Monday, September 26, 2011
Bookshare
Bookshare http://www.bookshare.org is a website that has accessible books, textbooks, periodicals, etc. for students with print disabilities. As an educational institution we have access to all of their books online. They can be downloaded to a computer and most will go onto an iPad or iPod Touch. The daisy reader will read the books out loud or books can be read on the screen. Print can be enlarged, highlighted, etc. If you are using these books on an iPod Touch or an iPad you will need to buy an app for $19.99 called Read2Go from the iTunes app store. I downloaded the app on a student-specific iPad for a child in Steve Moses class (Excelsior) for a student who is visually impaired.
Someone from each of your buildings could apply for an institutional membership. Though memberships are usually paid the federal government has provided money to allow schools to have free access to books.
Jackie Wellborn
Someone from each of your buildings could apply for an institutional membership. Though memberships are usually paid the federal government has provided money to allow schools to have free access to books.
Jackie Wellborn
Monday, May 9, 2011
Thank you for a great school year...and..what's happening for Fall?
Hello!
Thanks for attending our brief meeting this morning in the Upper Commons at the high school. A big THANK YOU to Melissa Bray, Joslin Hanna, Jennifer Porter, and Ivan Gentry in sharing their use of technology to help enhance home/school communications. Also, thanks to the high school for hosting and Ivan for setting up the hardware goods!
Also..congratulations to Jennifer Porter on her Newcomer award, Cathy Harris and Jean Monroe for their upcoming retirements. We wish them all the best!
Finally, as shared this morning middle school and high school teachers will have an opportunity to get ahead of the game for our next round of IEP compliance activities...and receive a stipend as well! Please see information below:
As you may know, Linn-Mar is up for a compliance review again next year. To prepare for this we have been given an opportunity to spend a day with our Transition Consultant, Mary Crandall, to work on the following:
6 Critical Elements
Go over data from an informal review of our current IEPS
Spend time working on your IEPS
An added benefit will be that all teachers will be paid a stipend of $150.00 for the day.
We hope that you will take advantage of this training.
Time: Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Place: LRC Rooms 304 & 305
Time: 8:30-3:30 with 1 hour for lunch
Please bring your laptops so you can access your IEPS.
I look forward to seeing you all back here at Linn Mar this coming Fall...watch for some exciting new websites and use of technology within Student Services land. As always feel free to contact me with any questions/concerns that may arise in these last few weeks of school or even over the summer. I will be in the office the majority of the summer days.
Take Care,
Julie
Thanks for attending our brief meeting this morning in the Upper Commons at the high school. A big THANK YOU to Melissa Bray, Joslin Hanna, Jennifer Porter, and Ivan Gentry in sharing their use of technology to help enhance home/school communications. Also, thanks to the high school for hosting and Ivan for setting up the hardware goods!
Also..congratulations to Jennifer Porter on her Newcomer award, Cathy Harris and Jean Monroe for their upcoming retirements. We wish them all the best!
Finally, as shared this morning middle school and high school teachers will have an opportunity to get ahead of the game for our next round of IEP compliance activities...and receive a stipend as well! Please see information below:
As you may know, Linn-Mar is up for a compliance review again next year. To prepare for this we have been given an opportunity to spend a day with our Transition Consultant, Mary Crandall, to work on the following:
6 Critical Elements
Go over data from an informal review of our current IEPS
Spend time working on your IEPS
An added benefit will be that all teachers will be paid a stipend of $150.00 for the day.
We hope that you will take advantage of this training.
Time: Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Place: LRC Rooms 304 & 305
Time: 8:30-3:30 with 1 hour for lunch
Please bring your laptops so you can access your IEPS.
I look forward to seeing you all back here at Linn Mar this coming Fall...watch for some exciting new websites and use of technology within Student Services land. As always feel free to contact me with any questions/concerns that may arise in these last few weeks of school or even over the summer. I will be in the office the majority of the summer days.
Take Care,
Julie
Monday, April 25, 2011
Technology and May 9th plans
Good Morning!
While I am updating this blog, I believe a lot of you are attending technology classes around the district. What an exciting opportunity to share the wealth and knowledge of technology tools! As Student Support teachers, you will have another opportunity to see some great examples of technology tools used for home/school communication. Several of our staff have shared tools with the parent advisory group. Now it's time for all of us to see them....that's a little preview of what is to come on May 9th!:-)
As we are close to the last month of school a big kudos goes out to all of you....I believe transition plans for students moving to other buildings/programs have all been completed....extended school year meetings have all been completed....and almost all IEPs are up to date. Whew! As always, thank you for your professionalism in completing the work and support for our students and families!!
