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Transforming Special Education Across DC

The DC Special Education Cooperative (Co-op) partners with public charter schools across Washington, DC to build stronger systems, more inclusive classrooms, and better futures for students with disabilities.

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Gallery 01 | DC Special Ed Co-op

Our Programs

Through our programs, the Co-op helps schools build stronger systems, support educators, and expand opportunities so students with disabilities can thrive in school and beyond.

All In DC

Building educator capacity and inclusive leadership to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

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DC3C

Connecting students ages 14–22 to career, college, training, and community opportunities.

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Demonstration Classrooms

Real-time classroom models where educators can observe evidence-based instruction in action.

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Elevate

Helping charter schools strengthen special education systems through assessment, coaching, and improvement planning.

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School-Based Medicaid

School-Based Medicaid

Helping schools access Medicaid reimbursement to support special education funding and compliance.

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Our Why

Students with disabilities in DC continue to be underserved—and the outcomes reflect it.

Despite their potential, students with disabilities consistently experience lower academic achievement, higher rates of chronic absenteeism, and fewer postsecondary opportunities than their peers. The DC Special Education Cooperative exists to help schools close these gaps by strengthening instruction, improving systems, and expanding opportunities for every learner.

0 %
of students with disabilities in DC are proficient in Math, compared to 26.4% of students overall.
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of students with disabilities in DC are proficient in ELA, compared to 37.6% of students overall.

0 %

of students with disabilities in DC graduate, compared to 78.7% of students overall.

0 %

of students in DC identify as Black/African American, but 78% of students with disabilities are Black/African American.

Our Impact

Building stronger systems. Supporting educators. Expanding opportunities. Improving outcomes.

0

Local Education Agencies are members

(95% of agencies serving students with disabilities)

0 %
of Demonstration Classrooms

outperformed DC growth benchmarks for students with disabilities

0
of DC3C students

improved workplace readiness skills

$ 0 M
generated annually

in Medicaid reimbursements for participating schools

We’re Here For You

Whether you’re a parent, student, educator, school leader, or community partner, the Co-op offers programs, resources, and support designed to help students with disabilities thrive.

For Schools & Educators

Access professional learning, coaching, resources, and membership benefits.

For Students

Explore programs and opportunities designed to support your growth and future success.

For Parents & Families

Find resources, guidance, and support to help your child succeed.

Get Involved

Partner with us to strengthen special education and expand opportunities for students across DC.

Our Partners

The Co-op is powered by a growing network of DC schools, partners, and advocates.

CenterforLearnerEquity2
UofMaryland2
Cast2
OSSE 2
RSA DDS 2
Partner With Us

Your series of trainings was by far the best that I’ve found.

I feel so much more knowledgeable and have so many more ideas about how I can better support my students and staff… your trainings have certainly made a huge difference in equipping me with new mindsets, knowledge, and skills to help our kids.

Ben Johnson CAO
Ingenuity Prep PCS

Transformative professional development that lasts.

Our professional development with the Special Education Cooperative has been transformative for our entire early childhood team. The training provided educators with concrete strategies they could immediately apply, and our teachers continue to reference these individualized strategies in their planning and implementation, demonstrating the lasting impact of this personalized approach.

Katelyn Lucas
Special Education Compliance Manager, Inspired Teaching PCS

The impact extended far beyond our Learning Lab.

The Co-op supported us in launching our own Learning Lab and their observations and coaching have been invaluable in guiding our response to student data, allowing us to create truly individualized programming for our students. The impact of this partnership has extended beyond the Learning Lab, influencing the decision-making framework our leadership team applies to all learners.

Alysha Schuler Director of Student Support, Latin American Montessori Bilingual PCS

An invaluable partner in strengthening special education.

The DC Special Education Cooperative has been an invaluable partner in enhancing our special education work at DC Prep. Their expert-led observations provided clear, actionable insights that directly supported our planning work and helped us refine our approach to supporting diverse learners with confidence.

Mary Pendleton Senior Director of Program, DC Prep PCS

DC3C helped me discover my path after high school.

DC3C helped me focus more on college, especially helped me focus on what I want to study and what I want to do after graduating college. DC3C also taught me how to look for help in the community and motivated me to get more involved in different programs.

Eric S. Student

Latest News

Evidence-based Intervention: Demo Teacher Feature

For Mr. Griffin, math intervention is about far more than

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More Than a Certification – How DC3C Is Equipping Students With Lifesaving Skills and Real-World Confidence

In an emergency, a single action can change everything. DC3C

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Teacher seated at a table with students

UDL In Action: A Demo Teacher Shares What Works

A Q&A with Brandon Woodland, Founding UDL Teacher at Bridges

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Teachers seated at a table during a professional conference

ELEVATE Conference 2026: Instruction By Design

For over 20 years the Co-op has hosted an annual

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Ready to strengthen special education in DC?

Join the Co-op community to access programs, resources, and partnerships that help schools better support students with disabilities.

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Ja'Vaan Veal Bio

Special Education Advisory Board Member
Director of Compliance, KIPP DC PCS

Ja’Vaan Veal is currently the Director of Compliance of Student Support at KIPP DC. She has worked in special education for 18 years serving in both instructional and administrative roles in the Chicagoland area before beginning at KIPP DC in 2016. Ja’Vaan earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Western IL University and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Roosevelt University. Although she feels that her schooling prepped her for her career, she is primarily grateful for her opportunities to work and learn from those who she considers the greats of special education, namely her two mentors, Dr. Joan Gross and Cheryl Clark. Ja’Vaan feels lucky to continue down a path that allows her to serve children and the community while meeting some great people along the way.

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Kenyetta Singleton Bio

Special Education Advisory Board Member
Special Education Manager, AppleTree Early Learning PCS

Kenyetta Singleton is a proud graduate of Howard University and is a certified Speech and Language Pathologist with over 20 years of experience working in DC Public and Charter Schools. Currently, she is the Special Education Manager at AppleTree Early Learning Public Charter Schools, which also serves four other Local Education Agencies in DC Charter Schools. Ms. Singleton has been on panels with topics that focused on Special Education for students who are in an urban school district. She enjoys supporting families and ensuring that students receive services so they can be in an inclusive classroom environment.

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Melody Maitland Bio

Special Education Advisory Board Member
Chief of Staff, District of Columbia International School PCS

Melody serves as the Chief of Staff for DC International Public Charter School. Her work focuses on operationalizing processes developed over the school’s seven year history with a focus on achieving strategic plan goals. Prior to this role, Melody served as the founding Director of Student Support Services, managing formal support services (i.e., special education, 504s, and EL services) across all grade levels. She earned her BA in Sociology and Leadership Studies from the University of Denver, her Masters of Social Work from the University of Denver, and her Masters of Education from George Mason University. In her free time, Melody loves watching documentaries, going to fairs and festivals, and eating out!

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