MARBLEHEAD — Marblehead Public Schools has served more than 800 students through special education programming during the 2025-26 academic year, according to Assistant Superintendent for Student Services LisaMarie Ippolito.
Ippolito discussed the special education programming offered by the district at a recent School Committee meeting.
She said the Department of Student Services, directed by her, provides support to students through staff at each school in Marblehead.
Student services staff are composed of team chairs and special education administrative assistants. She said their work requires “patience, creativity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every family — every student — within our community.”
She said these individuals collaborate with families, advocate for students, and “support the adaptive instruction to meet the unique needs of our students — all while fostering an inclusive environment, where we strive to make every family feel seen and heard.”
Ippolito said her staff is also composed of individuals at schools within the district, including special education teachers, school psychologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, a board certified behavior analyst, adjustment counselors, social workers, school counselors, nurses, and instructional assistants.
“Behind these labels and positions are some of the most amazing educators (and) student-centered people who work tirelessly — truthfully — to ensure every student, regardless of their unique needs, is supported,” she said.
This school year, Ippolito said, four students in Marblehead are in foster care; seven students needed assistance through the McKinney-Vento Assistance Act, which ensures homeless children have access to public education; 496 students are on Individualized Education Program plans; 281 students are on a 504 plan; and 50 students live outside of the Marblehead School District.
Ippolito said the goal of the special education program is to “ensure that students with disabilities are educated alongside their general education peers in the least restrictive environment while receiving the supports and services they need to succeed.”
She said typical staff who support students in these efforts are special education teachers, instructional assistants, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, counselors, and psychologists.
She said common areas of support include reading, writing, mathematics, processing speed, and executive functioning.
Another area of support for students is through language education.
The goal of this program is to “deliver rigorous, language-focused instruction to enhance academic achievement, ensure access to grade-level curriculum through both direct and integrated language support, (and) promote independence, inclusion, and active engagement within the school community.”
She said this program supports students in grades two through 12 at the Brown, Village, and Veterans schools, as well as Marblehead High School.
Ippolito said the program focuses on vocabulary instruction, graphic organization, and embedded language instruction across subjects.
Additionally, Ippolito highlighted the therapeutic special education program, which creates a “safe, supportive environment designed for students with social-emotional challenges.”
She said the program entails developing emotional regulation skills and self-confidence.
To do this, school staff use strategies such as social pragmatic coaching, behavior plans, visual support, positive reinforcement, and sensory tools to support students.
Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can be supported through the program at the Brown, Village, and Veterans schools, along with Marblehead High School.