Finally, here is a friendly reminder to any of you serving out of district students on your class roster...please make sure the IEP goals are up to date with progress monitoring data. As you may know, Karen Wilson sends those out quarterly to receiving districts and she really feels bad when she has to call someone during the summer time! (By the way...what an awesome Administrative Assistant we have in Student Services...this coming Wednesday is a day to say a little "thank you"!)
I look forward to seeing you all out in the buildings and for sure May 9th for our final professional development day!
Have a great Monday!
Julie
While I am updating this blog, I believe a lot of you are attending technology classes around the district. What an exciting opportunity to share the wealth and knowledge of technology tools! As Student Support teachers, you will have another opportunity to see some great examples of technology tools used for home/school communication. Several of our staff have shared tools with the parent advisory group. Now it's time for all of us to see them....that's a little preview of what is to come on May 9th!:-)
As we are close to the last month of school a big kudos goes out to all of you....I believe transition plans for students moving to other buildings/programs have all been completed....extended school year meetings have all been completed....and almost all IEPs are up to date. Whew! As always, thank you for your professionalism in completing the work and support for our students and families!!
Finally, here is a friendly reminder to any of you serving out of district students on your class roster...please make sure the IEP goals are up to date with progress monitoring data. As you may know, Karen Wilson sends those out quarterly to receiving districts and she really feels bad when she has to call someone during the summer time! (By the way...what an awesome Administrative Assistant we have in Student Services...this coming Wednesday is a day to say a little "thank you"!)
I look forward to seeing you all out in the buildings and for sure May 9th for our final professional development day!
Have a great Monday!
Julie
Friday, March 25, 2011
Welcome Spring!
Hello!
It's the time of year that I find myself saying more often than not..."I can't believe we are at the end of March and thinking about next school year already!" With those thoughts come many items to share:
-Transition plans for students going to new buildings....thank you for taking the time to make sure receiving teachers have the necessary information and that families have visited the buildings to help relieve apprehensions! We all know that we like to know our plans for the future sooner than later..that goes for our students and families as well. If anyone is unsure what program a student may be transitioning to please feel free to contact your AEA staff in the building or myself. Thank you!
-Purchase orders need to be wrapped up for this school year. There has been a lot of good technology devices that have been purchased this year. We know that the district pilot with I-Pads has provided a great opportunity to get more technology in the hands of the students. For next Fall, if any technology equipment is requested there will be a form to complete how the device will enable to be used for direct instruction with students. We know the best practice for technology is for it to enhance and elevate the instruction provided to students. I-pads will be approved for purchasing in Student Services starting next Fall...however they will be purchased through classroom budgets. A friendly reminder that one I-Pad is about equal to two I-Pods.
-There are exciting things happening in our Parent Advisory group. A big thank you to Kelly Von Lehmenden, Ann Loftus, and Kristin Hatfield for organizing and facilitating this group! We have had some good information shared on home/school communication tools and initiating some social activities for students with disabilities and general education peers. It's great to see all of us working together in the best interest of students!
-As always, please feel free to post comments on this blog...it's a great tool to keep information flowing across all 10 of our buildings. Have an awesome Spring!
Julie
It's the time of year that I find myself saying more often than not..."I can't believe we are at the end of March and thinking about next school year already!" With those thoughts come many items to share:
-Transition plans for students going to new buildings....thank you for taking the time to make sure receiving teachers have the necessary information and that families have visited the buildings to help relieve apprehensions! We all know that we like to know our plans for the future sooner than later..that goes for our students and families as well. If anyone is unsure what program a student may be transitioning to please feel free to contact your AEA staff in the building or myself. Thank you!
-Purchase orders need to be wrapped up for this school year. There has been a lot of good technology devices that have been purchased this year. We know that the district pilot with I-Pads has provided a great opportunity to get more technology in the hands of the students. For next Fall, if any technology equipment is requested there will be a form to complete how the device will enable to be used for direct instruction with students. We know the best practice for technology is for it to enhance and elevate the instruction provided to students. I-pads will be approved for purchasing in Student Services starting next Fall...however they will be purchased through classroom budgets. A friendly reminder that one I-Pad is about equal to two I-Pods.
