fdlrs focus - The School District of Palm Beach County

School District of Palm Beach County / Exceptional Student Education
FDLRS FOCUS
Winter 2016
Volume 37 Issue 1
Professional Development
in Action!
Kevin McCormick ESE Director
The Department of Exceptional Student Education is continuing
our work towards achieving our common goal of raising student
achievement for all students. These are exciting times where
members of the ESE Department are participating as active
members of teams that are developing our Superintendent’s
Strategic Themes, Objectives and Initiatives. We are committed to
providing continuous support and quality service to our students,
schools, parents, and community stakeholders.
Child Find
If you suspect that your child, or a child you know,
may have a delay or disability in…
• Speaking or Understanding
• Learning and Paying Attention
• Getting Along with Other Children
• Moving or Playing
• Vision or Hearing
• Self-Care Skills
Child Find can provide screening and, if needed, further evaluation
to find out if early intervention would help. These services are free
to children birth to age 21 who are not enrolled in
a school program (kindergarten to 12th grade).
For more Information, please call Child Find at:
561-434-7337 ( 800-734-9707)
Find FDLRS Alpha on
the web with the
QR code below!
Follow us on Twitter
@FDLRSAlpha
If you have to type it in....
www.palmbeachschools.org/ese/fdlrs.asp
The Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System is funded by the State of Florida Department of Education, Bureau of
Exceptional Education and Student Services, through federal assistance under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA), Part B; IDEA Part B Preschool; and State General Revenue Funds.
Page 2 FDLRS Focus
FDLRS/Alpha Staff
Manager
Marsha Kufel
Child Find
Bonnie James
Lissette Martinez
Vicki McClellan
Parents as Liasons (PALs)
Parents As Liaisons (PALs) are parents of School District of Palm Beach
County students with disabilities. The PALs have received special training in
the following areas:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
IDEA State Law
Individual Education Plans
Compliance
Curriculum
Classroom Strategies/Inclusion
Advocacy
Disability and Network Information
As parents of children with
special needs, the PALs are
uniquely able to assist parents
and educators in a variety of
ways. PALs encourage school/
home relationships by
facilitating positive proactive
communication between
families and educators.
The PALs are contracted
consultants with the
FDLRS/Alpha Center.
PALs encourage
positive relationships
between school and home.
Need a PAL?
Call 561-434-8393
PALs can answer questions about:
Your child’s education
IEPs and other acronyms
District Policies and Procedures
PALs can provide:
Information on parenting the
child with special needs
Information and guidance on how to access
educational and community services
Parent Services
Marsha Kufel
HRD
Julie Drewes
Lisa Lutz
Technology
Jim Dunlap
Siobhan McManus
FIN
Fartun Mohamud
Support Staff
Barbara Bonner-Williams
Debbie Mead
Pam Atkins
Contact:
561-434-8975
561-434-8047 (fax)
On the web:
http://palmbeachschools.
org/ese/fdlrs.asp
Referrals to community, state
or federal resources
PALs can attend IEP/504 meetings:
Assisting parents
Assisting schools
Volume 37 Issue 1
Page 3
SEDNET
Cheryl Harris, SEDNET Project Manager
Mindfulness. A new buzz word in our world. The educational community has also embraced the word, but many
are not sure what ‘mindfulness’ means or where to begin.
So, what does it, ‘Mindfulness’ mean? Simply, it means that “Our mental health and well-being are profoundly
affected by where and how we place our attention.” {Richard Burnett, Ted Talk}
When we are mindful, we actively develop an awareness of self (for example, an ability to identify feelings) and
we can actively focus on the ‘stillness of the mind.’ Stillness of the mind, is the ability to focus, although our
bodies may be moving.
In our role as educators, we are always striving to be creative, when embedding character education, executive
functioning skills and self-regulation in our daily classroom activities. Finding opportunities for ‘mindfulness’
in the classroom can be challenging, but it is possible. Activities that include movement and/or guided breathing
may be an easy way to start. Go Noodle, a free website {www.gonoodle.com} may serve as a resource. The
site includes academic games and videos, which focus on movement. Another free resource, a website, Mindful
Teachers, {www.mindfulteachers.org} has lesson ideas and articles that may be of interest.
