Friday, October 28, 2011

WI Accommodations Guide for Students with Disabilities

Accommodations Guide for Students with Disabilities
Over the past two years, in a collaborative effort, members from the Office of Educational Accountability and Special Education teams have been working to develop the Wisconsin Accommodations Guide for Students with Disabilities.  This guide is intended to provide support in selecting, administering, and evaluating the effectiveness of both instructional and assessment accommodations used by students with disabilities. The Wisconsin Accommodations Guide for Students with Disabilities was developed to inform general and special education teachers, administrators, parents, students, members of Individualized Educational Program (IEP) teams, Section 504 plan teams, and district level assessment staff.  We are excited to share a draft version of The Wisconsin Accommodations Guide for Students with Disabilities with educators in the field and welcome any feedback on the guide. The guide can be accessed at http://dpi.wi.gov/sped/hmnew.html.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Administration of the Wisconsin Alternate Assessment

Administration of the Wisconsin Alternate Assessment:

Paraprofessionals are not allowed to administer the WAA

Paraprofessionals who have a teaching license are not allowed to
administer the WAA because they are not currently employed in that
position.


Student teachers are not allowed to administer the WAA


OT and PT licensed staff can help administer the WAA


Guide to Frequently Asked Questions about the WAA:
http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/oea/faqwaa.html#admin. If you did were not
aware of this information and have used support staff for example,
please discontinue that practice and have certified staff administer
going forward.

iPad/Educational Technology Overview and Other Notes

Thank you to everyone who could attend our iPad/Educational Technology
Training this past week.  If you were unable to attend, here is some
of the information covered:


1. Apple has moved to the iOS 5 operating system.  I will need to
gather and update the iPads by syncing to the iTunes on my computer.
Once your iPad is updated to the iOS 5, then there will be 200 new
features.  We will never have to sync to an iTunes again for another
update.  All of the applications that have been purchased through our
district iTunes account will be able to be viewed and downloaded on
your iPad.


New and updated features include:
iMessaging, Notification Center, Newsstand, Twitter, Reminders,
Camera, Photos, Safari, PC Free and more


2. Apple iOS 5 Video
Here is the video link for information on the new operating system:
http://www.apple.com/ios/


3. Apps for Learning
http://www.apple.com/education/apps/
Link to recommended apps for the areas of: English Language Arts,
Mathematics, Astronomy and Earth Science, Life Science, Physics,
Geography, Language Development, Teachers (research, productivity, and
collaboration), Art/Music/Creativity, and Accessibility (Special
Education)


4. How iPad is transforming teaching and education at all levels
Video link at http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/


5. School Leaders Advancing Technology in Education Conference
Wisconsin Dells from December 5 to December 7.  If you are interested,
please let me know. www.slateinwi.com for more info.


6. Hands on Apple iOS and Management Seminar
Dennis H and will be attending this on November 1 from 9:00 to 12:00
in Wausau.


7. Updating of Apps
Some of your apps might not be updating on your iPad unless you have
the Apple iOS 5 operating system.  Almost all apps will be changing to
be in compliance with the new system.


8. Thank you!
Thank you to all the staff who attended and shared the many exciting
things they are doing in their classrooms with educational technology
and in particular the iPads.


9. Edmodo
Edmodo is a secure, social learning platform for teachers, students,
schools and districts. We provide a safe and easy way for your class
to connect and collaborate, share content and access homework, grades
and school notices. We have several teachers in the school district
who are using this platform.  For more information: www.edmodo.com


10. Weebly
We have several teachers especially at the middle school level that
have started to create their own websites.  This can be done through
google or through a site called Weebly.  Here is the link for more
info: http://www.weebly.com/  Here are some sample weebly sites:
http://jchasteen.weebly.com/ = Jill Chasteen 8th Grade Special
Education
http://alleonardmams.weebly.com/ = Al Leonard MAMS Principal
http://mrsjessicamartin.weebly.com/ = Jessica Martin MAMS and MASH
School Psychologist
http://stibbeclass.weebly.com/ = Angie Stibbe Grade 6 Teacher


11. Blogs
We have several staff that have started to use blogs to feature their
classroom activities.  You are encouraged to view their sites for
ideas and possible expansion of your own classroom.  Here are some
links:
http://jgreget.blogspot.com/ = Joseph Greget's Special Education and
Student Services Blog
http://ajolangdon.blogspot.com/ = Amanda Langdon Pre-Kindergarten
Teacher Blog
http://kristynbrown.blogspot.com/ = Kristyn Brown Kindergarten Teacher
Blog
http://kathyhackbarth.blogspot.com/ = Kathy Hackbarth's Kindergarten
Teacher Blog
http://mrsheier.blogspot.com/ = Dawn Brandner Heier's Grade 1 Teacher
Blog


12. iPads in the Islands
Very fun to see the new iPads in the Islands station in our SES
Special Education Classroom.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

One of the Greatest Men That I Ever Knew

One of the greatest men that I ever knew was Chase Reid.  He was a source of strength, perseverance, and determination that few others have.  His whole life since birth was filled with challenges, but yet he fought through them all.  He had one of the most beautiful smiles I have ever seen.  His smile warmed the heart of everyone around him.  His family at home and school were truly blessed to know him. 