-There are exciting things happening in our Parent Advisory group. A big thank you to Kelly Von Lehmenden, Ann Loftus, and Kristin Hatfield for organizing and facilitating this group! We have had some good information shared on home/school communication tools and initiating some social activities for students with disabilities and general education peers. It's great to see all of us working together in the best interest of students!
-As always, please feel free to post comments on this blog...it's a great tool to keep information flowing across all 10 of our buildings. Have an awesome Spring!
Julie
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
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
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
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
I have to get used to 'blogging'
I am going to attempt to check this often! Maybe Fridays of each week.
Back to Blogging...
Hello!
As you can see, I have been a little negligent in posting on the blog..and was really wishing someone would ask me what happened to the BLOG??? I do realize we all get pulled in so many directions, the thought of checking one more form of communication isn't what we may feel like doing! However, I also know if you are like me, communication tends to be my most frustrating aspect of my work and knowing there is this wonderful technology tool out there to help with communication is a gift....so I vow to try to communicate more via the blog and I hope you could join me in checking in once and awhile as well.
Three important items to share today:
1.) Our Parent Advisory group is working on ways to improve some of our communication with parents and other teachers. We would like some samples of what our teachers are using to communicate daily or weekly information about our students with parents and teachers. They would like you to send any samples of communication you have found helpful to Ann Loftus at Linn Grove. Please feel free to send electronically to Ann as well...Ann, Kristin Hatfield from Bowman Woods, and Kelly Von Lehmden (parent from Westfield) are co-chairing this wonderful advisory group. We have had exciting meetings this Fall which have been noted in previous blogs. THANKS FOR HELPING US OUT ON MAKING COMMUNICATION BETTER FOR ALL!
2.)Although it may feel rather cool outside Carol O'Donnell is right in the middle of the beginning stages of summer school planning. As you know, for Carol to have a good handle on the numbers of staff needed for the summer programming she needs to have a handle on the students attending. Please note Carol's email message on the time lines for extended year services and meetings that need to be held.
3.) February 21st will be here before we know it....that is our next scheduled Professional Development Day. It will be a great day here in the district with a Wellness Fair planned for all staff along with other 'healthy meetings'. For the purposes of Student Services teachers, there will be no formal meetings scheduled that day. I would ask that the current teachers that serve 5th grade students and the teachers that will serve 6th grade students please meet together to facilitate any transition questions of services and/or programming for the upcoming 6th graders. The AEA staff can help support your meetings as well. It seems the most challenging transitions occur from the elementary to the middle schools. My guess is that is because of the 7 buildings transitioning to 2 buildings. Thank you for your ongoing work together to help with those transition times!
Finally....thank you for all your continued support and guidance to our students, staffs, and families. I am truly proud of the work that happens within the Linn Mar Community and am always excited to share that with others in the 'outside' world!
Take Care,
Julie
As you can see, I have been a little negligent in posting on the blog..and was really wishing someone would ask me what happened to the BLOG??? I do realize we all get pulled in so many directions, the thought of checking one more form of communication isn't what we may feel like doing! However, I also know if you are like me, communication tends to be my most frustrating aspect of my work and knowing there is this wonderful technology tool out there to help with communication is a gift....so I vow to try to communicate more via the blog and I hope you could join me in checking in once and awhile as well.
Three important items to share today:
1.) Our Parent Advisory group is working on ways to improve some of our communication with parents and other teachers. We would like some samples of what our teachers are using to communicate daily or weekly information about our students with parents and teachers. They would like you to send any samples of communication you have found helpful to Ann Loftus at Linn Grove. Please feel free to send electronically to Ann as well...Ann, Kristin Hatfield from Bowman Woods, and Kelly Von Lehmden (parent from Westfield) are co-chairing this wonderful advisory group. We have had exciting meetings this Fall which have been noted in previous blogs. THANKS FOR HELPING US OUT ON MAKING COMMUNICATION BETTER FOR ALL!
2.)Although it may feel rather cool outside Carol O'Donnell is right in the middle of the beginning stages of summer school planning. As you know, for Carol to have a good handle on the numbers of staff needed for the summer programming she needs to have a handle on the students attending. Please note Carol's email message on the time lines for extended year services and meetings that need to be held.
