Abstract
Problem and purpose. The purpose of this study was fourfold: (1) to determine factors that influenced five Schwab Foundation grantee school districts to implement a Collaborative Service Delivery Model, (CSDM), (2) to determine what problems were encountered during the implementation of a Collaborative Service Delivery Model, (3) to determine the costs of implementing a CSDM and (4) to determine the degree of satisfaction with the results as perceived by school leaders of the five Schwab Foundation grantee school districts. Methodology. This study used an ex post facto descriptive design. Surveys and in-person interviews were conducted with representatives of five school districts who had been recipients of a Schwab Foundation grant and operated Collaborative Service Delivery Models for special education students for two or more years. Findings and conclusions. The key findings from these data suggest the following conclusions: (1) All of the school districts would implement the Collaborative Service Delivery Model again. (2) Most of the districts implemented the CSDM to comply with the Least Restrictive Environment (IRE) legislation. (3) Most districts implemented the CSDM because of rising program costs and programs lack of quality. (4) The majority of the districts added staff. Some reallocated existing staff. (5) Most of the districts broke even on costs in implementing the CSDM. One district's costs increased and one district commingled their special education funds with Title I funds to serve regular and special education students together. (6) All districts said that there needs to be adequate planning time and all stakeholders need to be involved in this process. Recommendations. Recommendations from the study include: (1) A study should be done to explore the impact on operational costs associated with fully including students of all disabilities into regular education programs. (2) A study should be conducted on the best ways districts could work with parents and staff to utilize accommodations and resources available in order to contain the excessive referral of students for special education. (3) A study should be conducted to determine the fiscal benefit of taking back all county-served students to home district/school programs. (4) A study should be conducted to determine ways to provide regional service programs with other districts and local colleges as a capacity builder to reduce off-site student service costs.