Improving Student Outcomes Through Collaboration
An update from the South County SELPA’s Equity, Disproportionality & Design Team
#WeAreED&D
We are the Equity, Disproportionality and Design (ED&D) Team from San Diego South County SELPA. Our mission is to prevent disproportionality in schools, enabling all students to reach their full academic and social potential. Our team includes a diverse group of educators with significant expertise and years of service to both special education and general education populations.
Previously (2018-2023), the ED&D project team, in partnership with the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE), built the capacity of Special Education Local Plan Areas (SELPAs) to support Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in developing and implementing evidence-based practices for students with disabilities (SWD).
Recently (2023-2025), the South County SELPA’s ED&D team has provided resources to school districts across California by providing specialized training and services tailored to the specific needs of the districts based on a fee-for-service basis.
As we embark upon the 2025-26 school year, the ED&D team looks forward to continuing the journey of building equitable systems and supporting South County SELPA school districts through the provision of technical assistance to prevent disproportionality in our schools. At ED&D, we understand that the pursuit of equity is a collaborative effort, and we are motivated to work alongside our educational partners to provide support for school communities, including staff, students, and families.
ED&D: Partnering to Advance SDCOE’s North Star
The San Diego Office of Education (SDCOE) has set a bold North Star goal: to reduce poverty and increase belongingness through public education. This vision reflects the belief that schools are the heart of the community, bringing educational partners to collectively support young people from infancy through adulthood.
The newly released 2025-30 Strategic Plan outlines two strategic priorities and seven desired outcomes designed to move this vision forward. Developed through an inclusive, employee-led process with input, the plan builds on SDCOE’s board goals, the Equity Blueprint for Action, and guiding principles.
As we begin the 2025-26 school year, ED&D is committed to helping bring SDCOE’s new Strategic Plan to life:
Transforming policies and structures to foster belonging by supporting schools in building inclusive systems and evidence-based practices that are equitable, transparent, and responsive to students’ needs.
Championing collective responsibility to improve student outcomes by partnering with our member districts, educators, and the community, by co-creating solutions that address disproportionality and reduce barriers to access.
Highlighting Equity Leaders through the ED&D Podcast Studio
We’re excited to announce Season 4 of the ED&D Podcast Studio! Through our podcasts, ED&D provides access to engaging conversations with educators and community members who share their personal and professional experiences. Conversations explore their journey through education, describe their efforts toward building equity in our school systems, and explain barriers that have caused them to rethink their approach to systems change. Listen to current and previous podcast episodes on our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Make sure to subscribe!
Experience 10 Years of PBIS Excellence!
The 2025 California PBIS Conference is celebrating its 10th anniversary! California PBIS is a collaborative organization using evidence-based, culturally relevant practices to build the capacity for all stakeholders in the implementation of PBIS as a multi-tiered system following the National PBIS Blueprint for professional development, implementation, and evaluation. The upcoming conference will be held in Sacramento, CA, on October 8-10, 2025. Join us at the 2025 California PBIS Conference!