Rosedell Elementary Receives 2026 ACSE Impact Award for Inclusive Practices Supporting Students with Disabilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Kindra Britt, Director, Communications & Strategy

530.559.2978 | kbritt@cacountysupts.org

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) has named Rosedell Elementary School in the Saugus Union School District as the recipient of the 2026 ACSE Impact Award, recognizing the school's innovative and inclusive approach to serving students with disabilities. California County Superintendents is proud to co-sponsor this annual statewide award.

Rosedell Elementary was honored for its work in creating a fully inclusive educational environment and ensuring students with disabilities are included alongside their same age peers within general education classrooms. The school's model includes a "What I Need" instructional support block and the strategic redeployment of existing staff to strengthen inclusion and improve student outcomes without adding positions.

"Rosedell Elementary demonstrates what is possible when schools intentionally design systems that ensure every student belongs and has access to the support they need to succeed," said Todd Finnell, President of California County Superintendents and Imperial County Superintendent of Schools. "California County Superintendents is proud to partner with ACSE to identify, celebrate, and share practices that are improving outcomes for students with disabilities throughout our state."

The recognition comes as California County Superintendents join ACSE as a formal co-sponsor of the ACSE Impact Award. Through the support of the California County Superintendents Advisory Group on Equity and Access for Students with Disabilities, co-chaired by Stefan Bean (Orange County Superintendent of Schools) and Garth Lewis (Yolo County Superintendent of Schools),  this partnership with ACSE elevates and shares effective practices that improve outcomes for students with disabilities across California.

"One of the most powerful ways to improve outcomes for students with disabilities is to learn from schools that are achieving success," said Bean and Lewis. "Rosedell Elementary's commitment to inclusion demonstrates that meaningful change is possible when educators focus on meeting student needs and creating a culture where every learner is valued. We are excited to help share these lessons with educational leaders throughout California."

The ACSE Impact Award recognizes exemplary schools, districts, and programs that demonstrate measurable success in supporting students with disabilities and creating more equitable learning opportunities. Established by ACSE in partnership with the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Administrators of California and Special Education Administrators of County Offices, the award highlights innovative and replicable practices that can serve as models for schools and districts statewide.

"Students with disabilities deserve learning environments where they are included, supported, and empowered to thrive," said Debra Duardo, Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools. "By highlighting successful models like Rosedell Elementary, we can help accelerate innovation and expand opportunities for students and families across California."

An ACSE commissioner will present the award at a future Saugus Union School District board meeting. Award recipients will also have opportunities to share their work with county superintendents and special education leaders from across the state, helping to advance proven strategies that support students with disabilities in diverse educational settings.

For more information on the award, visit: https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/as/acseimpactaward.asp