Strengthening supports for Chicago Public Schools’ most vulnerable students
Project: Chicago Public Schools Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services Organizational Assessment
Client: Chicago Public Schools - Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services
The Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services (ODLSS) supports school networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance supports. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) serves nearly 50,000 diverse learners who receive special education support and services. Each year, these students represent ~15% of CPS’ total student population, and nearly 90% of diverse learners are students of color (~50% are Latinx, ~40% are Black).
Over the last several years, ODLSS faced significant turnover and budget cuts that negatively impacted organizational operations and staff morale. The COVID-19 pandemic inhibited the office’s ability to provide federally mandated services and individualized instruction for diverse learners, who are already the district’s most vulnerable student population. The challenges in serving these students’ needs continue to intensify as the pandemic evolves and persists.
With pro bono support from West Monroe Partners, we conducted an organizational assessment of ODLSS to identify gaps and barriers to achieving the district’s vision of providing a high-quality public education for every child, in every neighborhood, that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. This included interviews with department leaders and principals, an analysis of the office’s organizational structure, including workloads and spans of control, and a review of key student-facing processes.
Upon this review, five key themes for needed organizational change emerged: clarify roles, empower leadership, increase capacity, cultivate collaboration, and enhance awareness. Recommendations within these themes were further developed, prioritized, and sequenced for the ODLSS Senior Leadership Team to review recommendations and align on the next steps. The assessment provided the department with a roadmap of priorities for the year ensuring a strong start to the 2022-23 school year. Now with clarified priorities and resources, the office is better equipped to more equitably serve the district’s most vulnerable student population of diverse learners.
THANK YOU
West Monroe Partners for their pro bono support in conducting an organizational assessment of ODLSS to identify gaps and barriers to achieving the district’s vision.