Some tips for including ‘Mindfulness’ in classrooms or life…
»»
»»
»»
»»
Slow down your thoughts and your body.
Be calm and be present in the moment.
Find time for self or expressing one’s self.
All can do (participate) at their own level!
Page 4 FDLRS Focus
John McKay Scholarships Program
The John McKay Scholarship Program provides the option to attend a
public school other than the one to which assigned, or to provide a scholarship to a private school of choice for students with disabilities.
Your child may be eligible if:
• Your child was enrolled and present for the October and February
surveys, within the same school year, in Palm Beach County or
another Florida school district, and
• Your child is eligible for a program for students with disabilities
and has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan in accordance with the rules of the State Board of Education, and
• Is currently enrolled and in attendance at the time the intent is filed.
CHOICE OPTIONS
1. Choose a participating private school. YOU MUST provide transportation.
2. Choose another public school within Palm Beach County. Any public school is available,
provided that the Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan can be implemented there
and that the school is not a Total Choice School. Transportation, consistent with District
Choice Program feeder patterns, may be available.
3. Choose another public school in an adjacent county. YOU must provide transportation.
For this option you will need to contact the Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
Department in that county.
WHAT TO DO
• File an intent to participate at www.floridaschoolchoice.org.
• If choosing to go to a private school, make sure to withdraw your child from the current
public school on the last day they will attend.
• If choosing the public option, contact the district McKay Specialist at 561-649-6818 for
additional information on completing the request.
Volume 37 Issue 1
Page 5
ESE Department Collaborative Teaching Team of the Year
Announcing the 1st ESE Department Collaborative Teaching
Team of the Year Award Winners...
The Collaborative Teaching Team Award is given
in recognition of special education teachers and
general education teachers who provide collaborative direct services to students with disabilities.
Teaching Team of the Year exemplifies the best in
providing specially designed instruction and differentiated instructional practices that meet the needs
of all students. This year’s Collaborative Teaching
Team Award winners are Teresa Girolmetti and
Joan Mcquestion of Coral Sunset Elementary.
Ms. Girolmeti’s and Ms. McQuestion’s collaborative teaching practices have resulted in an average of 80 or higher percent of their students with
disabilities passing and/or making a minimum of a
year or more gains in state assessments.
These two teachers have been recognized by their
principal, Dianiella Garcia, and their colleagues for their tireless efforts of ensuring that students with disabilities are included in the general education classroom environment in a meaningful way. They collaboratively employ specially designed instruction and multi-modal instructional strategies to support access and
engagement for their students. They also seek and write various educational grants for funding to purchase
appropriate reading and programs/tools that can be used at school and at home for their students. They have
been particularly noted for matching tiered interventions to their students’ individual needs which results in
academic growth for all students with and without disabilities.
Along with the Collaborative Teaching Team Award, they were also collectively or individually recipients of
the Golden Bell Grant in 2013, 2014, 2015; Reading Performance System Grant in 2012 and the Creators of a
school-wide foundational skill Math Lab for multi-modality instruction in this past summer.
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Girolmeti and Ms. McQuestion for their exemplary work in the education of students
with disabilities as well as their commitment and dedication to furthering exceptional student education.
For more information and/or to nominate
your school’s collaborative general education and special education teachers for this
prestigious award, please contact Dr. Fartun Mohamud at [email protected] or Dr. Susan Mochen at
[email protected]
Page 6 FDLRS Focus
FIN
The Power of Peers: A Guide to Developing a Peer Support Program at the School Site
Inclusive education presents many opportunities for educators and administrators as they try to support
students with complex schedules and needs. One effective, natural, and
underutilized opportunity is PEER SUPPORT: students providing support
to students. Students with and without disabilities can benefit from a formal
peer support program.
Following are some of the benefits of the Peer Support Program:
What are the benefits of the Peer Support Program?
Benefits to Students:
(1) higher student achievement, (2) increased self-esteem, (3) improved
behavior, (4) increased attendance, and, most importantly, (5) the development of positive relationships
between students with and without disabilities in the school and community.
Benefits to Teachers
General education teachers say they spend less time assisting students with routine tasks, such as following
directions, staying on task, and writing homework assignments.
Special education personnel say the peer support programs let them use time more effectively to support
students and work with their general education colleagues through planning, consulting,
and co-teaching.
