Congratulations and THANK YOU to the children of North Bellmore, you have raised 8200.00 for St Judes's Children's Research Hospital- AMAZING WORK!
Thank you to our faculty for encouraging our children to participate.
SPRING 2010 NEWSLETTER
North.bellmore.septa@gmail.com Join us on FACEBOOK
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Spring 2010 Meeting Schedule
February 4th meeting has been rescheduled to:
March 4th, 2010
The Danlette Group,
Special Education Advocates
Preparing for your Annual Review
A parent interactive workshop
For parents by parents
Are you ready for your annual review?
We can help you get ready
" Discover your role- You are not just the parent!
" Learn how to negotiate with the team
" Get the short list on preparation
" Learn the 3 golden rules for participating in your CSE (committee on special education meeting)
" Participate in a mock CSE
RSVP Required: north.bellmore.septa@gmail.com
March 9th, 2010
Puberty Talks for 5th and 6th grade children with special needs.
Presenter: Mary Greenfield, ACLD
Place: Martin Avenue Cafe
Time:
7:00 pm to 7:45 pm Girls
8:00 pm to 8:45 pm Boys
We welcome parents and children from other school districts.
Please Note: ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN.
RSVP Required: north.bellmore.septa@gmail.com
SAVE THE DATE: April 15th
SEPTA meeting. Topic to be announced
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Spring 2010 Fundraisers
SHOW your support for SEPTA
We have 2 fund raisers scheduled for:
Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh
Join us for dinner:
" Wednesday March 23rd 5pm 8pm
" Tuesday May 11th 5pm 8pm
Mention SEPTA at the register or drive in window and SEPTA will receive a portion of sales for the evening.
Just in time to buy your childrens baseball, softball, lacrosse and spring soccer equipment.
Modells Fundraiser
March 19th through April 14th
Use SEPTA coupon and you will receive 15% off your purchase and SEPTA will receive 5%.
This coupon can be used multiple times during this time frame. Coupon is valid at any Modells location.
Coupons will be sent home with your child during the first week of March.
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Strategies for a successful IEP Meeting
Take Responsibility. Its time you take responsibility for your role as your childs voice in their education and of the state their education is in. This does not mean that you are solely responsible for mishaps, but if we are going to move forward with you becoming an equal member of the team, you must know your role.
From this point forward you will be responsible for consciously choosing the most effective action in any special education situation. You will be in charge of increasing your credibility and influence with the team. You will develop behaviors and actions that will not only improve your own effectiveness, but you will strengthen the entire special education team.
BE PREPARED. Prior to your meeting compile and review the following: Your childs current IEP, Reports of progress toward the annual goals in your childs current IEP, Report cards for current school year, recent work samples.
Develop a parent report
It should include:
" Your impressions of how your child is doing in school. Include both academic performance as well as social, behavioral and functional performance (include work samples and/or school reports that substantiate your comments and concerns).
" Your childs strengths and weaknesses, relationships with family and friends
" Your comments or concerns regarding your childs attainment (or lack of attainment) of the annual goals on the current IEP
" Your input regarding particular strategies that are or are not working for your child
" Your input regarding other areas such as behavior plans and/or technology that might help support your childs learning
Remain calm.
IEP meetings can be stressful and emotional. You must remain Cooperative, Respectful, Calm, and Positive
Plan for Success. Educational success and mastery does not happen by accident. Only using consistent approaches when collaborating with the IEP team will produce results. You must create a systematic approach that works for you in becoming an equal member of the IEP team.
Its time for you to gain a reputation for excellent follow-through and superior input on your childs top educational priorities. By developing and communicating priorities within the IEP, you will see consistent movement and progress towards the desired outcomes.
Develop A Winning Strategy. Team collaboration for IEP success is mandatory. Every team member needs to clearly understand both short and long term education goals. Everyday must be a new effort to achieve.
As an equal member of the team, you can find ways to share recognitions of success without fear of diminishing the weaknesses which still need to be addressed. Its time to create effective, long-term professional relationships with the IEP team. With mutual respect between IEP team members, the child wins.
Listen, Learn, Teach. Its your turn to listen, learn and teach. Listening to IEP team members with an open-mind to their perspective can bring new insights to your role on the IEP team. Learning from IEP team members will broaden your information for decision making. Teaching the team your knowledge and expertise about your child will keep the focus on your childs unique needs.
Cooperate. Understanding differences and how they contribute to innovative and better solutions is key to IEP team success. You never will agree with every team member. Your child needs you to develop the skills to cooperate with their team to create a better program education program.
Maintain Accountability. Accountability of all team members, including yourself, is key to long-term success. The purpose of your childs IEP, as stated by IDEA, is to prepare for further Education, employment and independent Living.
This is not a sprint of learning, but a marathon in life preparation.
National center for learning disabilities 2009
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After school extra help
Our Superintendent, Mr. Goldstein and Deputy Superintendent, Ms. Eskew have acknowledged that all children who require extra help should receive it.
Your childs test scores on New York State Assessment Exams are NOT the sole criterion for determining need for extra help. If a parent is able to identify a specific topic or skill with which his or her child is struggling, based upon homework, for example, the parent should notify the teacher. If your childs difficulty cannot be resolved during the academic day, you can consider requesting extra help. This extra help is in addition to any AIS, NYS test prep, RTI or IEP specific services your child receives during the school day provided that these services do not address the specific problem.
If you feel your child requires extra help in any academic area and would benefit from extra help, please request this help from your childs teacher. This is available between 3:10 and 3:45 PM on school days. Children must be picked up by 3:45 PM. If for any reason you are having difficulty obtaining this help, please contact the building principal.
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North Bellmore Public Library
Through the hard work and dedication of the librarians, they have reviewed the entire collection and moved all publications related to special education into a separate SEPTA collection. This section includes books, videos, DVDs for parents, children, educators and siblings.
When preparing for your 2010-2011 CSE/IEP meetings please take advantage of this newly created section; there are a number of books that can help you understand the special education process.
NB SEPTA has recently purchased and donated 2 copies of:
" From emotions to advocacy
" Special education law
These 2 references are by Peter Wright and Pamela Darr Wright, Founders of Wrightslaw. These two books are invaluable resources to children with special educational and medical needs, please review them before attending your 2010 CSE.
Websites of interest to septa members
www.wrightslaw.com Every parent of a special child should visit this site FREQUENTLY and sign up for their very informative newsletters.
www.fetaweb.org
Special ED advocacy site
www.eric.ed.gov
Professional educational research search engine
www.asha.org
American Speech / Hearing Association
www.aboutourkids.org
Mental Health /behavioral issues NYU Medical Center
www.idea.ed.gov
Federal special education law
www.vesd.nysed.gov/specialed/home NY State Special Education law/resources
www.foodallergy.org
Food allergy information
www.AHA.ny.org Aspergers and high functioning Autism Association (LI Chapter)
www.ldonline.com
Learning disabilities on line
www.readwritethink.org Reading and writing resources site with many interactive items to keep kids engaged in reading/writing
www.teachingtolerance.org Teaching/ explaining differences to
children
www.chadd.org attention deficit disorders
www.aboutautismlaw.org Sample IEP, Services for kids with autism GREAT site
www.rnbc.org.php5-12.websitetestlink.com/2009/10/understanding-the-iep-process-a-six-step-guide/ understanding the IEP process
www.yellowpagesforkids.com extensive listing of resources for children with disabilities
www.ianproject.org Interactive autism network
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Community Presentations of interest to SEPTA Members
Advocating for Appropriate Services - Knowing your rights, navigating special Ed law.
Date: February 25, 2010 Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Location: Elija School 100 Periwinkle Rd. Levittown NY 11756
To Register: jkaplan@elijaschool.org or call 516. 216. 5270
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Free Intro to ABA and Autism workshop
Date: March 3rd 2010 Time: 10am to 12pm
Description: Attendees will learn about the core deficits of Autism, how they relate to parenting or teaching challenges we may be up against, Basic strategies to help promote language and improve social and behavioral challenges and an introduction to the Science of Applied Behavior Analysis, Fundamental Principles, The General Functions of Behavior and how they apply to teaching children with Autism.
To register: trainings@elija.org or call 516 .433. 4321
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How Autism effects the entire family unit How to recognize and remediate family issues and improve the quality of life of everyone in the family who is touched by autism.
Date: April 30th, 2010 Time: 10am-2pm
Location: Levittown Community Hall 201 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville
To register: www.elija.org/conferences.html or 516.433.4321
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5th Annual Long Island Autism Fair
Date: Sunday, April 18th, 2010
Location: Farmingdale State College
Presentation Subjects Include: Sensory Integration, Vision Services, Homotoxicology, Financial Services, Siblings, Transition, Biochemistry, Self Determination, Brain Development, Advocacy, IEP Goals, Working with School Districts, Political Action, Recovery, Budgets, Health & Wellness, Vaccine Safety, Young Adults, etc.
For More information: www.AutismFair.com LongIslandAutismFair@yahoo.com
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Our fundraising efforts for St Judes childrens research hospital is underway, please encourage your children to obtain sponsors and participate in the Math- A- thon. Like most charitable organizations, St Judes has seen a dramatic decrease in donations over the past years but unfortunately the incidence of Pediatric Cancers has not decreased, any donations are greatly appreciated. Please consider making a small donation in honor of the healthy children in your life. (Checks only made payable to St Judes Childrens Research Hospital.)
