Special education staff from all schools in RSU 21 (Arundel, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport) recently gathered for a first-of-its-kind professional development day focused on integrating special education services with general education.

In the past, special education professional development conferences were held in group sessions at each school, based on subjects like math or English.

Superintendent Dr. Terri Cooper said the conference represents a significant step forward in how the district approaches special education.

“By fostering collaboration and consistency in our approach, we’re ensuring that every student receives appropriate support in the least restrictive environment possible,” Cooper told the Post.

The conference, held at Arundel Masonic Lodge 76 in Kennebunkport, included group activities and speakers who covered topics like the least restrictive environment requirements and educational accommodations.

It’s important to think about what is required and necessary for students while also thinking about what the educational benefit is for them, RSU 21 Assistant Director of Special Services Will Putnam said.

“It’s always a balancing act with our students,” Putnam said.

The event was also the first time special education staff in the district were all together for a training day.

Linda Ruskoski, a literacy specialist in the district, said the collegiality in the room was “terrific.”

“Due to Covid, all of our conversations seemed to stop, and we operated in isolation,” Ruskoski told the Post. “Now, there are no more masks or fears, and we are communicating with each other again.”

Greg Hesse-Stromberg, a social worker at Middle School of the Kennebunks, said he also appreciated the opportunity to connect with colleagues.

“As a social worker, I don’t see other social workers in the district very often,” Hesse-Stromberg said. “Being together with them, but also having that connection to the resource room teachers and the other specialists is all incredibly beneficial for us.”

Teachers in the district said they hope to see conferences like this continue in the future.

“It was positive on many levels,” Ruskoski said. “It has been a long time since we were together with special education staff in one place.”