#USA #Oklahoma City #Special Education #First Student #CASE Conference

First Student to Present Innovative Solutions at 2025 CASE Conference

First Student, a leader in school transportation, is set to present at the upcoming 2025 Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) conference in Oklahoma City from November 5-7. Will McDermott, the head of student services at First Student, will discuss the company’s proprietary training program, First Serves, which has proven effective in significantly reducing on-vehicle behavioral incidents.

The CASE organization is renowned for promoting excellence in special education administration, providing resources and guidance that empower administrators to serve students with disabilities effectively. This year’s conference will gather thought leaders in special education, offering a platform to exchange best practices, policy insights, and innovations that enhance the educational experience for students with special needs.

First Student's impressive agenda, which features their compelling case study, reaffirms their commitment to supporting safe and inclusive environments on school buses. According to McDermott, "We are honored to share our progress at CASE, showcasing that collaboration among transportation teams, educational staff, and families fosters a safer school experience for all students." Their program, First Serves, highlights the positive impact that specialized training can have on school environments, particularly for children with unique needs.

Developed in partnership with leading behavioral experts from preeminent research institutions and children's hospitals, First Serves equips drivers and transportation leaders with essential skills. The training focuses on recognizing and appropriately addressing student behaviors, ensuring that transportation professionals are well-prepared to support students with various disabilities effectively. This initiative has shown a remarkable 27% reduction in behavioral incidents on buses, which underscores its significance in promoting a secure and supportive transport experience.

Additionally, the program's recent approval to provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for Michigan social workers positions First Student as a pioneer in training professionals who serve students with special needs. Carrie Turner, Senior Manager at CEC, enthusiastically expressed that First Student's innovative training and collaborative approach advances the field of special education.

The selection to present at the CASE conference is highly competitive, with nearly 350 submissions competing for a limited number of slots. First Student's entry, titled "A Case Study in Special Education Transportation Developing a Collaborative Partnership," was chosen for its valuable contribution to improving the educational experience for students with disabilities.

First Student's vision transcends traditional transportation services, reimagining the school bus ride for over 5.5 million students across North America. With a fleet of 46,000 vehicles, including electric buses, First Student is dedicated to delivering not only reliable transport but also fostering an environment where all students can feel empowered and supported.

As one of Fast Company's "Most Innovative Companies" for 2025, First Student continues to pave the way in the education sector, offering groundbreaking solutions such as special needs transportation, AI-driven route optimization, and comprehensive vehicle maintenance services. Their commitment to providing supportive and inclusive transportation for students signals a significant step forward in educational logistics, ensuring that every student can embark on their journey to learning with confidence and care.

In conclusion, First Student's participation in the 2025 CASE conference marks a critical moment in the dialogue surrounding special education and transportation. By sharing their successful practices, they aim to inspire and equip other institutions to enhance their approaches to serving students with disabilities. This initiative is not just about transporting students; it's about building communities that nurture and safeguard the well-being of every child.