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IT'S NEVER TO LATE TO JOIN SEPTA!
north.bellmore.septa@gmail.com
JOIN US ON FACE BOOK
Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy - The Special Education Survival Guide- Date Posted: 01/13/2010
Why Advocate?
Good special education services are intensive and expensive. Resources are limited. If you have a child with special needs, you may wind up battling the school district for the services your child needs. To prevail, you need information, skills, and tools.
Who can be an advocate? Anyone can advocate for another person. Here is how the dictionary defines the term advocate:
ad-vo-cate Verb, transitive. To speak, plead or argue in favor of. Synonym is support.
1. One that argues for a cause; a supporter or defender; an advocate of civil rights.
2. One that pleads in anothers behalf; an intercessor; advocates for abused children and spouses.
3. A lawyer. (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition)
An advocate performs several functions:
Supports, helps, assists, and aids.
Speaks and pleads on behalf of others.
Defends and argues for people or causes.
Different Types of Advocates
Special education advocates work to improve the lives of children with disabilities and their families. You are likely to meet different types of advocates.
Lay Advocates
Lay advocates use specialized knowledge and expertise to help parents resolve problems with schools. When lay advocates attend meetings, write letters, and negotiate for services, they are acting on the childs behalf. Most lay advocates are knowledgeable about legal rights and responsibilities. In some states, lay advocates represent parents in special education due process hearings.
Educational Advocates
Educational advocates evaluate children with disabilities and make recommendations about services, supports and special education programs. When educational advocates go to eligibility and IEP meetings, they are acting on the childs behalf. Some educational advocates negotiate for services. Others are less knowledgeable about special education law and how to use tactics and strategies.
School Personnel
Teachers and special education providers often see themselves as advocates. Teachers, administrators, and school staff often provide support to children and their families. But because they are employed by school districts, school personnel are limited in their ability to advocate for children with disabilities without endangering their jobs.
Parents
Parents are natural advocates for their children. Who is your childs first teacher? You are. Who is your childs most important role model? You are. Who is responsible for your childs welfare? You are. Who has your childs best interests at heart? You do.
You know your child better than anyone else. The school is involved with your child for a few years. You are involved with your child for life. You should play an active role in planning your childs education.
The law gives you the power to make educational decisions for your child. Do not be afraid to use your power. Use it wisely. A good education is the most important gift you can give to your child.
As the parent of a child with a disability, you have two goals:
To ensure that the school provides your child with a free appropriate public education that includes specially designed instruction . . . to meet the [childs] unique needs . . . (20 U.S.C. §1401)
To build a healthy working relationship with the school.
What Advocates Do
Advocacy is not a mysterious process. Here is a quick overview of advocacy skills.
Gather Information
Advocates gather facts and information. As they gather information and organize documents, they learn about the childs disability and educational history. Advocates use facts and independent documentation to resolve disagreements and disputes with the school.
Learn the Rules of the Game
Advocates educate themselves about their local school district. They know how decisions are made and by whom.
Advocates know about legal rights. They know that a child with a disability is entitled to an appropriate education, not the best education, nor an education that maximizes the childs potential. They understand that best is a four-letter word that cannot be used by parents or advocates.
Advocates know the procedures that parents must follow to protect their rights and the childs rights.
Plan and Prepare
Advocates know that planning prevents problems. Advocates do not expect school personnel to tell them about rights and responsibilities. Advocates read special education laws, regulations, and cases to get answers to their questions.
Advocates learn how to use test scores to monitor a childs progress in special education.
They prepare for meetings, create agendas, write objectives, and use meeting worksheets and follow-up letters to clarify problems and nail down agreements.
Keep Written Records
Because documents are often the keys to success, advocates keep written records. They know that if a statement is not written down, it was not said. They make requests in writing and write polite follow-up letters to document events, discussions, and meetings.
Ask Questions, Listen to Answers
Advocates are not afraid to ask questions. When they ask questions, they listen carefully to answers. Advocates know how to use Who, What, Why, Where, When, How, and Explain Questions (5 Ws + H + E) to discover the true reasons for positions.
Identify Problems
Advocates learn to define and describe problems from all angles. They use their knowledge of interests, fears, and positions to develop strategies. Advocates are problem solvers. They do not waste valuable time and energy looking for people to blame.
Propose Solutions
Advocates know that parents negotiate with schools for special education services. As negotiators, advocates discuss issues and make offers or proposals. They seek win-win solutions that will satisfy the interests of parents and schools.
Your Assignment
Plan for the Future
What are your long-term goals for your child? What do you envision for your child in the future?
If you are like most parents, you are focused on the present. You havent given much thought to the future.
Do you expect your child to be an independent, self-sufficient member of the community? Although some children with disabilities will require assistance as adults, most will grow up to be adults who hold jobs, get married, and live independently.
If you have a vision about what you want for your child in the future, you are more likely to achieve your goals.
If you believe others will make long-term plans for your child and provide your child with the necessary skills to be an independent, self sufficient member of society, you are likely to be disappointed.
Answer Questions
What do you want for your child? What are your goals for your child's future? Do you have a master plan for your child's education?
If you want your child to grow up to be an independent adult, what does your child need to learn before he or she leaves the public school system?
What do you want?
Develop a Master Plan
If you are like many parents, you don't have a master plan. You don't know where you are, where you need to go, or how to get there. Do not expect school personnel to make long-term plans for your child -- this is your responsibility.
Begin by thinking about your vision for your child's future. What are your long-term goals for your child? What will your child need to learn? What services and supports will your child need to meet these goals?
Are you ready to advocate? Here is a list of supplies that will help you get started:
* Two 3-ring notebooks (one for your childs file; one for information about your childs disability and educational information)
* 3-hole punch
* Highlighters
* Package of sticky notes
* #10 Envelopes
* Stamps
* Calendar
* Journal
* Contact log
* Small tape recorder
In this article, you learned about lay advocates and educational advocates, and about limitations on teachers and special education staff in their ability to advocate. You learned that parents are natural advocates for their children.
You learned about basic advocacy skills -- gathering and organizing information, planning and preparing, documenting, problem solving, and negotiating. You have a list of supplies to help you advocate.
You learned that you must plan for your child's future. A plan is like a roadmap. When you have a plan, you know where you are, where you need to go, and how to know when you arrive.
The Parents Journey From Emotions to Advocacy
On your journey from emotions to advocacy, you will learn about your childs disability, educational and remedial techniques, educational progress, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and how to artfully advocate.
You will learn how to present your concerns and problems in writing, prepare for meetings, and search for win-win solutions. You will learn how to use your emotions as a source of energy and power, and how to focus on getting an appropriate education for your child.
Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy - The Special Education Survival Guide
This article is based on a chapter in Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide by Pamela Wright and Peter Wright.
SEPTA HAS PURCHASED AND DONATED 3 COPIES OF THIS BOOK TO THE NORTH BELLMORE PUBLIC LIBRARY
RESPECTFUL LANGUAGE MAKES A DIFFERENCE- Date Posted: 01/13/2010
WORDS CAN HURT...OR WORDS CAN WELCOME
Language shapes our attitudes.
Ask others to stop using the word retard to insult people
www.parenttoparentnys.org
Think before you speak
AFTER SCHOOL EXTRA HELP- FOR ALL CHILDREN- Date Posted: 01/13/2010
After school extra help
If you feel your child requires extra help in any academic area and would benefit from extra help, please request this help from your child's teacher.
This is available between 3:10 and 3:45 PM on school days.
Children must be picked up by 3:45 PM. If for any reason you are having difficulty obtaining this help, please contact the building principal.
After extensive conversations last year about this issue with our Superintendent Mr. Goldstein and Deputy Superintendent Ms. Eskew, it has been acknowledged that all children who require extra help should receive it.
Your childs test scores on New York State Assessment Exams are NOT the sole criterion for determining need for extra help. If a parent is able to identify a specific topic or skill with which the child is struggling, based upon homework, for example, the parent should notify the
teacher. If your childs difficulty cannot be resolved during the academic day, you can consider requesting extra help.
This extra help is in addition to any AIS, NYS test prep, RTI or IEP specific services your child receives during the school day provided that these services do not
address the specific problem.
QUESTIONS ABOUT TRANSIITION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL?- Date Posted: 01/13/2010
ATTENTION 6th GRADE PARENTS
Please join us as representatives from BMCHSD give us an overview of special education and support services available to our children at Grand Avenue and Merrick Avenue Middle schools.
Please bring your questions.
The presentation is open to all families.
Monday January 25th 7pm
Martin Avenue School
For further information: Pat Boyle Egland north.bellmore.septa@gmail.com.
FREE ABA & AUTISM WORSHOPS
Dates: February 3rd 2010, March 3rd 2010, April 7th 2010
Presented by: Nicole Dibra
Time: 10am to 12pm
Location: The Elija House 665 N. Newbridge Rd. Levittown NY 11756
Learner Objectives: Attendees will learn about the core deficits of Autism, how they relate to parenting or teaching , challenges we may be up against, Basic strategies to help promote language and improve social and behavioral challenges and an introduction to the Science of Applied Behavior Analysis, Fundamental Principles, The General Functions of Behavior and how they apply to teaching children with Autism.
