Transforming Services Through a Comprehensive Program Evaluation: A Partnership with Magnolia ISD
A District Committed to Inclusive Education
Magnolia Independent School District is a district where traditional values meet innovative programs. The district offers all the amenities of a large urban area with the small-town charm of a close-knit community. Modern facilities and advanced programs attract great families and outstanding teachers.
Located 45 miles north of Houston, Magnolia ISD encompasses 150 square miles, serving approximately 15,000 students. MISD states it’s one of the fastest-growing school districts in the greater Houston area and will be opening two new schools in the upcoming school year. The district offers a well-balanced curriculum that meets the needs of all students.
Identifying Needs and Seeking Expert Support
In the spring of 2022, Magnolia ISD contacted Stetson and Associates, Inc. to conduct a program evaluation. The district sought data to address the special education programmatic needs in their service delivery model associated with a fast-growing district, as well as to translate findings into actionable recommendations and help align them with long-term goals.
Stetson and Associates conducted the program evaluation, which involved the gathering of data through numerous sources, including key staff interviews, focus groups, classroom observations, faculty and parent surveys, and a study of comparable districts in areas relative to enrollment, staffing, student performance, budget and financial resources, and compliance with state and federal mandates for special education populations.
Turning Insights Into Action
The program evaluation results were presented to the district in the summer of 2022. The findings prompted the district to engage in in-depth strategic planning and implement systems change around their service delivery model. Over the next two years, in collaboration with Stetson and Associates, the team addressed the consolidation of specialized support programs that had been previously label-driven and moved into a needs-based approach. The district was also able to add additional staff and services to address the behavioral needs of its students.
Sustaining Progress Beyond the Partnership
District leaders continue their work independently, as the changes implemented during the initiative have been fully embedded into the department’s daily operations and mindset. These shifts are no longer seen as temporary changes but rather as integral components of the department’s culture, guiding decision-making, collaboration, and instructional practices. As a result, leaders are equipped and empowered to sustain progress without ongoing external support.
“Collaborating with Stetson and Associates empowered our administrative team to strategically plan and confidently implement a district-wide change in special education programming that will have a lasting impact for years to come. Amid competing priorities—impending growth, new leadership, and the need to reassess program development and implementation—Stetson provided the structure and expertise essential to successfully addressing the evolving needs of our growing district.”
– Christina Coats, Executive Director of Special Services
