students by either grade level or need," wrote Tull in a Letter to the Editor on Patch in May. 

"This may save money in terms of one classroom being removed, but the cost to the kids and the school environment can’t be measured," she wrote. 

And not only was Tull concerned. Parent’s attested to the success of unique program via Patch comments.

"[Tull] has enhanced the life of every child she has touched and to lose this program is a travisty plain and simple," wrote Kim Lesak co-founder of South Pasadena Support Group for Parents with Special Needs Children. 

A Close Eye

Even though concerns regarding this change were raised last year, Principal Joe Johnson says these problems couldn't have been predicted.

"We didn't have a lot of referrels to the program last year—so we were more or less on the low side of enrollment," said Johnson. "And what we didnt know is who was around the corner. ...Over the summer, we saw an increase in enrollment over what was projected."

Regardless, Johnson says staff has made significant strides since the start of this school year. 

"What we are doing right now is shifting personnel constantly to make the best use of all the adults in that room," said Johnson. "We dont quite have more adults than sudents in classroom—but getting close."

"We can see there is light at the end of the tunnel on this one where as four or five weeks ago, we didn't."