This is by RSVP only. Small groups encouraged, limited participants allowed per session
Please email trainings@elija.org or call us 516 .433. 4321
Building a Rapport with learners with Autism & Gaining Instructional with Unwilling Learners
Date: February 4th 2010, March 4th 2010, April 8th 2010
Presented By: Nicole Dibra, Co Founder
Time: 10am-1pm
Location: The Elija House 665 N. Newbridge Rd. Levittown NY 11756
Cost: $20 for ELIJA Members and $30 For Non Members
Learner Objectives: Attendees will learn procedures on how to build a rapport with learners with autism and effective teaching strategies that help facilitate communication, reduce learner errors and problem behavior while increasing on task behaviors.
Topics included:
- Building a Rapport with Learners with Autism
- Analysis as to how teaching becomes aversive
- Teaching Techniques to off set the value of escaping demands
-Managing Challenging Behavior
About the Presenter:
Nicole Dibra received her coursework in Behavior Analysis and her certificate in Professional Development in Autism through Penn State University, Bureau of Special Education. She serves as the Co Executive Director of The Elija School ,a school for children with Autism, as well as the Co Director of Effective Interventions Clinic, a behavioral clinic/agency serving the needs of individuals with autism. Nicole provides workshops and staff training and development geared toward improving the competency level of educators and available quality services for individuals with autism.
Small groups encouraged , limited participants allowed per session
TO REGISTER BY PHONE CALL 516 433 4321
How Autism effects the entire family unit - How to recognize and remediate family issues and improve the quality of life of everyone in the family who is touched by autism.
Date: April 30th 2010
Presented by Dr, David Celiberti BCBA-D & Ruth Donlin M.S.
Time: 10am-2pm
Levittown Community Hall 201 Levittown Parkway Hicksville NY
Cost: Elija Members $20 Non Elija Members $40
Please join us for our annual book fair
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28th 10am - 5pm
BARNES & NOBLE
Sunrise Highway, Massapequa
Please mention SEPTA at checkout.
Thank you for your support of Special Education Advocacy in North Bellmore.
7 strategies for a sucessful IEP- Date Posted: 11/19/2009
7 Strategies for a successful IEP
1. Take Responsibility
Its time you take responsibility for your role as your childs voice in their education and of the state their education is in. This does not mean that you are solely responsible for mishaps, but if we are going to move forward with you becoming an equal member of the team, you must know your role.
From this point forward you will be responsible for consciously choosing the most effective action in any special education situation. You will be in charge of increasing your credibility and influence with the team. You will develop behaviors and actions that will not only improve your own effectiveness, but you will strengthen the entire special education team.
2. Create a Mission
Every parent is given a voice in their childs IEP. Its time to use yours effectively and strategically. No longer will you hesitate on your input into the IEP.
Its time to create your childs Education Mission Statement. This will include a clear definition of educational outcomes at the end of their school career. Included in your plan are descriptive qualities of your childs education that will assist them in achieving their outcomes.
3. Plan for Success
Educational success and mastery does not happen by accident. Only using consistent approaches when collaborating with the IEP team will produce results. You must create a systematic approach that works for you in becoming an equal member of the IEP team.
Its time for you to gain a reputation for excellent follow-through and superior input on your childs top educational priorities. By developing and communicating priorities within the IEP, you will see consistent movement and progress towards the desired outcomes.
4. Develop A Winning Strategy
Team collaboration for IEP success is mandatory. Every team member needs to clearly understand both short and long term education goals. Everyday must be a new effort to achieve.
As an equal member of the team, you can find ways to share recognitions of success without fear of diminishing the weaknesses which still need to be addressed. Its time to create effective, long-term professional relationships with the IEP team. With mutual respect between IEP team members, the child wins.
5. Listen, Learn, Teach
Its your turn to listen, learn and teach. Listening to IEP team members with an open-mind to their perspective can bring new insights to your role on the IEP team. Learning from IEP team members will broaden your information for decision making. Teaching the team your knowledge and expertise about your child will keep the focus on your childs unique needs.
Listen, learn and teach are skills which require practice and adjustment within each team. However, when these skills are mastered you will have greater influence to lead your childs IEP team. You also will develop faster problem solving skills.
6. Cooperate
Understanding differences and how the contribute to innovative and better solutions is key to IEP team success. You never will agree with every team member. Your child needs you to develop the skills to cooperate with their team to create a better program education program.
The action of cooperation includes learning how to value other team members, their knowledge and their participation on your childs team. The goal of cooperation is to integrate every team members best idea. With integrated solutions, a special education program has the potential to be much greater than an individual strategy.
7. Maintain Accountability
Accountability of all team members, including yourself, is key to long-term success. The purpose of your childs IEP, as stated by IDEA, is to prepare for Further Education, Employment and Independent Living. This is not a sprint of learning, but a marathon in life preparation.
By practicing these 7 strategies consistently you will bring your childs education to a higher level than ever imagined.
IDEA Fact Sheet 3: Identification of Specific Learning Disabilities and Response To Intervention (RTI)
Federal Summary
IDEA no longer requires school districts to take into consideration whether a student has a severe discrepancy between achievement and intellectual ability in determining whether a student has a learning disability. Consistent with state criteria, school districts may now use the results of a student's response to a scientific, research-based intervention as part of the evaluation in determining whether a student has a learning disability. The term "response-to-intervention" (RTI) is not defined in the IDEA law or regulation.
Under the IDEA, school districts must establish a team of qualified professionals and the child's parents which is responsible for determining whether the student has a learning disability. In New York State, the Committee on Special Education (CSE) serves as the team responsible for determining whether a student has a learning disability. The school district is required to provide the parent with an evaluation report that includes the documentation of the student's eligibility. Each member of the eligibility team must certify in writing whether the report reflects the member's conclusion. If it does not, the group member must submit a separate statement presenting the member's conclusions.
New York State's Response
The Board of Regents recently amended the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education to implement the federal requirement that States must adopt criteria regarding the identification of learning disabilities which:
* Must not require the use of severe discrepancy between intellectual ability and achievement;
* Must permit the use of a process based on the student's response to scientific, research-based intervention; and
* May permit the use of other alternative research-based procedures&
In New York State, while regulations allow the use of an RTI process, NYSUT worked to obtain additional protections including:
* Districts must provide notification to parents when a student requires an intervention beyond that provided to all general education students including the parental right to initiate a special education referral;
* Districts must identify RTI criteria and the process for levels of intervention and progress monitoring;
* Districts must ensure staff has knowledge and skills to implement RTI with consistency and fidelity;
* A regulatory definition of research-based instruction in reading;
* Allowing additional time prior to prohibiting the use of the significant discrepancy criteria in reading for K-4 students by July 1, 2012 (SED originally proposed that this be implemented by 2010); and
* Not allowing the use of federally-permitted but undefined "other alternative research-based procedures."
It is important to note that in New York State the Regents established RTI as an optional general education service in addition to the IDEA requirement. In fact, RTI is not defined in the Part 200 of Commissioner's Regulations that govern services for students with disabilities, but instead the definition is found in the Part 100 regulations detailing elementary and secondary education program requirements for all students.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the district determine the existence of a specific learning disability?
According to the IDEA, the eligibility team (the CSE in New York State) may determine that a student has a specific learning disability, if:
* The student does not achieve adequately for the child's age or does not meet state-approved grade-level standards in one or more of the following areas, when provided with learning experiences and instruction appropriate for the student's age or state-approved grade-level standards: oral expression; listening comprehension; written expression; basic reading skills; reading fluency skills; reading comprehension; mathematics calculation; mathematics problem solving.
* The student does not make sufficient progress to meet age or state-approved grade-level standards in one or more of the areas identified above when using a process based on the students' response to a scientific, research-based intervention; or the student exhibits a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in performance, achievement, or both relative to age, State-approved grade-level standards, or intellectual development that is determined by the group to be relevant to the identification of a specific learning disability, using appropriate assessments; and
* The group determines that its findings are not primarily the result of: a visual, hearing, or motor disability; mental retardation; emotional disturbance; cultural factors; environmental or economic disadvantage; or limited English proficiency.
2. What is the definition of "response-to-intervention (RTI)?"
Generally, response-to-intervention means a process of assessing a student's response to a high-quality instruction/intervention matched to a student's need, for the purpose of making educational decisions concerning a student suspected of having a learning disability. A response-to-intervention process could also involve a multi-tiered problem-solving process for schools to address the needs of all students struggling to meet higher learning standards. The following summary of the three tiered model of progressive interventions is excerpted from an AFT Fact Sheet on RTI:
Tier 1: Screening and Group Interventions - Student who are "at risk" are identified using universal screenings and/or results on state- or district-wide tests and could include weekly progress monitoring of all students for a brief period. These students receive supplemental instruction, or interventions, typically delivered individually or in small groups during the student's regular school day in the general education classroom. During that time, student progress is closely monitored. At the end of this period, the interventions for students showing significant progress in academic growth would no longer be needed.