Team professional development is available for
schools interested in developing formal peer support
programs.
Peer tutors may receive elective credit for their
participation in the program while peers with
disabilities receive natural supports during instructional
and non-instructional classroom activities.
Teams participating in this workshop receive at no cost
the manual, The Power of Peers: A Guide to Developing
a Peer Support Program for Students with Disabilities.
The manual will include necessary program forms,
letters, grading suggestions, course information, and peer
training activities.
For more information about developing the Peer Support
Program at your school, please contact Dr. Fartun
Mohamud at [email protected]
Volume 37 Issue 1
Page 7
Gifted
The Gifted Program in the Palm Beach School District
Rigor, CREATIVITY and Curriculum Compacting in an Appropriate Setting
The Gifted Program is alive and well and growing in Palm Beach
County! The Palm Beach School District serves over 10,000
gifted students, comprising 25% of the District’s ESE student
population. The Gifted Education Program provides appropriate
instruction for eligible students, delivering effective and
innovative strategies beyond the basic curriculum. The program
is designed to challenge and empower students to produce quality
work and to become productive citizens while protecting and
nurturing their unique characteristics. This approach of carefully
planned educational opportunities presented by gifted endorsed
teachers meets the specific learning needs of the gifted learner. One such necessity is the need for CREATIVITY
in presentation of material, for student engagement and in the development of the student-made product.
The theme and focus of the Gifted Department in Palm Beach for the present school year is CREATIVITY! The
teachers of the gifted and the administrators are thrilled about classrooms and schools once again becoming
CREATIVE venues for learning. Reaching each student and engaging them in the instruction can only happen
when the academic environment is CREATIVE and inspirational! This was supported by five area professional
development sessions on CREATIVITY and the focus of CREATIVITY in each of the Gifted Endorsement classes.
On January 30th " CREATIVITY FEST " was held at Binks Forest Elementary School, culminating the school
year focus on CREATIVITY! Dr. Barry Oreck, SUNY professor and master of CREATIVITYand movement in
the classroom, was the Keynote Speaker. He shared strategies and teaching techniques that add that spark of
CREATIVITY much needed for the gifted student. Drama, music and movement was woven into the curriculum
to deepen understanding, build learning and problem solving skills and improve both verbal and non-verbal
communication for students. Most important was that the material created added an artistic attitude amidst the
pressures felt by so many teachers on a daily basis.
Servicing gifted students centers around the concept that learning should be enjoyable, differentiated by taking
into consideration the ability, interests and learning styles of the students and allow for student choice. Teachers take on the role of facilitator using a "guide by the side" approach with curriculum compacted to eliminate
material already mastered by the student. A combination of curriculum compacting and enrichment opportunities eliminates boredom and provides an opportunity
for academic challenge. Presenting the academic
rigor and creativity in a class led by an educator who
understands gifted students and having the opportunity for students to collaborate and work with peers
that have similar needs is the philosophy of the gifted
program in the Palm Beach County School District.
Page 8 Dr. Rosemary Daniels
Gifted Specialist
Palm Beach School District
FDLRS Focus
Autism Walk 2016
Volume 37 Issue 1
Page 9
Indian Ridge School
Project Based Learning at its Best!
Project based learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students actively explore real-world problems and
challenges to acquire a deeper learning. Students work together for an extended period of time to investigate
and respond to an engaging complex question or issue. Indian Ridge School took the concept of PBL to new
heights. This special day school for students grades K-12 embraced the idea of empowering students, giving the
entire school ownership in the annual Spaghetti Bowl, a family event held each November. Natalie Cromwell,
principal, decided that there is no better way to integrate this research based teaching method with building
rapport and collaboration among all the students in the school. Her
vision was well received by district staff who contacted one of our
consultants, Dr. Rebecca Hines, associate professor at the University of Central Florida. Dr. Hines provided a half day in-service
to all teachers and support staff at Indian Ridge School. Dr. Hines
explained the concept, dispelled myths, and organized them into
groups to brainstorm ideas. The Indian Ridge team was challenged to take the project and make it an epic event. After several
weeks of work, the results could not have been more worth it. The
collaboration, team building, and research conducted allowed the
students and staff to build relationships and come up with professional quality art projects, documents, and of course, an amazing
night for families to enjoy. All of which cohesively promoted
the Spaghetti Bowl. The elementary group produced a beautiful
menu which included a nutritional analysis. The middle school
created a pamphlet which broke down the cost for a family to eat
at a restaurant versus coming to the Spaghetti Bowl. A map with
direction was provided along with the estimated gas costs from
all four areas of the county. Finally, the high school group made
a Mental Health Awareness Informational Trifold. The referenced
the National Institute of Mental Health. All of the students made
art work to display in the beautifully decorated café. There was
a turnout of well over 100 people on the night of the Spaghetti
Bowl. Those who have been coming for many years were amazed
at the attention to detail and the involvement of the students. This
project was certainly a hit for all.
