Led by SPED consultants Beth Giovannetti and Nancy Opalack, the Cooperative will help schools build capacity to increase SPED students’ academic achievement and to help schools stay in compliance.  Services will include support around complex cases, professional development, academic tracking of SPED students, shared services, a learning network, advocacy, etc.  After hearing from our members on the challenges surrounding SPED and the Coop's great work, the LAPCS secured funding for the Coop, previously funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Charter School Program, National Alliance of Public Charter Schools, and New Schools for New Orleans.

Membership Benefits

• Case review of individual complex cases with concrete recommendations re: compliant, supportive next steps to move case forward;
• The “Committee on Quality Assurance, Peer & Self-Review” comprised of charter school peers and special education experts will conduct school by school program reviews, craft recommendations and assist each member in making positive changes to their special education program;
• Monthly meetings to share local and national best practice strategies and tools, problem solve school level problems and gather information to create shared programs;
• Ombudsman Office which includes a “Hotline” providing case-by-case guidance on complex cases and issues and responds to requests re: how 1706 and 1508 regulations apply at the school level;
• Explore and clarify the local and state funding formula for special education and assist schools in applying for IDEA Part B funding to ensure full funding across all funding streams for which members are eligible;
• Participation in a year long professional development series tailored to the frontline needs of member schools;
• Participation in the “2nd Annual Special Education Provider Fair” connecting local, state and national providers to member schools, create Coop Directory of Special Education Providers;
• Create templates for best practice service delivery, e.g., service delivery contracts, standards of practice for providers to work in schools, etc.

What schools say about the work of Beth, Nancy, and the Special Education Cooperative:

“The co-op has been tremendously helpful in navigating the legal aspects of special education in New Orleans, so that instead of being a target for compliance persecution, the district actually regards us as a model of special needs implementation… it has allowed charter schools to share best practices and strategize toward creating efficient and functional special education programs that meet all the requirements of the state. Even the most effective SEC's often feel alone and unsure of the right approach to problems that could bring down an entire school…with the co-op, 40 some odd schools with the same problem and tons of legal know-how can't be ignored.”

-Ben Marcovitz, Executive Director & Margo Bouchie, Special Education Coordinator, Sci Academy

“The dismal state of special education services in New Orleans prior to Hurricane Katrina is undisputed. With the knowledge, experience and assistance of Beth Giovannetti and Nancy Opalack, KIPP New Orleans Schools is creating cooperative service delivery systems, building infrastructure to promote AYP for special education students, and beginning to implement integrated service delivery models. These supports are planned and implemented based on data, student and teacher input, best-practices research and collaboration among all stakeholders. "

-Kelly McClure, Director of Academics, KIPP New Orleans Schools

Membership Fees

$750 (below 200 students); $950 non-members
$1,000 (200-399 students); $1,250 non-members
$1,250 (400 students and above); $1,450 non-members

2010 Membership Form (PDF)
SPED Newsletter January 2010 (PDF)
Baseline Data Survey (PDF)

Checks can be made payable to:
Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools (memo line: SPED Cooperative)
5500 Prytania Street, #126
New Orleans, LA 70115

Our private funding for the Cooperative requires that we make a 1:7 match from membership dues in our first year. For every dollar of membership dues that you pay into the Cooperative, the Association will make up the remainder through private philanthropic dollars. If you have any questions, please email Beth Giovannetti at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Nancy Opalack at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Andrea Chen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 504-274-3651.