Tier 2: Targeted Interventions - Students not making adequate progress in the regular classroom in Tier 1 are provided with more specifically-designed services. These interventions are more intensive in nature. These services are provided in addition to instruction in the general curriculum. These interventions are generally provided in small group settings. Students who do not respond to interventions or show progress in this tier are then considered for more intensive interventions as part of Tier 3.
Tier 3: Intensive Interventions and Comprehensive Evaluations - Students receive individualized, intensive interventions that target the student's skill deficits. Students who do not respond to these targeted interventions are then referred for an initial special education evaluation. Data collected during Tiers 1, 2 and 3 are considered in making the eligibility decision.
Note: At any point during an RTI process, parents are permitted under IDEA to request a formal evaluation to determine eligibility for special education. An RTI process cannot be used to deny or delay a formal evaluation for special education.
3. How is RTI used to determine eligibility for learning disability?
Following parental consent, the school district's Committee on Special Education (CSE) would arrange for a comprehensive individual special education evaluation. The student is assessed in all areas related to the suspected disability by members of the evaluation team. In an RTI process the assessments focus on the skills and abilities of the student and are linked to scientifically-based interventions. The student's response to a scientifically based intervention is only one component of the student's individual evaluation. Based on the evaluation results the CSE would determined if the student has a learning disability based on the criteria described in the response to Question one of this document.
4. What does the RTI process mean for teachers and student?
Teachers, especially general education teachers, have a key role in identifying and responding to students with academic and behavioral problems. Since the RTI process does not require a student to demonstrate a significant learning problem before it is addressed teachers and other school personnel may be called upon to provide timely interventions and collect data measuring a student's progress as a part of a school district's general education intervention program. New and expanded roles for teachers include participation in designing the local RTI process, quality professional development opportunities, team collaboration, as well as learning new strategies to help students with learning problems.
IDEA Fact Sheet
NYSUT.org.
IDEA Fact Sheet 3: Identification of Specific Learning Disabilities and Response To Intervention (RTI)
Federal Summary
IDEA no longer requires school districts to take into consideration whether a student has a severe discrepancy between achievement and intellectual ability in determining whether a student has a learning disability. Consistent with state criteria, school districts may now use the results of a student's response to a scientific, research-based intervention as part of the evaluation in determining whether a student has a learning disability. The term "response-to-intervention" (RTI) is not defined in the IDEA law or regulation.
Under the IDEA, school districts must establish a team of qualified professionals and the child's parents which is responsible for determining whether the student has a learning disability. In New York State, the Committee on Special Education (CSE) serves as the team responsible for determining whether a student has a learning disability. The school district is required to provide the parent with an evaluation report that includes the documentation of the student's eligibility. Each member of the eligibility team must certify in writing whether the report reflects the member's conclusion. If it does not, the group member must submit a separate statement presenting the member's conclusions.
New York State's Response
The Board of Regents recently amended the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education to implement the federal requirement that States must adopt criteria regarding the identification of learning disabilities which:
* Must not require the use of severe discrepancy between intellectual ability and achievement;
* Must permit the use of a process based on the student's response to scientific, research-based intervention; and
* May permit the use of other alternative research-based procedures&
In New York State, while regulations allow the use of an RTI process, NYSUT worked to obtain additional protections including:
* Districts must provide notification to parents when a student requires an intervention beyond that provided to all general education students including the parental right to initiate a special education referral;
* Districts must identify RTI criteria and the process for levels of intervention and progress monitoring;
* Districts must ensure staff has knowledge and skills to implement RTI with consistency and fidelity;
* A regulatory definition of research-based instruction in reading;
* Allowing additional time prior to prohibiting the use of the significant discrepancy criteria in reading for K-4 students by July 1, 2012 (SED originally proposed that this be implemented by 2010); and
* Not allowing the use of federally-permitted but undefined "other alternative research-based procedures."
It is important to note that in New York State the Regents established RTI as an optional general education service in addition to the IDEA requirement. In fact, RTI is not defined in the Part 200 of Commissioner's Regulations that govern services for students with disabilities, but instead the definition is found in the Part 100 regulations detailing elementary and secondary education program requirements for all students.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the district determine the existence of a specific learning disability?
According to the IDEA, the eligibility team (the CSE in New York State) may determine that a student has a specific learning disability, if:
* The student does not achieve adequately for the child's age or does not meet state-approved grade-level standards in one or more of the following areas, when provided with learning experiences and instruction appropriate for the student's age or state-approved grade-level standards: oral expression; listening comprehension; written expression; basic reading skills; reading fluency skills; reading comprehension; mathematics calculation; mathematics problem solving.
* The student does not make sufficient progress to meet age or state-approved grade-level standards in one or more of the areas identified above when using a process based on the students' response to a scientific, research-based intervention; or the student exhibits a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in performance, achievement, or both relative to age, State-approved grade-level standards, or intellectual development that is determined by the group to be relevant to the identification of a specific learning disability, using appropriate assessments; and
* The group determines that its findings are not primarily the result of: a visual, hearing, or motor disability; mental retardation; emotional disturbance; cultural factors; environmental or economic disadvantage; or limited English proficiency.
2. What is the definition of "response-to-intervention (RTI)?"
Generally, response-to-intervention means a process of assessing a student's response to a high-quality instruction/intervention matched to a student's need, for the purpose of making educational decisions concerning a student suspected of having a learning disability. A response-to-intervention process could also involve a multi-tiered problem-solving process for schools to address the needs of all students struggling to meet higher learning standards. The following summary of the three tiered model of progressive interventions is excerpted from an AFT Fact Sheet on RTI:
Tier 1: Screening and Group Interventions - Student who are "at risk" are identified using universal screenings and/or results on state- or district-wide tests and could include weekly progress monitoring of all students for a brief period. These students receive supplemental instruction, or interventions, typically delivered individually or in small groups during the student's regular school day in the general education classroom. During that time, student progress is closely monitored. At the end of this period, the interventions for students showing significant progress in academic growth would no longer be needed.
Tier 2: Targeted Interventions - Students not making adequate progress in the regular classroom in Tier 1 are provided with more specifically-designed services. These interventions are more intensive in nature. These services are provided in addition to instruction in the general curriculum. These interventions are generally provided in small group settings. Students who do not respond to interventions or show progress in this tier are then considered for more intensive interventions as part of Tier 3.
Tier 3: Intensive Interventions and Comprehensive Evaluations - Students receive individualized, intensive interventions that target the student's skill deficits. Students who do not respond to these targeted interventions are then referred for an initial special education evaluation. Data collected during Tiers 1, 2 and 3 are considered in making the eligibility decision.
Note: At any point during an RTI process, parents are permitted under IDEA to request a formal evaluation to determine eligibility for special education. An RTI process cannot be used to deny or delay a formal evaluation for special education.
3. How is RTI used to determine eligibility for learning disability?
Following parental consent, the school district's Committee on Special Education (CSE) would arrange for a comprehensive individual special education evaluation. The student is assessed in all areas related to the suspected disability by members of the evaluation team. In an RTI process the assessments focus on the skills and abilities of the student and are linked to scientifically-based interventions. The student's response to a scientifically based intervention is only one component of the student's individual evaluation. Based on the evaluation results the CSE would determined if the student has a learning disability based on the criteria described in the response to Question one of this document.
4. What does the RTI process mean for teachers and student?
Teachers, especially general education teachers, have a key role in identifying and responding to students with academic and behavioral problems. Since the RTI process does not require a student to demonstrate a significant learning problem before it is addressed teachers and other school personnel may be called upon to provide timely interventions and collect data measuring a student's progress as a part of a school district's general education intervention program. New and expanded roles for teachers include participation in designing the local RTI process, quality professional development opportunities, team collaboration, as well as learning new strategies to help students with learning problems.
IDEA Fact Sheet
NYSUT.org.
Parenting a child with AD/ADHD- Date Posted: 10/01/2009
Parenting a Child with AD/HD
Often, when a child is diagnosed with AD/HD, the first response from his or her concerned parent is, "What can I do about it?" Although life with your child may at times seem challenging, it is important to remember that children with AD/HD can and do succeed. As a parent, you can help create home and school environments that improve your child's chances for success. The earlier you address your child's problems, the more likely you will be able to prevent school and social failure and associated problems such as underachievement and poor self-esteem that may lead to delinquency or drug and alcohol abuse.
Early intervention holds the key to positive outcomes for your child. Here are some ways to get started:
Don't waste limited emotional energy on self-blame. AD/HD is the result of dysfunction in certain areas of the brain and in the majority of cases is inherited. It is not caused by poor parenting or a chaotic home environment, although the home environment can make the symptoms of AD/HD worse.
Learn all you can about AD/HD. There is a great deal of information available on the diagnosis and treatment of AD/HD. It is up to you to act as a good consumer and learn to distinguish the "accurate" information from the "inaccurate." But how can you sort out what will be useful and what will not? In general, it is good to be wary about ads claiming to cure AD/HD. Currently, there is no cure for AD/HD, but you can take positive steps to decrease its impact.
Make sure your child has a comprehensive assessment. To complete the diagnostic process, make sure your child has a comprehensive assessment that includes medical, educational, and psychological evaluations and that other disorders that either mimic or commonly occur with AD/HD have been considered and ruled out.