A note from Dr. Mochen:
I encourage all teachers to plan a project for their students to work
on collaboratively. This method is especially beneficial for our
students with special needs. Research shows that students gain key
knowledge using application and critical thinking skills. Students
have a voice and a choice. They are able to reflect, critique and
revise in a safe environment. All of these skills build relationships
and foster authentic learning growth.
Page 10 FDLRS Focus
Council of Exceptional Children
Congress Middle School Teachers are Recipients of the Florida Council of Exceptional
Children’s Nancy Givens Instruction Grant
The Florida Council for Exceptional Children (FCEC) recently announced that Congress Middle School teachers, Aisha Johnson and Susan Rothman were selected as
recipients of the Nancy Givens Instruction Grant. Both teachers are members of the
Council of Exceptional Children and have submitted their application for the instructional grant through their local CEC Palm Beach Chapter #0200. The Florida Council
for Exceptional Children annually sponsors instructional mini grants of up to $500 to
support state wide innovative projects that supplement the classroom curriculum. The
requirement is that the applicants must be CEC members who teach students with exceptionalities including gifted and talented students in preschool, elementary, secondary,
vocational, special center, private, or hospital schools.
The Congress Middle School Project that received this award is titled Community Arts Exposure Project.
Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Rothman report that their students with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum
will be using the funding to enhance their curriculum in the area of social personal skill development. The
project will focus on promoting creativity in the areas of music and performing arts. The project will run for
a full semester and is designed to highlight the musical/rhythmic, and visual/spatial skills to tap into students’
strengths. The grant will enable the school to purchase basic instruments including 54 piano keyboards,
Soprano recorders and Music/Art literature for instructional support to use in the classrooms. Kareem
Thompson, Assistant Principal at Congress Middle, praises both teachers for their creativity and dedication to
the social emotional and artistic growth of their students He reports that both teachers are planning to teach
students how to enhance their skills through various lessons using musical instruments such as the keyboards,
recorders and drums. Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Rothman add that, “Research advises us on developing our students by drawing upon their strength using multiple intelligences… we will carry out the skill development
throughout the entire day by integrating areas of interest into our language arts, math, social studies, and
science classes.”
The teachers expressed desire to grow the Community Arts Exposure Project next school year by linking
with other community programs. Congratulations to Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Rothman for being the recipients
of the FCEC Nancy Givens Instruction Grant.
Submitted by:
Fartun Mohamud, Ed.D., LMHC
President of CEC Palm Beach Chapter 0200
http://www.palmbeachcountycec.org/
Volume 37 Issue 1
Page 11
The South Area Child Find Team
Be sure to watch The Education Network! Our programming airs locally on Comcast Channels 234 and 235
and on AT&T U-verse Channel 99 and for international viewers we air on www.gwouptv.tv network. To learn
more about The Education Network please visit http://www.palmbeachschools.org/ten or call (561) 738-2708.
The Education Network Welcomes the ESE Department FDLRS / Child Find!
We are excited to announce that two of the Child Find teams will now be housed in our building. T.E.N. will
serve as the South Area location for Child Find C to B Teams. It will be a great fit because one of our goals is
to help the kids whenever possible.
There was also, another move recently in Child Find. The South Area Team was welcomed by Pine Grove Elementary School. They will be housed at Pine Grove Elementary and will serve the South Area 3-5 year olds.
The purpose of Child Find is to discover whether a child has special learning needs and then provide the programs/services to address those needs. Child Find conducts screenings to evaluate children between 3-5 years
of age. The C to B Teams work with the families to help the child transition from the local Early Steps program to one of our School District ESE Pre-K Programs.
