Inside the Work Transforming Special Education in Bridgeport

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Abbey of the Connecticut State Department of Education Technical Assistance Team to discuss the continued work and progress happening within the Bridgeport Public Schools Special Education Department.The conversation highlights the district’s adopted 2025–2026 Special Education Goals, focused on strengthening compliance, improving instructional support, expanding professional learning, increasing parent outreach, and building stronger connections between general and special education programming.Dr. Abbey discusses the ongoing collaboration between the Connecticut State Department of Education and Bridgeport Public Schools to improve systems and supports for students and families, including IEP quality training, curriculum development, expanded coaching for educators and administrators, and the development of a Special Education Blueprint Manual designed to create more consistent programming across the district.The episode also highlights the continued growth of the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC), giving parents a stronger voice in the district through trainings, advocacy, and family engagement opportunities.Additionally, the district has made significant progress in staffing, reducing certified special education vacancies from more than 50 positions to only two remaining openings through ongoing recruitment and hiring efforts.We also discuss the district’s long-term vision for Special Education, including the future $74 million Special Education Center and the continued commitment to providing stronger supports, services, and opportunities for all students across Bridgeport Public Schools.Send us Fan Mail