How to Ensure Your Child's Success at School
Become an effective case manager. Keep a record of all information about your child. This includes copies of all evaluations and documents from any meetings concerning your child. You might also include information about AD/HD, a record of your child's prior treatments and placements, and information for the professionals who have worked with your child.
Take an active role in forming a team that understands AD/HD and wants to help your child. Meetings at your child's school should be attended by the principal's designee, as well as a special educator and a classroom teacher that knows your child. You, however, have the right to request input at these meetings from others that understand AD/HD or your child's special needs. These include your child's physician, the school psychologist, and the nurse or guidance counselor from your child's school. If you have consulted other professionals, such as a psychiatrist, educational advocate or behavior management specialist, the useful information they have provided should also be made available at these meetings. A thorough understanding of your child's strengths and weaknesses and how AD/HD affects him will help you and members of this team go on to develop an appropriate and effective program that takes into account his or her AD/HD.
Learn all you can about AD/HD and your child's educational rights. The more knowledge you have about your child's rights under the two education laws -- the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act -- the better the chance that you will maximize his or her success. Each state has a parent training and information center that can help you learn more about your child's rights (visit www.taalliance.org/centers to find the center in your state).
Become your child's best advocate. You may have to represent or protect your child's best interest in school situations, both academic and behavioral. Become an active part of the team that determines what services and placements your child receives in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 plan. See What We Know # 4, Educational Rights for Children with AD/HD in Public Schools, for more information.
How to Make Life at Home Easier
Join a support group. Parents will find additional information, as well as support, by attending local CHADD meetings where available. You can find the nearest chapter to your home on the CHADD chapter locator.
Seek professional help. Ask for help from professionals, particularly if you are feeling depressed, frustrated and exhausted. Helping yourself feel less stressed will benefit your child as well.
Work together to support your child.It is important that all of the adults that care for your child (parents, grandparents, relatives, and babysitters) agree on how to approach or handle your child's problem behaviors. Working with a professional, if needed, can help you better understand how to work together to support your child.
Learn the tools of successful behavior management. Parent training will teach you strategies to change behaviors and improve your relationship with your child. Identify parent training classes in your community through your local parent information and resource center or parent training and information center (www.taalliance.org/centers).
Find out if you have AD/HD. Since AD/HD is generally inherited, many parents of children with AD/HD often discover that they have AD/HD when their child is diagnosed. Parents with AD/HD may need the same types of evaluation and treatment that they seek for their children in order to function at their best. AD/HD in the parent may make the home more chaotic and affect parenting skills.
Parent training will help you learn to:
Focus on certain behaviors and provide clear, consistent expectations, directions and limits. Children with AD/HD need to know exactly what others expect from them. They do not perform well in ambiguous situations that don't specify exactly what is expected and that require they read between the lines. Working with a professional can help you narrow the focus to a few specific behaviors and help you set limits, and consistently follow through.
Set up an effective discipline system. Parents should learn proactive -- not reactive -- discipline methods that teach and reward appropriate behavior and respond to misbehavior with alternatives such as "time out" or loss of privileges.
Help your child learn from his or her mistakes. At times, negative consequences will arise naturally out of a child's behavior. However, children with AD/HD have difficulty making the connection between their behaviors and these consequences. Parents can help their child with AD/HD make these connections and learn from his or her mistakes.
How to Boost Your Child's Confidence
Tell your child that you love and support him or her unconditionally. There will be days when you may not believe this yourself. Those will be the days when it is even more important that you acknowledge the difficulties your child faces on a daily basis, and express your love. Let your child know that you will get through the smooth and rough times together.
Assist your child with social skills. Children with AD/HD may be rejected by peers because of hyperactive, impulsive or aggressive behaviors. Parent training can help you learn how to assist your child in making friends and learning to work cooperatively with others.
Identify your child's strengths.Many children with AD/HD have strengths in certain areas such as art, athletics, computers or mechanical ability. Build upon these strengths, so that your child will have a sense of pride and accomplishment. Make sure that your child has the opportunity to be successful while pursuing these activities and that his strengths are not undermined by untreated AD/HD. Also, avoid, as much as possible, targeting these activities as contingencies for good behavior or withholding them, as a form of punishment, when your child with AD/HD misbehaves.
Set aside a daily "special time" for your child. Constant negative feedback can erode a child's self-esteem. A "special time," whether it's an outing, playing games, or just time spent in positive interaction, can help fortify your child against assaults to self-worth.
Suggested Reading
For Help Parenting Your Children and Teens
Barkley, Russell (2000). Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete Authoritative Guide for Parents (Revised Edition). New York: Guilford Press.
Brooks, Robert and Goldstein, Sam (2001). Raising Resilient Children: Fostering Strength, Hope, and Optimism in Your Child. Lincolnwood, IL: Contemporary Books.
Copeland, Edna and Love, Valerie (1995). Attention, Please! A Comprehensive Guide for Successfully Parenting Children with Attention Deficit Disorders and Hyperactivity. Plantation, FL: Specialty Press.
Dishion, Thomas J. and Patterson, Scot G. (1996). Preventive Parenting with Love, Encouragement, and Limits: The Preschool Years. Eugene, OR: Castalia Publishing Co.
Edwards, C. Drew (1999). How to Handle a Hard-To-Handle Kid: A Parents' Guide to Understanding and Changing Problem Behaviors. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing.
Flick, Grad (1996). Power Parenting for Children with ADD/ADHD: A Practical Parent's Guide for Managing Difficult Behaviors. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Forgatch, Gerald R. and Forgatch, Marion S. (2005). Parents and Adolescents Living Together, Part 1: The Basics. Champaign, IL: Research Press.
Forgatch, Gerald R. and Forgatch, Marion S. (2005). Parents and Adolescents Living Together: Part 2: Family Problem Solving. Champaign, IL: Research Press.
Heininger, Janet E. and Weiss, Sharon (2001). From Chaos to Calm: Effective Parenting of Challenging Children with ADHD and Other Behavioral Problems. New York, NY: Perigee Books.
Monastra, Vincent (2004). Parenting Children with ADHD: 10 Lessons That Medicine Cannot Teach. Washington, DC: Magination press.
Phelan, Thomas (2003). 1-2-3 Magic: Training your child to do what you want! (Third Edition) Glen Ellyn, IL: ParentMagic Inc.
Parker, Harvey (1999). The ADD Hyperactivity Workbook for Parents, Teachers, and Kids (Third Edition) Plantation, FL: Specialty Press.
Silver, Larry (1999). Dr. Larry Silver's Advice to Parents on ADHD (Second Edition). New York, NY: Three Rivers Press.
For Help With Your Child's Social Skills
Cohen, Cathi (2000). How to Raise Your Child's Social IQ: Stepping Stones to People Skills for Kids. Washington, DC: Advantage Books.
Frankel, Fred (1996). Good Friends Are Hard to Find: Helping Your Child Find, Make and Keep Friends. Glendale, CA: Perspective Publishing.
Sheridan, Susan (1998). Why Don't They Like Me? Helping Your Child Make and Keep Friends. Longmont, CO: Sopris West.
For Help Navigating the Educational Maze
Anderson, Winifred; Chitwood, Stephen; and Hayden, Deidre (1997). Negotiating the Special Education Maze: A Guide for Parents and Teachers (3rd Edition). Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House.
Jensen, Peter S. (2004). Making the System Work for Your Child with ADHD. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Latham, Peter; and Latham, Patricia (1997). Attention Deficit Disorder and the Law (Second Edition). Washington, DC: JKL Publications.
Weingartner, Paul L (1999). ADHD Handbook for Families: A Guide to Communicating with Professionals. Washington, DC: Child and Family Press.
The information provided in this sheet was supported by Cooperative Agreement Number R04/CCR321831-01 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of CDC. It was approved by CHADD's Professional Advisory Board in December 2004.
For further information about AD/HD or CHADD, please contact:
National Resource Center on AD/HD Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 8181 Professional Place, Suite 150 Landover, MD 20785> 1-800-233-4050 www.help4adhd.org
Please also visit the CHADD Web site at www.chadd.org.
-Thursday, October 227:00 PM to 9:00 PMWang Center Room 201 Relationship Developmental Intervention (RDI)
Presenter: Donna Morrison, M.S., OTR Relationship Developmental Intervention (RDI) is a training program that helps families learn how to help their children with autism to acquire the necessary skills to engage in reciprocal meaningful relationships. RDI offers clear goals and frameworks to help families facilitate emotional connectedness, greater flexibility, and dynamic processing, using natural routines with carefully applied challenges, variations and elaborations.
Wednesday, November 47:00 PM to 9:00 PMWang Center Room 201 The Perfect IEP
Presenter: Lorrie Cohen, MS, LMHC, NCC This workshop focuses on important information for both parents and professionals about how to design and implement an appropriate and individual IEP. As a parent it is never too late to become an active participant in designing your childs education plan to ensure that their needs are being met. As a professional it is important to understand that the familys vision is an integral part of developing a plan that will help the child become an independent and functioning member of society. The collaboration between parents and professionals is a key ingredient to the success of any IEP. As both a professional and a parent of a child on the spectrum I hope to enlighten and motivate you to make a difference in the life of your child or a student you work with .