To Learn More: http://palmbeachschools.org/ese/fdlrscf.asp
Page 12 FDLRS Focus
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
Universal Design for Learning: The Responsive Classroom
The 2015-16 school year has been very busy with the roll out of our newest training. FDLRS and ESE district
staff attended state training in order to provide teachers with the latest information about Universal Design
for Learning (UDL). Over 150 general education teachers, exceptional education teachers and administrators
have attended training this year to learn about UDL. All participants have the opportunity to earn 20 in-service
points that meets the ESE certification requirements!
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a research-based framework that addresses diversity of learners when
planning lessons. It represents the “Why,” “What” and “How” of learning. It allows teachers to provide flexibility in instruction, materials and strategies to meet the needs and provide equal opportunity for learning for all
students.
As the graphic to
the right shows,
If teachers are able
to provide
Multiple means of
engagement,
Representation and
action/expression,
then students
have the opportunity to become
motivated in their
learning,
resourceful, and
goal directed.
For additional information, visit
www.cast.org.
Check eLearning
for training dates
for the 2016-2017
school year!
For further information about
training, contact
Lisa Lutz or
Siobhan McManus.
*Graphic from National Center on Universal Design for Learning
Volume 37 Issue 1
Page 13
PDA
FDLRS Professional Development Alternatives Independent Study Modules
20 In-service Credits
REGISTRATION**: http://www.fl-pda.org
On the Independent Study section on the right side of the website, click the “Register/Sign In” button.
PDA Teaching Students with Disabilities
This module provides educators with information
about the foundations of Exceptional Student
Education in Florida, principles of the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and their
influence on educating students with disabilities,
and appropriate instructional practices for
students with disabilities.
PDA Effective Teaching Practices for
Students with Disabilities:
Focusing on the Content Areas
This module provides educators with information
about appropriate and effective instructional
practices for students with disabilities, especially in
the core content areas. Application examples are
included to support the course content.
These online independent study PDA professional development modules were developed to meet the recertification requirement for teaching students with disabilities credit (Renewal Credit in Teaching Students with
Disabilities)
Palm Beach County School District Employees may participate in either or both of these offerings. Participants
must register for the course on the PDA Website AND through eLearning Management System. eLearning is
how the inservice points are processed in our district for these statewide independent study online modules.
**IMPORTANT**
Due to the similarity in titles for these two offerings please pay attention to the title of the
course in eLearning and the PDA website. Please make sure the title on your certificate
matches the title of the course you are enrolled in eLearning.
After the course is completed on the PDA website, participants must upload the signed followup verification form and certificate of completion to eLearning and complete the PD Instructor
Evaluation Survey in eLearning.
For more information, please contact Julie Drewes or Lisa Lutz at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Page 14 FDLRS Focus
SIM
Dr. Don Deshler “Making a Difference” Legacy Award
Congratulations
Janet Atallah
This year’s recipient of the Dr. Don Deshler
“Making a Difference” Legacy Award.
This award recognizes educators who embody the characteristics
of an Outstanding Leader, Honorable Humanitarian, and Dedicated
Educator.
Janet has been an outstanding leader in support of the Strategic
Instruction Model (SIM) in the state of Florida for many years.
She has provide professional development in both SIM Learning
Strategies and Content Enhancement Routines locally and statewide.
She supports SIM by serving on the SIM Advisory Committee. She
also serves as a SIM Professional Developer Leader by mentoring
future SIM Professional Developers as they complete their journey
to becoming a SIM professional developer.
She served as the project liaison for the FUSION Reading Program
Grant from 2007-2008. This 2 year program was offered through
middle and high school Intensive Reading Classes.
She has demonstrated a commitment to building strategic learners
and a strong focus on the welfare and dignity of others. She builds strong relationships with her students
and her peers. She is currently teaching as part of the Transitioning OWLS program at FAU. This program
provides services for students with disabilities who are ages 18-22.
We celebrate all of Janet’s contributions to SIM and our district and want to congratulate her for being
recognized through this statewide award.
Volume 37 Issue 1
Page 15
Family Forum Fall 2015
Page 16 FDLRS Focus