3.) February 21st will be here before we know it....that is our next scheduled Professional Development Day. It will be a great day here in the district with a Wellness Fair planned for all staff along with other 'healthy meetings'. For the purposes of Student Services teachers, there will be no formal meetings scheduled that day. I would ask that the current teachers that serve 5th grade students and the teachers that will serve 6th grade students please meet together to facilitate any transition questions of services and/or programming for the upcoming 6th graders. The AEA staff can help support your meetings as well. It seems the most challenging transitions occur from the elementary to the middle schools. My guess is that is because of the 7 buildings transitioning to 2 buildings. Thank you for your ongoing work together to help with those transition times!
Finally....thank you for all your continued support and guidance to our students, staffs, and families. I am truly proud of the work that happens within the Linn Mar Community and am always excited to share that with others in the 'outside' world!
Take Care,
Julie
Monday, December 13, 2010
Video Self Modeling for Instructional Purposes
Hello!
There are so many new and exciting ways to integrate technology into the instructional school day. I know several of the Linn Mar staff have asked about using flip videos for recording appropriate student behavior. The key work here is appropriate! Hot off the press coming your way via an AEA staff person is a parent permission form to be used when doing any video self monitoring of a student for instructional purposes. This form will be shared with building principals during a Leadership meeting this week. Please note that there are several important facts to remember when using video modeling:
There are so many new and exciting ways to integrate technology into the instructional school day. I know several of the Linn Mar staff have asked about using flip videos for recording appropriate student behavior. The key work here is appropriate! Hot off the press coming your way via an AEA staff person is a parent permission form to be used when doing any video self monitoring of a student for instructional purposes. This form will be shared with building principals during a Leadership meeting this week. Please note that there are several important facts to remember when using video modeling:
- Parent permission is a must! Parents must sign the form and understand the purpose for the use of the videotaping.
- Only positive appropriate social skill instruction is to be videotaped.
- Videos should never be used to show a negative behavior or to show others a negative behavior.
There are some more facts and information that is available through the AEA staff. Please contact your building consultant, psychologist, or social worker for more information. This staff will have the form available to you as well. Middle school and high school staff will have this information shared via their monthly social skill meeting with Kelly Trier. Please feel free to contact your AEA staff or myself if any questions arise.
Stay warm out there!
Julie
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Thankfulness
Hello,
It has been a week or two since I have been able to write a new post. I could certainly give a lot of reasons or 'excuses' to the delay, but I would rather give a list of items that I am thankful for in celebration of our upcoming Thanksgiving Break:
I am thankful for:
-a successful move to Student Services new office area. Please feel free to stop by and see Karen and myself in Room 210 at the LRC!
-AEA staff that support our students, teachers, and building administrators. Did you know the AEA staff are working on a group project with elementary buildings to support students on the autism spectrum in all of our buildings?
-all of the student support teachers that keep our students focused on learning and designing unique ways to deliver instruction!
-guidance from our Department of Education and Ron Peeler, our district attorney to help with supporting families and students by making sure we follow procedures and legal "stuff" in our programming.
-for a Thanksgiving break! May you all enjoy some well deserved time and rest during this Thanksgiving break....(we will get back to more 'technical' messages next week!)
Take Care,
Julie
It has been a week or two since I have been able to write a new post. I could certainly give a lot of reasons or 'excuses' to the delay, but I would rather give a list of items that I am thankful for in celebration of our upcoming Thanksgiving Break:
I am thankful for:
-a successful move to Student Services new office area. Please feel free to stop by and see Karen and myself in Room 210 at the LRC!
-AEA staff that support our students, teachers, and building administrators. Did you know the AEA staff are working on a group project with elementary buildings to support students on the autism spectrum in all of our buildings?
-all of the student support teachers that keep our students focused on learning and designing unique ways to deliver instruction!
-guidance from our Department of Education and Ron Peeler, our district attorney to help with supporting families and students by making sure we follow procedures and legal "stuff" in our programming.
-for a Thanksgiving break! May you all enjoy some well deserved time and rest during this Thanksgiving break....(we will get back to more 'technical' messages next week!)
Take Care,
Julie
Friday, November 5, 2010
Testing Accommodations and more....
Hello!
Ok....this is the second post of the day...the first one was not meant to go out....did you know if you hit the tab button too many times...your blog post will be sent out?! :-)
It is a Friday afternoon in November and I am still able to get by with a light coat....Iowa weather is amazing! Last year at this time I believe there was snow on the ground and the mittens were already on the hands!