Thursday, November 197:00 PM to 9:00 PMWang Center Lecture Hall 1 Bringing the Birds and Bees Down to Earth:Sexuality Education for Individuals with Autism and Related Disorders Presenter: Lisa Mitchell, LCSW This talk is offered to professionals and parents of children of all ages with autism or related developmental disabilities, however, particular attention will be paid to issues which adolescents and young adults commonly face. Participants will learn about: social and sexual interest; improving understanding of personal boundaries and relationships; body changes and reactions to puberty; key concepts to focus on; and suggested activities to use when providing sexuality education for persons with developmental disabilities.
Preparation for puberty and body changes Relationships and social skills Personal boundaries and abuse prevention Ways to address inappropriate behaviors Teaching and communication tips Activities to use when providing sexuality education
Wednesday, December 2 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Wang Center Room 201 Neuropsychological Testing for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders; Understanding Cognitive, Social and Learning Problems Presenter: Philip Eisenberg, Ph.D. Neuropsychological testing can help us understand some of the widely varying skills of children with autism spectrum disorders. By identifying specific strengths and weaknesses, more effective strategies can be developed for learning both academic and social information. This workshop will give parents an understanding of some of the differences that may make social interaction and school work difficult for their child, and help them decide when additional testing would be helpful.
Thursday, December 177:00 PM to 9:00 PM Wang Center Lecture Hall 1 Helping Parents Understand Their Children's Behavior: Recognizing and Applying Principles of Behavior
Presenter: Nicholas Weatherly, Ph.D., BCBA Children with autism may exhibit behaviors that are challenging and difficult to change. Daily routines such as mealtime, bedtime, homework and getting ready for school. as well as self help issues such as toileting and dressing, can become daily struggles. This workshop will discuss the ways that understanding and applying the principles of behavior analysis can help with these everyday situations at home.
Registration: Please call (631) 632-3706, or email Shirley.Woodward@stonybrook.edu Workshop Fee: We suggest a donation of $10 per family to help cover the costs of presenting the workshops. Professionals seeking documentation of attendance are asked to pay $25.
Location: All workshops are held at the Wang Center on the Stony Brook campus unless otherwise noted. Directions: LIE to exit 62N. Approximately 10 miles on Nicolls Rd to Stony Brook University Main Entrance (second entrance on left). Wang Center is straight ahead on right, directly opposite parking garage. You may park in the garage for a fee, or in nearby surface lots at no charge.
Use this planner to get the most out of IEP meetings and special education services for your child.
Before the Meeting (at least 2 weeks prior to the meeting)
Visit your child’s classroom
If your child is elementary age, you should consider visiting the classroom to observe how your child is performing in class, classroom conditions and routines, instructional materials being used. Classroom visits should be arranged in advance with the teacher and school officials.
Review your child’s records
Compile and review the following:
• Your child’s current IEP
•Reports of progress toward the annual goals in your child’s current IEP
•Report cards for current school year
•Recent work samples
• Performance on district and/or state assessments (If your child is participating in district and/or state assessments in an alternate manner, be sure to get information on how your child is performing in relative to same grade peers. Results on alternate assessments, out-of-level assessments do not provide information on your child’s performance compared to other students at his/her grade level.)
• Results of most recent evaluation(s) (If your child has recently received an individual evaluation, be sure to request a copy of the evaluation report prior to the IEP meeting. If you have had your child evaluated privately, consider sharing the results of the evaluation with school personnel prior to the IEP meeting)
• Any other communications with the teacher and/or school
Note: You have the right to inspect and review any education records relating to your child that are collected, maintained, or used by the school district. You may also request a copy of your child’s educational records at any time. Be sure to organize all of these records (preferably in a 3-ring binder) and take them with you to the IEP meeting.
Network
Join local chapters of parent groups that offer information about your child’s specific disability. Contact your state Parent Training and Information Center for information on your state’s special education laws or regulations. Attend trainings and support groups that will help you understand ways to use your rights under IDEA.
Request and review notice of meeting
You should be given written notice of the proposed IEP meeting, preferably at least 10 days in advance. The notice should include the date, time, purpose of the meeting and those expected to attend. Use this meeting notice to ensure that:
• The date and time are convenient for you and others you plan to have attend (advocate, private tutor, private evaluator)
• If appropriate, your child is expected to attend
•If your child will turn age 16 (or older) during the period of the next IEP, o rif you feel that transition planning should begin with the next IEP(regardless of your child’s age), both your child and any appropriate representatives from other agencies are invited to attend
• All appropriate school personnel are listed as expected to be in attendance.
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Request alternative means of meeting attendance
If you or others you want to attend the meeting cannot attend on the proposed date and time, you can propose alternative forms of meeting attendance such as audio conference calling or video conferencing. Be sure to make your requests for such alternate meetings well in advance so the school can provide the necessary equipment.
Approve or reject proposed IEP team member excusals
Your IEP Meeting notice should indicate if the school proposes to excuse a team member or members – from attending either the entire meeting or part of the meeting – for one of the following reasons:
• The member’s area of curriculum or related services is not being modified or discussed in the meeting
• The member’s area of curriculum or related services is being discussed and the member will submit written input to the parents and the team prior to the meeting If the school proposes to excuse a member for either of these reasons, youmust agree in writing.If you disagree with the proposal to excuse a member on the basis that theirarea of curriculum or related services will not be discussed, inform the school that you do not agree with the proposed excusal and you expect the member to attend the meeting.
Written input from an excused member should be provided well in advance of the meeting in order to allow time for your review and acceptance. If you determine that the written input is not sufficient, advise the school that you expect the member to attend the meeting.
·For best results, members of the IEP team who should not be excused under any circumstances include:
•The district representative (knowledgeable about the availability of the school district’s resources)
•Your child’s regular education teacher (who is involved in the implementation of the IEP)
Request information on any district or state assessments
In order to make important decisions about how your child will participant in required district and/or state-wide assessments (such as those required by the No Child Left Behind Act – NCLB) request complete information on those assessments, including information about the type of test, when it is administered and sample questions. Also request information about alternate assessment options and information about how participation in an alternate form of assessment might impact your child.
Request state guidelines for test accommodations
In order to make important decisions about the appropriate accommodations your child will need in order to participant in required district and/or state-wide assessments (such as those required by the No Child Left Behind Act – NCLB) request a copy of your state’s guidelines on test accommodations. Every state is required to have such guidelines. The guidelines should include information regarding any accommodation that, if used, will invalid the test score.
Notify the school if:
•You plan to tape the IEP meeting. The option to tape an IEP meeting various by state, so be sure to check into your state’s policy regarding taping and also advise the school in advance of your plans to tape the meeting
•You plan to bring others to the meeting. Provide the school with a written notice of who you will bring and their relationship to your child
Review your Procedural Safeguards Notice
Make sure you have a copy of the current Procedural Safeguards Notice for your school district. Note: Schools are no longer required to provide a copy ofthis notice with each IEP meeting notice.
Develop your Parent Report
Your Parent Report should include:
• Your impressions of how your child is doing in school. Include both academic performance as well as social, behavioral and functional performance (include work samples and/or school reports that substantiate your comments and concerns).
• Your child’s strengths and weaknesses, relationships with family and friends
• Your comments or concerns regarding your child’s attainment (or lack of attainment) of the annualgoals on the current IEP.
• Your input regarding particular strategies that are or are not working for.
• Your input regarding other areas such as behavior plans and/or technology that might help support your child’s learning.
Use the Organizing Your Concerns Chart to help compile your Parent Report.
Note: You can share your Parent Report with school personnel before or at the IEP meeting. Sharing it before the meeting will allow school personnel the opportunity to review your report and include information you have submitted in the IEP.
Develop Annual Goals
Using the annual goals in your child’s current IEP, develop annual goals for the coming year, including
• The amount of progress you want to see your child make in the coming year (progress should be adequate to allow your child to make up for significant gaps in achievement vs. same age/grade students)
• Any particular methodology you think would be well suited for your child given his/her particular difficulty or deficit, age, learning style. Special education and related services must be based on peer-reviewed research whenever possible
• How progress toward the goals will be measured and how frequently progress will be reported to you. (Reports of progress must be based on objective measures and progress reports should be provided to you as frequently as progress is reported to all parents, generally at each grading period)
Learn the Form
Most school district (or states) has developed IEP forms that are used to compile a student’s individualized program. Become familiar with your school’s form prior to the meeting so you will know what information will be included and how the IEP will be developed. Request a copy of your school’s form from your school or district special education office.
Request IEP draft
Many schools accomplish some advance work on developing student IEPS by doing a “draft” which will then be reviewed at the meeting. If this is the practice of your school district, request a copy of the “draft” prior to the meeting so you have time to review it. (Note: “draft” IEPs are just that – drafts to help facilitate the meeting. Completing IEPs prior to the meeting violates the IDEA. Don’t be intimated by “draft” IEPs – instead, consider it an extra opportunity to see the thinking of IEP team members in advance. You will provide your comments and concerns about any “draft” and you should expect a final IEP to be produced at the official IEP meeting.)
