Big things are happening in Springfield Public Schools – District 186, and the momentum is only growing! Through a strong partnership with the HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training & Resource Center, Springfield is taking major strides toward building sustainable, evidence-based systems of support for students and educators alike.
The district’s commitment runs deep—beginning with two intensive, week-long HANDS trainings that laid the groundwork for meaningful systems change. This year, Springfield launched three collaborative classrooms at Laketown Elementary School, creating hands-on learning environments where evidence-based practices are embedded into daily instruction. Across the district, teams are also engaging in #HANDSModel workshops and preparing to launch a new cohort of #HANDSModel trainers, expanding the reach and impact of this collaborative effort.
At the heart of this work is Laketown Elementary, a true model of dedication and collaboration. For the past two summers, Laketown’s staff and BCBAs have participated in the HANDS Intensive Summer Training, embracing their guiding motto: “Go slow to go fast.” This approach has become a foundation for their success—ensuring that every strategy and support is implemented thoughtfully, consistently, and effectively.
Now, Laketown’s team is taking their learning from the classroom to the next level. Through monthly in-class workshops, staff are applying their HANDS training directly with students, refining supports in real time and strengthening teamwork across all areas of instruction. Their next goal? Expanding their STRIVE program to serve even more students and families in their community.
Looking ahead, Laketown Elementary will continue to lead the way as a coaching site in the HANDS Model, working alongside HANDS in Autism to mentor other districts across the state in implementing evidence-based, inclusive practices.
Springfield’s partnership with HANDS in Autism demonstrates what’s possible when local leadership, professional learning, and research-based strategies come together. We’re seeing systems shift, teams grow andsupports strengthen—and this is just the beginning.
👏 Congratulations to the Springfield team for your dedication, insight, and partnership. We’re proud to build alongside you!
🔗 Learn more about our Collaborative Sites: Collaborative
🔗 Visit Laketown Elementary: Partner