One thing that does stay steady is ITBS/ITED testing! Whew! The week is over and unless I hear something in the next half hour, everyone made it through without too many accommodation challenges! Please do note that when an IEP meeting is held, it is always good to review the testing accommodations that are defined for district wide testing. A few areas to clarify include:
Extended time....please define what extended time means...the best guideline is to use 1 1/2 times the set time for a test. (This gets extremely important in middle school and high school programming!)
Scribe vs. writing in the test booklet.....the rule of thumb is to offer a scribe rather than writing in the testbook. We can't copy the test booklet pages (illegal!) and writing in the booklet means the booklet can not be returned!
Small group setting.....hard to define what is a small group...by definition a small group can be two people or up to...a smaller number than the class size....pretty grey area.
Testing accommodations are always a challenge for us, especially this time of year. But as many of you hear me say almost daily...."The beauty of special education is that it is individualized.....the challenge of special education is that it is individualized!!"
From the myths of special education by Thomas Mayes:
Myth: "All this compliance [garbage] is getting in the way of improving student performance." Thomas' reply: Compliance is the road to improved performance. Each compliance 'issue' has a demonstrable link to achievement.
May you enjoy this compliance free weekend with any accommodations that you find helpful!
Have a good one!
Julie
Ok....this is the second post of the day...the first one was not meant to go out....did you know if you hit the tab button too many times...your blog post will be sent out?! :-)
It is a Friday afternoon in November and I am still able to get by with a light coat....Iowa weather is amazing! Last year at this time I believe there was snow on the ground and the mittens were already on the hands!
One thing that does stay steady is ITBS/ITED testing! Whew! The week is over and unless I hear something in the next half hour, everyone made it through without too many accommodation challenges! Please do note that when an IEP meeting is held, it is always good to review the testing accommodations that are defined for district wide testing. A few areas to clarify include:
Extended time....please define what extended time means...the best guideline is to use 1 1/2 times the set time for a test. (This gets extremely important in middle school and high school programming!)
Scribe vs. writing in the test booklet.....the rule of thumb is to offer a scribe rather than writing in the testbook. We can't copy the test booklet pages (illegal!) and writing in the booklet means the booklet can not be returned!
Small group setting.....hard to define what is a small group...by definition a small group can be two people or up to...a smaller number than the class size....pretty grey area.
Testing accommodations are always a challenge for us, especially this time of year. But as many of you hear me say almost daily...."The beauty of special education is that it is individualized.....the challenge of special education is that it is individualized!!"
From the myths of special education by Thomas Mayes:
Myth: "All this compliance [garbage] is getting in the way of improving student performance." Thomas' reply: Compliance is the road to improved performance. Each compliance 'issue' has a demonstrable link to achievement.
May you enjoy this compliance free weekend with any accommodations that you find helpful!
Have a good one!
Julie
Friday, October 29, 2010
Congratulations on Count Day!
Hello!
Wow! What a great student support services staff at Linn Mar!! Thank you all for your professionalism and timeliness in completing all district IEPs in a timely fashion! By 1:00 this afternoon, Karen Wilson assured me everything was turned in and complete. Congratulations! As I have shared with AEA staff and other special education administrators across the state, I believe our system of keeping IEPs current month by month helps us to not feel like the end of the world when October comes around....kudos to all of you, building administrators, and to Karen Wilson for sending out those friendly monthly reminders!
Here are two more Myths in Special Education as presented by Thomas Mayes:
"Little Johnnie has Level 3 weighting. Therefore, Little Johnnie goes to the Level 3classroom, where he takes 'Level 3 Math,'....Thomas's response: "Levels" 1,2, and 3 are finance mechanisms, based on a child's need. They do not determine a child's programming or placement. Basing a child's programming or placement based on a child's "level" or "weightedness" is illegal!
"Vaccines cause autism." Thomas's response: There is no scientific evidence that vaccines cause autism. The "study" has been withdrawn by its publisher. The author lost his medical license. The court cases have also concluded this is a myth.
Happy Halloween to All! May you and your families stay safe out there!!
Have a great weekend,
Julie
Wow! What a great student support services staff at Linn Mar!! Thank you all for your professionalism and timeliness in completing all district IEPs in a timely fashion! By 1:00 this afternoon, Karen Wilson assured me everything was turned in and complete. Congratulations! As I have shared with AEA staff and other special education administrators across the state, I believe our system of keeping IEPs current month by month helps us to not feel like the end of the world when October comes around....kudos to all of you, building administrators, and to Karen Wilson for sending out those friendly monthly reminders!
