Mary G. Hogsett Primary School is in its second year having the Autism Learning Network and Central Kentucky Educational Cooperative (CKEC) in the building. Last year, they worked with the Moderate and Severe Disabilities (MSD) classroom. This year, Brittney Groves’ and Johnna Prewitt’s kindergarten classroom, where they co-teach, was chosen to participate. The class has a mix of students who have disabilities and students who don't.

This collaboration is to help build capacity for implementing evidence-based practices to support the needs of students diagnosed with autism. They do classroom observations of behaviors and struggles, and they suggest practices to try, Groves said. 

“It’s going well — we have seen a lot of improvement so far this year,” Groves said. “After implementing several of the suggested practices, we have seen the students become more independent with routines and participation in the classroom. We are so encouraged by the gains we’re seeing and we remain focused on continuing that momentum.”

Prewitt said the partnership helps provide tools to support students so they’ll be successful beyond the classroom. 

“As a result of implementing these practices, we have learned the importance of intentionality and consistency in everything we do,” Prewitt said. “Small, structured supports — when applied with fidelity — can make a significant difference in student outcomes over time. Students have learned far more than just academic content. They have developed skills that support long-term independence and success.”

Groves said that she and Prewitt see the partnership having “a significant long-term impact.”

“This work not only supports sustainable student growth but also reinforces a mindset of responsiveness, accountability, and professional growth within our teaching practice,” Groves said. “We can carry what we have learned beyond this year to benefit our future students.”

She said they’ve seen “an increase in student independence, academic progress, noticeable decrease in reactive behaviors, and an increase in appropriate communication and self-regulation strategies.”

Prewitt said the support through the partnership has helped to strengthen implementation of evidence-based practices to better support students with autism. 

“We are so thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with the Autism Learning Network and CKEC,” Prewitt said.