Texas School Business has released its 19th annual Bragging Rights magazine, highlighting standout programs across the state. For the first time, Copperas Cove ISD was featured in the 2025 edition, recognized for its special education department’s mentorship program for educational diagnosticians.

The initiative was designed to address the statewide challenge of recruiting and retaining certified diagnosticians, who play a critical role in assessing student needs and determining appropriate services.

“It’s a grow-your-own-type mindset,” said CCISD Director of Special Education Cynthia Lavallee in the article. “If we provide them mentorship and training, they’ll want to stay because of all that support.”

Unlike many districts where diagnosticians are expected to take on full responsibilities immediately, Copperas Cove ISD provides new diagnosticians with structured support. This includes weekly meetings, assigned mentors, and a gradual release process before they assume the full scope of the role.

Launched in the 2024–25 school year, the program has reduced reliance on outside contractors while helping new diagnosticians gain confidence in conducting complex assessments. Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins praised the program’s impact, noting that it demonstrates the district’s commitment to innovative solutions in special education.

Lavallee, a former diagnostician herself, leads the program alongside Assistant Director Angie Sharp and Special Education Coordinator Jennifer Stevenson. Together, they guide new diagnosticians through the evolving demands of the profession.

Bragging Rights has been published annually by the Texas Association of School Administrators since 2014, spotlighting programs that make a difference in public education across Texas.

For more information on Copperas Cove ISD’s diagnostician mentorship program, visit the Texas School Business website. To explore current opportunities in the district, visit www.CCISD.com/Jobs.