Here are two more Myths in Special Education as presented by Thomas Mayes:
"Little Johnnie has Level 3 weighting. Therefore, Little Johnnie goes to the Level 3classroom, where he takes 'Level 3 Math,'....Thomas's response: "Levels" 1,2, and 3 are finance mechanisms, based on a child's need. They do not determine a child's programming or placement. Basing a child's programming or placement based on a child's "level" or "weightedness" is illegal!
"Vaccines cause autism." Thomas's response: There is no scientific evidence that vaccines cause autism. The "study" has been withdrawn by its publisher. The author lost his medical license. The court cases have also concluded this is a myth.
Happy Halloween to All! May you and your families stay safe out there!!
Have a great weekend,
Julie
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Exciting Teacher/Parent Advisory Group and....
Hello!
What a wonderful parent/teacher advisory meeting we had this past Wednesday. It was a great group of parents, teachers (special education and general education), associate representative and AEA staff! Thank you for those who attended and for those of you invited and want to make sure and come next time! The group completed a survey helping to set goals for the group and agendas for next meetings. The group also set group norms for the meetings. I believe the first step for this group is to learn about the "Best Buddies" program for helping students with IEPs and general education students to connect and support each other. This social program has been started in several middle school and high schools across Iowa including some in our local area. We will be having another meeting the beginning of December...so stay tuned!
As promised...I want to share some of the myths that Thomas Mayes (Department of Ed attorney)shared at the I-CASE conference this Fall. Here is number 1: "The goal of the IEP team is to reach consensus" Thomas's reply: The goal of the IEP team is to write an IEP. Number 2: "My doctor suggested a service in a report. The school has to provide it." Thomas's answer: Decision are made by teams, not individuals. The report is important, but not binding.
Finally......yes it is October and yes....this is the absolutely last week to make sure all IEPs in the district are current! Look out.....if we don't have good information on the status of any noncurrent IEPs we will be calling!!
Have a great week!
Julie
What a wonderful parent/teacher advisory meeting we had this past Wednesday. It was a great group of parents, teachers (special education and general education), associate representative and AEA staff! Thank you for those who attended and for those of you invited and want to make sure and come next time! The group completed a survey helping to set goals for the group and agendas for next meetings. The group also set group norms for the meetings. I believe the first step for this group is to learn about the "Best Buddies" program for helping students with IEPs and general education students to connect and support each other. This social program has been started in several middle school and high schools across Iowa including some in our local area. We will be having another meeting the beginning of December...so stay tuned!
As promised...I want to share some of the myths that Thomas Mayes (Department of Ed attorney)shared at the I-CASE conference this Fall. Here is number 1: "The goal of the IEP team is to reach consensus" Thomas's reply: The goal of the IEP team is to write an IEP. Number 2: "My doctor suggested a service in a report. The school has to provide it." Thomas's answer: Decision are made by teams, not individuals. The report is important, but not binding.
Finally......yes it is October and yes....this is the absolutely last week to make sure all IEPs in the district are current! Look out.....if we don't have good information on the status of any noncurrent IEPs we will be calling!!
Have a great week!
Julie
Friday, October 15, 2010
Coming Down the Wire....
Hello!
I hope this Fall weather continues right up to our special education count day!!! Although it does make it hard to stay inside and finish up IEPs! Please note starting next week, you will be receiving friendly email reminders from Karen and me concerning any overdue IEPs that may not be completed. We understand there are times that families can not make it to a meeting. Please remember if we get down to the wire, annual reviews can be sent home without a parent meeting. All of you are so conscientious about knowing best practice is to have parent attend. Thank you for your professionalism!
Upcoming events next week in Student Service Land:
Monday October 18th....Middle School/High School staff meet at 1:30 in the Upper Commons at the High School. (Elementary...payback time from meeting in August.)
Wednesday October 20th....first ever Teacher/Parent Advisory Panel 4:30 at the Learning Resource Board Room. This is an exciting adventure with parents and staff coming together to work on some exciting inclusive activities!
Thanks for all you do! Have a great weekend!
Julie
Next week: What are some myths in the special education world these days?