At the Meeting
Arrive early
Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the time your meeting is scheduled to begin. Provide any persons you have invited to attend the meeting with a copy of your child’s current IEP, your Parent Report and your suggested annual goals.
Remain calm
IEP meetings can be stressful and emotional. Above all, you must be:
• Cooperative
• Respectful
• Calm
• Positive
Name a note taker
Unless you plan to tape record the meeting, you will need to take detailed notes. If note taking is hard for you to do while participating in the discussion, designate one of your invitees to be the note taker for the meeting.
Request introductions
Ask everyone at the meeting to introduce themselves and explain their role in the meeting. Have anyone you have brought to the meeting introduce themselves and explain their relationship to your child. Be sure to record this information in your meeting notes.
Review your Parent Report
If you haven’t shared your Parent Report with school personnel prior to the meeting, review it at this point. Your input should be incorporated into the school’s information to complete your child’s Present Level of Performance (PLOP).
Develop all required IEP components
The IDEA requires several components to be a part of every IEP. Be sure that each component is discussed and included. Use the IEP Checklist for Parents to review the proposed IEP for completeness. Make sure that all agreed upon services are written in the IEP document. Note: While some services, such as accommodations, might be “standard practice” in many schools or classrooms, the IEP should reflect all special education, related services, supplemental aids and services, modifications, accommodations (classroom and testing) that will be provided.
Finalize the IEP
You don’t have to sign the IEP at this meeting. If you want to review the IEP first, ask to take it home before you sign it. Be sure your signature indicates what you intend it to mean, such as attendance, agreement, partial agreement, refusal. Provide any concerns you have about the proposed IEP to the school in writing. If you object to
Corrections to Fall newsletter- Date Posted: 09/11/2009
There were some errors in the Fall 09 newsletter that was sent home with the children
Please make membership checks payable to: North Bellmore SEPTA
There is no october fundrasier.
November Meeting is Tuesday 11/10
Additional year-long fundrasier for discounted yoga classes (in merrick).This offer is only for SEPTA members and details will be sent to you with your membership card
SORRY FOR THE ERRORS IN THE ORIGINAL NEWSLETTER
Study and test-taking strategies for kids with learning difficulties- Date Posted: 09/10/2009
Study and test-taking strategies for kids with learning difficulties
Many students with learning difficulties need explicit, intensive instruction in study strategies.
Reprinted from GREATSCHOOLS.COM 9/10/09
Effective study strategies are the gateway to school success, graduation, college entry, and job advancement. Poor study habits can bar even bright students from many important opportunities that would otherwise enable them to realize their potential. For many children who have learning and/or attention difficulties, studying is an overwhelming challenge. Consider your child's current study skills; he may not know what to study or how to approach studying, may have difficulty remembering the information even when he has studied, may have trouble expressing what he knows (especially in essays). If your child struggles with these problems, he is far from unique.
From late elementary school into college, problems with studying and test-taking represent a major hurdle for many children and adolescents, especially those who have learning and attention problems. These difficulties are often identified only after discrepancies are discovered between these students' high grades for class work and their low scores on standardized tests. Their test scores frequently do not reflect their strong conceptual understanding or their level of ability. As a result, study sessions are often highly charged and extremely stressful for these students and their parents.
It is now recognized that many children and adolescents with learning difficulties need explicit, intensive instruction in study strategies.This article will describe strategies your child may need to learn, including prioritizing and shifting approaches, and identifying global themes while ignoring irrelevant details. Self-monitoring strategies such as checking, planning, and revising are critical, as your child, like many others, may not use these automatically. Finally, your child may need to be taught explicitly how to figure out which strategy is appropriate when preparing for a test.
Identifying problem areas
How can you help your child improve his study skills and reduce the stress involved? You can play a critical role in preventing a negative cycle where your child's poor test performance discourages him from applying himself and learning more effective study strategies. The first step is to determine why your child is having difficulty. Here are some questions to consider and discuss with your child:
·Does your child usually know what to study?
·Does he use a systematic method for studying?
·Does he seem to have inefficient study skills (i.e., he spends long hours studying, yet performs poorly on tests)?
Knowing what to study
Children are often unaware of the breadth and depth of the material to be covered in an upcoming test. To determine your child's level of awareness, ask him:
·Has he checked in with the teacher about the content of the test?
·Has the teacher provided a study guide or practice test?
·Is there a review session your child can attend?
·Does your child have a plan for studying?
Help your child understand that his teacher may offer clues about important details to focus on when studying for a test. Phrases teachers use to signal importance include:
·"Write this down"
·"Let me summarize"
·"Let me say it again"
·"This is important"
·"I'll write this on the board"
·"Remember… "
Next, assess your child's listening skills, attention, and focus. Does he listen for the teacher's "signals" as to what is important? Active listening in the classroom during everyday lessons helps children to "zero in" on key facts or skills that a teacher may include on a test.
Textbooks offer clues that identify important information.
If possible, review your child's textbook and discuss the use of different size or colored fonts, side-bars, figures, etc. included in the chapter(s) he'll be tested on. Think about your child's learning and reading style. Remind him to use active reading strategies when reading his textbook. For example:
·Review the chapter and section headings and convert them to questions. For example, the header, "Causes of World War I" might be changed to "What are the causes of World War I?"
·Review the words, phrases, and sentences that appear in bold type to denote their importance.
·Study the pictures and tables.
·Look at the sidebar information.
·Review and answer the questions at the end of each chapter.
Encourage your child to use colored highlighters or Post-it notes to flag important information in textbooks and class notes. This will help him review the material more efficiently.
Learning how to study
Your child may need to learn specific study strategies for organizing, remembering, prioritizing, and shifting approaches flexibly. These processes are the underpinnings of strategic learning and are essential for accurate and efficient studying. He may also need strategies for identifying global themes while ignoring irrelevant details and shifting from the details to the main ideas. Self-checking strategies such as editing, planning, monitoring, and revising are critical, as many children do not use these automatically. The study and test-taking strategies cited below are derived from the intervention research and clinical work we have done at the Research Institute for Learning and Development (Research ILD) over the past few years, which have demonstrated the efficacy of strategy instruction for all students, particularly for students with learning or attention problems.
Strategies for organizing and remembering
In order for your child to remember information, the information needs to be filed away in his brain in an organized way. The information will then be much more easily accessible when it is time to retrieve and use the information in the classroom or on a test. Tests are often used by teachers to evaluate how much students understand and retain after days, weeks, or even months of class work, reading, discussions, homework, and projects. It is important that your child develop organized systems for keeping track of information, or he may become overwhelmed or confused about the many details. You can help your child accomplish this by:
·Making sure he is doing nightly reading assignments and using a system to record or summarize, such as taking notes, writing section or chapter summaries on sticky notes, or answering questions at the end of each chapter.
·Having him summarize orally to you what he has read to make sure he derived the main ideas.
·Assisting him in organizing materials, such as cleaning out binders and folders, creating sections with tabs or folders, and making sure all study materials, including study guides or review sheets, are gathered in one place.
Your child will probably remember information better when it is meaningful, familiar, or even silly! The following memory strategies may help your child with those details and facts that just won't stick.
·Crazy phrases: If your child has to remember a list of items in order, such as the planets in the solar system, help him come up with a silly sentence using the first letter of each item on the list. The following is an example many teachers use to help students remember the nine planets in order: My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas. Otherwise known as: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto.
·Acronyms: When the order of the information does not matter, your child can take the first letters of each item on the list and try to form them into a word. For example, to help remember the systems of the body, the acronym "RED CRaNES" can be used: Reproductive Excretory Digestive Circulatory Respiratory a - (no system - place holder) Nervous Endocrine Skeletal
·Cartoons or pictures: If your child is a visual learner, it may help to make cartoons to illustrate concepts (e.g., history, science) or to draw small pictures to trigger his memory for vocabulary words.
·Word associations: You can help your child make connections to other information he knows by using the sounds or visual representations of words. For example, if he has to remember that the word "distinct" means "different or unmistakable," you can help him find another word that sounds similar, such as "stink." If something stinks, it is definitely different and unmistakable!
Strategies for self-monitoring
For all students, an important part of studying is becoming aware of their most common mistakes, so they can try to avoid making the same errors on the next test. To help your child become more strategic while studying, you can:
·Ask him to look through his graded homework assignments and previous tests to find any patterns of mistakes.
·Help your child to make a personalized checklist of test-taking techniques to remember while taking the test, such as remembering to look back to make sure he didn't miss any questions or remembering to answer all parts of the questions. Checklists can be subject-specific as well. The following is a sample personalized checklist for a math test:
Math test checklist
a. Did I copy the problems correctly? b.Did I remember to label my answers? c. Did I use the right operation? d. Did I check my answers to see if they make sense?
Making a study plan and sticking to it
The following suggestions may be helpful when your child is studying for tests in content areas such as history or science. Encourage your child to:
·Assemble all relevant materials before he begins, namely, textbooks, class notes, homework, and old quizzes.
·Make strategy cards for important concepts or terms by listing the term on the front of the card. On the back of the card, your child can list the key information and a memory strategy.
·Review class notes, homework, and quizzes, highlighting important information.
