Monday, February 7, 2011

Request for samples of communication ideas...

Hi, I have gotten several ideas on how student support and general education teachers communicate with one another and with parents. One of my favorites is the use of the IPOD! I was hoping for a few more ideas to share with the Parent Advisory Board.


I have some board maker ideas from various teachers also that are kid friendly and parent friendly.

E-mail or send me some samples or ideas.

Ann Loftus
aloftus@linnmar.12.ia.us

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Medicaid Kudos and What is the right wording?

Hello All!

It's a snowy day out there and I always appreciate the time to catch up on my "to do list"! Here are a couple interesting items that have come to my desk this past week:

1.) Medicaid reimbursement. Please pass on to all the designated adult associates, bus drivers, nurses and other staff the excellent work they have all done in completing medicaid forms this past year. We have received over 1.4 million dollars in medicaid reimbursement. You might think we are "rolling in the dough!" However, with only 40% of special education costs covered by Federal dollars, we are actually still in the red with a deficit around $400,00. Just think what we would be doing without the Medicaid reimbursement! Whew!

2.) In conversations concerning testing accommodations on IEPs and 504s, it has come to our attention that our wording for testing accommodations may not be consistent. Let's try to see if we can get more consistent across the district....please use the terms "extended time" rather than "untimed tests". The extended time guideline that ACT, SAT, and other testing centers use is 1 1/2 times the recommended time limit. This would be a good amount of time to try to follow for all testing accommodations at any grade level.

If you have any thoughts or comments concerning either of these items please feel free to share...

Stay safe and warm!
Julie