I hope this Fall weather continues right up to our special education count day!!! Although it does make it hard to stay inside and finish up IEPs! Please note starting next week, you will be receiving friendly email reminders from Karen and me concerning any overdue IEPs that may not be completed. We understand there are times that families can not make it to a meeting. Please remember if we get down to the wire, annual reviews can be sent home without a parent meeting. All of you are so conscientious about knowing best practice is to have parent attend. Thank you for your professionalism!
Upcoming events next week in Student Service Land:
Monday October 18th....Middle School/High School staff meet at 1:30 in the Upper Commons at the High School. (Elementary...payback time from meeting in August.)
Wednesday October 20th....first ever Teacher/Parent Advisory Panel 4:30 at the Learning Resource Board Room. This is an exciting adventure with parents and staff coming together to work on some exciting inclusive activities!
Thanks for all you do! Have a great weekend!
Julie
Next week: What are some myths in the special education world these days?
Friday, October 8, 2010
Another "Friendly" Reminder and....
Hello All!
Wow! What beautiful Fall weather has come our way! Most definitely a challenge for all of us to stay inside and do the ever popular IEPs due this month! Please note that I am aware of your busy schedules this month and know that you all know the need to have all IEPs current by the end of this month. We are trying for October
15th as our target date!! Friendly reminders will be coming from our office in the upcoming week or two to find out how things are going...thank you for your hard work and professionalism in completing these tasks to keep our special education budget in line. Speaking of budgets....our special education budget results from last year indicate that our deficit was only around $400,000 this past year. That is $200,000 less than last year! Congratulations! Although it's hard to believe that $400,000 deficit is good news..it really is when our budget is only funded 40% by federal monies. Ok...enough talk about money!:-)
Last week I had an opportunity to attend the Iowa Council of Administrators of Special Education. This is a twice a year meeting of special education directors across the state of Iowa. Two great presentations included information on video self modeling and a presentation from a parent's perspective on 10 Things Everyone Can do Tomorrow for Students with Autism. I hope to have this parent come speak to us next school year...she has a background in education and consulting and really was a dynamic speaker from the eyes of an educator! I would be happy to share more news from the conference if anyone is interested.
Have a great weekend!
Julie
Wow! What beautiful Fall weather has come our way! Most definitely a challenge for all of us to stay inside and do the ever popular IEPs due this month! Please note that I am aware of your busy schedules this month and know that you all know the need to have all IEPs current by the end of this month. We are trying for October
15th as our target date!! Friendly reminders will be coming from our office in the upcoming week or two to find out how things are going...thank you for your hard work and professionalism in completing these tasks to keep our special education budget in line. Speaking of budgets....our special education budget results from last year indicate that our deficit was only around $400,000 this past year. That is $200,000 less than last year! Congratulations! Although it's hard to believe that $400,000 deficit is good news..it really is when our budget is only funded 40% by federal monies. Ok...enough talk about money!:-)
Last week I had an opportunity to attend the Iowa Council of Administrators of Special Education. This is a twice a year meeting of special education directors across the state of Iowa. Two great presentations included information on video self modeling and a presentation from a parent's perspective on 10 Things Everyone Can do Tomorrow for Students with Autism. I hope to have this parent come speak to us next school year...she has a background in education and consulting and really was a dynamic speaker from the eyes of an educator! I would be happy to share more news from the conference if anyone is interested.
Have a great weekend!
Julie
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
I am having difficulty with my Vizzle printing. When I print (black and white or color) all of the icons do not print. I have asked support, and the they have suggested I try printing one page at a time (I have), and saving to my desktop (I have), and I have sent them my pages. They are actually getting my things to print for them. And they have suggested that my printer 'brain' is not up to par.
Has anyone else had troubles? and if so, have you solved them?
Ann L.
Has anyone else had troubles? and if so, have you solved them?
Ann L.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Teacher Advisory, Professional Development Plans, What an October 1st Count Day?
Happy Friday Everyone!
As promised from last week here is a little update on our newly formed Teacher Advisory work group:
We met on September 16th and discussed plans for the upcoming professional development days especially for October 18th. The elementary teachers will not be meeting in a student support group but rather meet with their individual building teams. The middle school and high school teachers will be meeting in the Upper Commons of the high school to hear the updates and information on transition plans for students.