·Make a chart of the important events and note their causes and consequences.
·Predict possible essay questions and jot down notes for answering each question.
·Explain the main ideas of the chapter to a parent or friend.
·Have friend or parent quiz him.
·Make a timeline of important events in the chapter.
·Answer questions at the ends of the chapters.
Goal setting and self-pacing
Does your child rush through his study sessions? If so, you can teach your child to set goals and to pace himself. Here are some steps to take:
·Review his study plan and set a timer for a certain study period according to the plan.
·Make sure he builds short breaks into his study schedule. Shorter blocks of work time (e.g., 30-45 minutes) are often more productive than two-hour time blocks. For example, your child might try working for 30-45 minutes, then taking a 15-minute break, and resuming work again for 30-45 minutes.
·Discuss a goal for studying. What does he want to master and how well does he want to do on the homework or the test?
·Suggest that you will quiz him on the material when he thinks he is ready to make sure that he knows the information.
Analyzing the format of homework and tests
Does your child have difficulty understanding and remembering the homework assignments, teacher expectations, and test questions? Children with learning and attention problems often misread questions, focus their attention on sections of the question rather than the entire question, have difficulty understanding nuances in the language, struggle to determine what's most important, and do not easily differentiate between similar answers. If this description matches your child, here are some suggestions that may help:
·Ask the teacher for sample questions and examples of high quality sample responses, and review them with your child.
·Make your child aware of specific key words that clarify the meaning of the question (for essays and short answers) and help to eliminate some of the answer choices (on multiple choice questions). One way to remember these keywords is to use an acronym such as RED CRaNES which was shown earlier. In addition to memorizing the acronym, it is important to insure that your child knows the meanings of each of these words and is able to apply this knowledge to succeed on tests.
·Encourage your child to practice multiple-choice questions if teachers use this format on tests. On multiple-choice tests, the vocabulary, and the visual layout of the answer sheet can confuse children. For example, children with visual-spatial or fine motor difficulties may have difficulty filling in scantron forms rapidly and accurately or copying answers onto a separate answer sheet. If your child struggles with the layout of the test or answer sheet, talk to the teacher and advocate for a different format or permission to answer directly on the test.
·Remind him that multiple-choice questions often have a correct answer, an answer that is obviously wrong and then one or two choices that are close to the right answer. He will need to read each choice carefully and try to eliminate as many of the answers as possible before choosing one. Encourage your child to stick with his first answer unless he knows that he made a careless error.
·For matching questions, suggest to your child that he read all of the choices, match the items that he is certain of, cross off the choices that he has used and then proceed with the remaining items. Some children have difficulty with the visual aspect of the task - looking at two lists and keeping track of those answers that have already been chosen. Others may have trouble remembering the specific vocabulary or connections between items.
·On short-answer questions, encourage your child to plan essay questions ahead using maps or three-column organizers. You can help your child review study guides, practice tests, text books, and class notes for the teacher "signals" discussed earlier so that he can predict likely essay or short-answer questions. This will enable your child to map out key points and arguments ahead of time. Even if the actual questions he prepares are not on the test, the work he does will give practice in thinking through questions and formulating answers.
·Remind your child not to get stuck on any one item. Teach him to move on to the next question if he doesn't know the answer. The answer will probably pop into his mind later in the test.
·Because anxiety can adversely affect memory and attention to detail, encourage your child to check his work for careless mistakes as much as possible. A personalized checklist of the most common kinds of errors that your child makes (based on previous tests) can be helpful for prioritizing which problems or questions to recheck before handing in the test.
Putting it in perspective
Sometimes anxiety can impede a student's performance on tests even when he prepares well. If your child panics or become anxious when studying for tests, here are some strategies you can try:
·Encourage your child to focus on his strengths. "Remember, you have a really good memory and can recite all of the important facts."
·Help your child put the test in perspective. "Remember this is just one test — you've done so well on the papers and projects, it won't matter if you make some mistakes."
·Emphasize the importance of your child's effort and the strategies used. "You studied really well, and can be proud of that… It will really pay off on the test," or in terms of the rest of his life…. "No one's going to care what you get on this test — a year from now, 20 years from now…."
As adults, we know test performance is only one small way of measuring understanding and that learning is a complex, multifaceted process that needs to be measured in many different ways. We also know how important it is ensure our children have positive and successful school experiences so that they have as many options as possible open as they advance into adulthood. We hope these suggestions will help you to support your child with learning and/or attention problems so he can develop successful study skills, and can achieve success in and out of the classroom.
SEPTA Fall 2009 Newsletter- Date Posted: 08/15/2009
North Bellmore Special Education PTA unit 10-528
Where every child is a star
WHAT IS SEPTA?
SEPTA is a PTA within a school district, which brings together people who are interested in children with educational and medical needs that cannot be met in the regular classroom setting. SEPTA, organized to support, strengthen,and promote a greater awareness of special education, encourage and promote an understanding of each individual students needs, while striving to discover and implement ways of best meeting them.
WHAT ARE SEPTA'S GOALS?
Advocate for programs that enable each child to reach his/her full potential.
To bring together the parents and teachers of special children in order to share their experiences involved in educating children.
To keep parents informed of issues and changes affecting their children.
To familiarize parents with the process and procedures associated with the identification and placement of children in special education programs through the committee on Special Education and CPSE.
To educate legislators, school board members and the community about the needs of children.
To encourage integration of the child with special needs into regular programs with his/her peers.
To support one another on our journey with our beautiful children.
We receive no funding from outside sources nor do we share in the profits from our schools PTAs, our funding comes from our membership dues and our fundraisers. Please join us as we advocate for the education of ALL children in the North Bellmore School District.
After school extra help
If you feel your child requires extra help in any academic area and would benefit from extra help, please request this help from your child's teacher. This is available at a mutually agreed upon time with your childs teacher (it could be before or after school). If for any reason you are having difficulty obtaining this help, please contact the building principal.
After extensive conversations about this issue with our Superintendent, Mr. Goldstein and Deputy Superintendent Ms. Eskew, it has been acknowledged that ALL children that require extra help should receive it.
Please be advised that parental concern that their child is struggling with classwork and/or homework is the one of the criteria for requesting extra help. Your childs test scores on New York State Assessment Exams are NOT the sole criteria to determine this need.
This extra help is in addition to any AIS, NYS Test prep, RTI or IEP specific services your child receives during the school day.
Web sites of interest
Fall 2009 SEPTA Calendar
Please put these dates on your calender, as we will not be sending out monthly newsletters
October Meeting
Place: Martin Avenue Café
Date Thursday October 15th Time: 7:30 pm Topic: Homework Help
November Meeting Place: Martin Avenue Café Date: Tuesday November 10th Time 7:30 pm Topic Mental health issues in children. Presenter: NAMI. National Alliance on Mental Illness.
2010 Meeting Dates
January 7th- February 4th- March 9th- April 15th All meetings are held at Martin Avenue School
We are currently hosting a Google group http://groups.google.com/groups/septa-north-Bellmore. On this site, there is an extensive collection of special education materials, special educations laws and other information.
To view the page you must register. To register and gain access please send an e-mail to: septa-northbellmore@googlegroups.com
2009-2010 SEPTA BOARD:
Pat Boyle Egland - Co-president pbe.rn.cpnp@verizon.net
241-0921
Eileen Mikowski - Co-president
mikgang5@yahoo.com
Grace Bolic - Vice president
graciebolic@yahoo.com
Patty Buehler Membership
Laurie Gregory - Treasurer lagregory@verizon.net
Please feel free to contact any member of the SEPTA board for information, support, or referrals
September Fundraisers
Place: Modells, Hempstead Tpke. , East Meadow Dates: Friday September 11th -Thursday October 8th Use the attached coupon and receive 10% off your purchase, SEPTA. PLEASE Pass on to family and friends tell them to mention SEPTA at the register and they will also receive a 10% discount.
Place: Wendys, Wantagh Avenue Wantagh Date September 24th Time 5-8 pm Mention SEPTA at the register/drive in, SEPTA will receive a portion of the sales for the evening.
Please join us at The Bellmore Street fair SUNDAY 10/16
November Fundraiser / SEPTA Book fair Place: Barnes & Noble, Sunrise Highway, Massapequa Date: Saturday November 28th Time: 10 am-4 pm Get some of your holiday shopping done and help support SEPTA. Mention SEPTA at the register.
SEPTA would like to extend a special thank our NBSD Board President, Joanne DeLauter who donated her time and talents as a children musical performer to provide a musical interlude for the children in the NB Special Education Summer School Program on August 5th
Please join and SUPPORT SEPTA EACH child has some special need.....
SEPTA Membership is 10.00 per year Name: ____________________________________
Childs name: ________________________________ School/Teachers Name:__________/_________
SEPTA would like to thank Joanne Delauter (our NBSD Board President)who donated her time and talent as a children's entertainer to perform on August 5th for the children enrolled in the NBSD Summer Special Education program.
THANK YOU JOANNE! .
NYS Special Education Parent's Guide- Date Posted: 05/04/2006
This New York State document is an extemely useful and informative resource regarding everything under the heading of Special Education. The document provides information for parents, guardians and other family members about laws, regulations and policies affecting special education programs and services.