Monday, July 30, 2012

love, love, love

Thanks to all of you who came to the in-service last week. I appreciate your presence and participation so very much. I think I learned more from you guys than you did from me, AND I should only have about 15 people to train in the fall, so that will be much less disruption for your kiddos.

Only 2 more weeks of summer (boo) so I am taking off some this week. I will be gone Tues, Weds and Friday. If you need me, you will have to contact me through email or my personal cell because my work cell is temporarily misplaced (I hope).

Since we are having so many issues with Prior Written Notice, today's tip will deal with Prior Written Notice and Suspensions.

Please note that even though short term (less than 10 cumulative days) suspensions do not constitute a change in placement, Goss v. Lopez (1975) requires Districts to provide the suspended student with "some kind of notice" and "some kind of hearing". Specifically Districts are required to: 1) Proide the student with oral or written notice of the charges; 2) Explain the evidence that supports the charges in circumstances where the student denies the allegations; and 3)Offer the student an opportunity to present his or her side of the story.

Be sure to keep your ear to the ground regarding discipline. Many times, our administrators may not have the rules of IDEA in mind when imposing discipline. Be sure to share all information with them, including updated alpha lists to make sure we are all on the same page.

Enjoy yourselves the rest of the summer! See you soon!

PS Please have your ARMAC video training done prior to August 17th!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Tomorrow

Well, tomorrow is the big day! I am still working on our inservice materials. There is so much I want to share with you guys. We may not have enough time.

Inservice is tomorrow and Thursday 9:00-3:00. We will have lunch brought in. We will be meeting at Westside Middle School in the Special Events Room. If you guys need directions or have any other questions, please give me a call!

Looking forward to seeing you.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Upcoming Training

Whew! Getting ready for the training we will have next week has been hectic. Big huge thanks to Bryan Bullard and Amanda Kirby for coming today to help me with the binders we are putting together for you guys. They sacrificed their day for me and I really appreciate it!!!

I'm getting nervous about the training next week because the State Department has not released the Power Point about Standards Based IEP's in the correct format yet, and SEASWeb does not have the goal sheet in its correct format yet. But we will work with what we have, right!

This will be a big year of changes for us, so everyone just hang in there with me (again!).

Today's tip to boost your Special Ed. IQ is about Surrogate Parents...
Did you know that Districts have to ensure a properly trained surrogate parent is appointed for each child with a disability for whom no other "parent" is available. This surrogate may represent the child in all matters relating to identification, evaluation and educational placement and the provision of FAPE. However, this appointment in no way negates the natural parent's rights.

I am the chosen person for the Districts that is responsible for appointing surrogate parents. If you have a child who you feel needs one, please contact your principal or me!

I hope you guys are having a great summer. I will see you all next week!

Monday, July 2, 2012

AASEA

Hi everyone

I can't believe it's July already...Summer is flying by!

I just got back from AASEA...which was pretty pitiful. I had never been to the Special Education Administrator Conference before and really was expecting great things...sad :)

I did come away with a few good things I am going to share with you when we get together on the 25th and 26th. Those of you who can't make it on the 25th and or 26th, let me know and we will find a separate time to meet.

I am still looking at folders and collecting information to give to you guys so we know how to work smarter (not harder).

I know everyone is working on in-service so my Tip of the Day is about inservice for our transportation personnel. Many times students will require transportation as a related service. As in-service is being offered this fall, consider meeting formally or informally with your transportation team to explain issues that arise with these children. Maybe if a better understanding is gained regarding "our" students, transportation will become less of an issue (particularly in the behavior realm). A comprehensive training program can help districts avoid possible liability in the event a child is injured on or removed from the bus.

Here are a few training issues that should be considered:
 1.  Operation of specialized equipment
 2.  General special education training
 3.  General first-aid training
 4.  Specific training for medically fragile students

You may need to work in conjunction with your principals and nurses to ensure proper trainings are held.

On a side note, if you are having difficulty commenting on the Blog, just sign in with your gmail account when prompted and it will be smooth sailing after that. If you have problems, let me know.

Have a great 4th!!!