Helping schools build stronger systems for students with disabilities.
ELEVATE is the DC Special Education Cooperative’s systems-strengthening initiative designed to help charter schools build high-quality, sustainable special education programs. Across Washington, DC, students with disabilities continue to experience persistent opportunity gaps while school leaders navigate increasingly complex instructional, operational, and compliance demands. ELEVATE helps schools strengthen the leadership practices, systems, and continuous improvement processes needed to create more inclusive, coordinated, and effective learning environments for students with disabilities.
Grounded in the belief that strong systems lead to stronger student outcomes, ELEVATE provides schools with needs assessments, leadership coaching, technical assistance, collaborative learning opportunities, and access to evidence-based practices that support long-term growth and sustainability. The program helps school leaders strengthen organizational systems, align practices, and build the capacity needed to deliver high-quality, student-centered special education services over time.
core curriculum, delivery of instruction, and tiered supports are designed for all students to thrive
policies, systems, and resources are in place, effective, and responsive to student needs
data helps make academic, intervention, and behavior support-related decisions to drive actionable changes
school leaders are knowledgeable, committed, and hold teams accountable
parents are supported, empowered, and included
students are self-aware and actively engaged
The Co-op’s ELEVATE program activities are designed to meet schools where they are, get the whole school on board, and leverage our network of practitioners to move schools forward. ELEVATE program activities include:
