The Chicago public schools this week announced a new leader for the special education department, as part of an overhaul of how students with disabilities are served in the district, according to the Chicago Tribune.
On Monday, the district named Richard Smith as head of the office of specialized services, the Tribune reported. He will replace Deborah Duskey in the role.
Smith, a former principal, most recently served as a chief area officer at the district overseeing special education schools. The Tribune said he will begin overhauling special education by enforcing a more collaborative attitude toward students and parents.
Education Week wrote a previous blog on the city schools’ planned special education overhaul here.