The advisory group will be expanding to include a high school representative. Special invitations have been sent!:-)
What is there a new "count day"? Please note that October 1st is the official count for all students enrolled in the district. Some people call this the general education count day...however our students need to be sure they are on that count as well. If you could just make sure all students on your roster are on the Power School database we are good to go...that will make our district enrollment accurate from the land of Student Services!:-)
Please enjoy a safe and refreshing upcoming weekend!
Take care,
Julie
As promised from last week here is a little update on our newly formed Teacher Advisory work group:
We met on September 16th and discussed plans for the upcoming professional development days especially for October 18th. The elementary teachers will not be meeting in a student support group but rather meet with their individual building teams. The middle school and high school teachers will be meeting in the Upper Commons of the high school to hear the updates and information on transition plans for students.
The advisory group will be expanding to include a high school representative. Special invitations have been sent!:-)
What is there a new "count day"? Please note that October 1st is the official count for all students enrolled in the district. Some people call this the general education count day...however our students need to be sure they are on that count as well. If you could just make sure all students on your roster are on the Power School database we are good to go...that will make our district enrollment accurate from the land of Student Services!:-)
Please enjoy a safe and refreshing upcoming weekend!
Take care,
Julie
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Elementary Co-Teaching and Parent Advisory
Hello!
I am excited to let you know about a couple of great opportunities for the elementary student support service teachers to learn more about co-teaching strategies and programming within the Linn Mar community! Carrie Manternach and Leisa Breitfielder have gathered information and also had an opportunity to observe an elementary school setting that has been doing co-teaching for a number of years. Carrie and Leisa would love to show anyone interested the key components of how to set up co-teaching models, schedule, and a possible implementation plan. There are two dates set for you to get more information. Please feel free to attend and bring along a general education teacher that might be interested as well! The times and dates are to accommodate both our buildings with different start times:
October 20th at Novak 3:00p.m.
October 21st at Echo Hill 7:45 a.m.
Please feel free to contact Carrie or Leisa with any questions that may arise!
Our first parent advisory group will be sending out invitations to Linn Mar staff and parents that have volunteer to serve on this advisory group. We will be notifying individuals via email/phone calls and have a meeting near the end of October. Watch for updates and information on our gatherings!
Next week: More information on the newly formed teacher advisory group!
Have a great rest of the week and even better weekend!
Julie
I am excited to let you know about a couple of great opportunities for the elementary student support service teachers to learn more about co-teaching strategies and programming within the Linn Mar community! Carrie Manternach and Leisa Breitfielder have gathered information and also had an opportunity to observe an elementary school setting that has been doing co-teaching for a number of years. Carrie and Leisa would love to show anyone interested the key components of how to set up co-teaching models, schedule, and a possible implementation plan. There are two dates set for you to get more information. Please feel free to attend and bring along a general education teacher that might be interested as well! The times and dates are to accommodate both our buildings with different start times:
October 20th at Novak 3:00p.m.
October 21st at Echo Hill 7:45 a.m.
Please feel free to contact Carrie or Leisa with any questions that may arise!
Our first parent advisory group will be sending out invitations to Linn Mar staff and parents that have volunteer to serve on this advisory group. We will be notifying individuals via email/phone calls and have a meeting near the end of October. Watch for updates and information on our gatherings!
Next week: More information on the newly formed teacher advisory group!
Have a great rest of the week and even better weekend!
Julie
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Field Trip Information
Hello All!
Kim Meyers asked a great question about field trips. At this time the Linn Mar district will continue with the practice that was implemented last Spring. Fieldtrips will be approved for competition purposes. In Student Services land this means Special Olympics events will continue to be funded. If any of you had other community activities that were a part of a student's IEP and was funded last Spring the same will occur this Fall. The good news is that this practice will be reviewed in January to determine if the same parameters will continue to be followed or if changes can occur.
Hope everyone had an enjoyable three day weekend last week...and it's already Friday tomorrow!:-)
Take Care,
Julie
Kim Meyers asked a great question about field trips. At this time the Linn Mar district will continue with the practice that was implemented last Spring. Fieldtrips will be approved for competition purposes. In Student Services land this means Special Olympics events will continue to be funded. If any of you had other community activities that were a part of a student's IEP and was funded last Spring the same will occur this Fall. The good news is that this practice will be reviewed in January to determine if the same parameters will continue to be followed or if changes can occur.
Hope everyone had an enjoyable three day weekend last week...and it's already Friday tomorrow!:-)
Take Care,
Julie
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