Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Hey guys

I hope everyone had a very happy Memorial Day and a great start to summer.

I am going to start checking folders next week, so don't be surprised if you come back to some sticky notes. I am going to try to email you a note about each of your folders I check letting you know big things that need to be fixed and any patterns I see that are in need of correction. Hopefully we will have a lot of time this coming up year for discussions about due process issues and any and all questions can be answered. Generic issues that I see across the paperwork will be addressed on the blog.

Today's tip:
When we come back to school in the fall, I'm sure there will be several students who walk in with Independent Evaluations from outside providers. I get a lot of questions about how we are to deal with these evaluations.

1. Always date stamp the report so we can prove when it was received. These reports must be addressed in a "timely" manner.
2. The District must "consider" the evaluation when making decisions concerning the provision of FAPE (programming and placement). Failure to "consider" the independent evaluation violates the paren't right to have the opportunity to participate. So, we will need to hold (at least) a separate programming conference to acknowledge the report and review the new information. Any placement or programming changes (IEP- PLOP, goals, mods, etc...) based on the new report should be documented.
3. Add the new information to the Evaluation Programming Conference Decision Form.
4. Also, do an Existing Data Review to determine if any additional information is needed.

Remember, the IEE does not have to drive the decision of how to provide FAPE. That decision is the committee's! However, we need to be sure we can document the parents had "meaningful participation" and the new report could possibly hold some valuable information.

If the student is not already placed in special education, clarify with the parent if the Independent Evaluation should be considered a referral. If it is, the District must deal with it as any other referral.

As always, if you have any questions about this, please comment or email me!



Thursday, May 24, 2012

:) it's ALMOST summer!

Hey guys
Some questions have come up regarding where to put Speech on the front page of an IEP. I spoke with Lisa Haley to clarify this today and here is her answer: If a child is receiving speech only, the speech is required to be in both places on the front page--Schedule of Services and Related Services. If a child receives it in conjunction with other services, it's a good idea to have it in the schedule and related service area even though it is only required for Medicaid in that instance. It is appropriate to place more than one regular education class on a line together if you need more space :) I hope this clears that up for those of you who needed the information. If you have questions, give a shout!

Quick Tip Today: IDEA 2004 set very high and strict standards for Special Education Students to participate in statewide testing. This all has to be reported to the State Department of Ed. Since this reporting issue could cause a lot of last minute scrambling when it comes time for Benchmark, it's a good idea to set up an Excel spreadsheet, and as you have annual reviews, add these modifications for students. As new students are placed or changes are made, adjustments can be made and SHAZAM! you have your list all ready for the counselor when it comes time! :)

I trust everyone is ready for summer. I'm very jealous, as I'll be working away while you guys are getting tans and sleeping in!

Have a wonderful day and a great Memorial Day weekend...be careful out there.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Blogs are fun (when you can see them)!

Ok guys. I am working with technology people to get the filter situation corrected so everyone can view the blog while at school. In the meantime, I hope you will read and respond at home.

I bought several new books when I was at the LRP conference (which was AMAZING)! I am reading one now called Quick Tips to Boost Your Special Education IQ. I thought I could share a tip from this book each day until we are all genius level...lol. Jump in if you have any questions or issues and we will discuss them!

Today's tip is ACCOMMODATIONS DON'T MEAN GRADE ADJUSTMENTS. I know sometimes we struggle to help our regular education teachers feel ok with the accommodations they give special education students. It all goes back to the fairness issue. This book brings up a great point. It said in most cases special education students should be graded "in accordance with the district's generally applicable grading policies" when in the regular classroom. To apply a different grading system strictly based on the fact the student has a learning disability (for example)  implies special education students are being treated differently on the basis of their disabilities.

I think the important thing to remember when it comes to grading (and all things regarding our students) is that each child's strengths and weaknesses should be looked at on an individual basis. All decisions regarding these students should be made based on individual needs. No blanket decisions for all students who receive special education services, right?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Those of you that don't know, Lori Pruitt will be back with our office next school year! We are very excited! I know you are all busy packing your rooms for your summer vacation. I hope you have a fantastic, restful, peaceful summer.

Keep in touch over the summer!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Yay!!! A blog...I'm so excited!

This blog is dedicated to all of the wonderful special education teachers, speech therapists and paraprofessionals that fill up my life (in a good way). Daily I see and hear things that make me think of you or that I want to share with you...I am learning all the time. Special education seems to change as the wind blows. I'd like this blog to help us all keep track of changes as they happen. I hope you guys enjoy this format, but rest assured, I will still be sending weekly (when I can) newsletters. I'd appreciate any and all feedback...send me questions and I will try to get them answered and share them with everyone. I want you all to know that no matter how much or how little I see you, I respect the job you do so much and even if it feels like I am far away (and out of touch), I am there with you each day. -CK