One of the happiest moments for Chase was his opportunity to swim with the dolphins in Florida last year as part of his Make a Wish Foundation trip. He swam with the dolphins while his whole family was with him. Yesterday, Chase saw the movie Dolphin Tale and made a Dolphin necklace.  He was so excited about both of those things.  A picture of him with his dolphin necklace and his huge smile was taken and hung in the classroom.  Last night or early this morning he peacefully passed away in his sleep, at home, and in his bed.

Chase was so loved throughout his years by all of his teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists, general education teachers, friends, and administrators.  Your caring nature and specialized skills all helped him while at MAES, MAMS, and MASH.  Thank you for sharing those with him. He couldn't have asked for any people better than each of you.

In our positions we have the opportunities to make a difference in the life of a child.  Usually that same child also makes a difference in our lives.  For everyone who knew Chase he has made that difference. Yet another reason why he was one of the greatest men that I ever knew.

Our prayers, sympathy, and support goes out to his family, friends, and school family at this time.

Joseph

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Taylor County Education Committee

Thank you to the Taylor County Education Committee for their funding support of our Medford Adult Diploma Academy earlier today! The Education Committee is very pleased that we are offering this opportunity for residents 18 and older in Taylor County to earn a high school diploma. Tonight alone we had 8 adults in class working toward their high school diploma!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Special Education Enrollment as of September 16, 2011

Special Education Enrollment as of September 16, 2011
SES = 26
MAES = 75
MAMS = 87
MASH = 88
Grand total = 288
Impairment Areas:
Speech Language = 121 ( 68 with speech as primary impairment and 53 as
additional handicap)
Learning Disability = 93
Other Health Impairment = 51
Emotional Behavioral Disability = 32
Autism = 16
Cognitive Disability = 15
Traumatic Brain Injury = 4
Hearing Impairment = 3
Vision Impairment = 3
Significant Developmental Delay = 2
Orthopedic Impairment = 1
Related Services
Occupational Therapy = 51
Physical Therapy = 25

Volunteers - Alternative High School

Volunteers - Alternative High School
Our Alternative HS students are looking for volunteer hours.
Individual or a group of students can help in many ways: help with a
classroom project, janitorial, raking leaves, painting murals,
tutorial, etc. The possibilities are endless. Students must complete
15 hours per week of volunteer or work hours.

Juvenile Program in Taylor County

Juvenile Program
Taylor County Board member Chuck Zenner contacted me about starting a
Juvenile Program here in Taylor County similar in design to Racine
County. This would be a prevention step to students being placed in
Lincoln Hills for example.  He will be forwarding me more information
which could be presented to our Taylor County Interagency
Communications Committee.

Alcohol Assessment and Treatment Training in Taylor County

Alcohol Assessment and Treatment Training in Taylor County
Dr. Pamela Bean and Dr. James Harasymiw will give a presentation on
the most current evidence based Alcohol testing for Alcohol Assessment
and treatment. Taylor County Human Services is one of the first
counties in the state to provide this testing in effort to keep our
county safe from Alcohol related injury and death. Student Services
staff will attend on October 25 at 2:00 pm at NTC Campus in Medford.

Examples of IEP Goals and Objectives

Here are excellent resources to use for examples of IEP Goals and Objectives.

1. 177 page bank of IEP Goals and Objectives in all areas: http://mscrowleysclassroom.com/images/iep_goal_bank.pdf

2. Students with Autism - Goals with Objectives: http://www.specialed.us/autism/05/g_o.htm

3. Students with Autism - Goals without Objectives: http://www.specialed.us/autism/05/gwo.htm

4. Speech Language - http://www.speakingofspeech.com/IEP_Goal_Bank.html

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Wilson Reading and Just Words - Support for New Teachers

WILSON READING FOR 11-12

Our past model for new teachers of Wilson Reading has been to:
1. Attend a three day Wilson Reading overview training
2. Teach the program for 2-3 weeks
3. Travel to Elmbrook School District to attend a Wilson Reading overview and ask questions

We will have to change our model this year since our initial training was held in September:
1. We had 10 staff attend an initial Wilson Reading overview training in September
2. New staff will teach Wilson Reading for 2-3 weeks
3. New staff are encouraged to contact a Wilson Reading Level I Certified Teacher to (1) observe them teach a lesson, (2) have them observe you teach a lesson, and/or (3) schedule a time to meet with them to ask questions or for recommendations, etc. Work with a Level I teacher for their availability and Principal for scheduling time to do so.
4. New staff also have access to the online Wilson Academy. This username and password was sent to you in an email when you registered for the training.

Wilson Reading Level I Certified Teachers are:
*Joyce Woletz - Reading Specialist/Reading Teacher at MAES
*Kris Brandner - Special Education Teacher at SES
*Kathy Schumacher - Special Education Teacher at MAES
*Misty Galli - Special Education Teacher at MAES
*Ann Jochimsen - Speech Language Pathologist at MAES and MASH
Karen Dallas - Title I teacher at SES
Shari Gajewski - Special Education Teacher at MASH
Mary Fliehs - Title I Teacher at MAES
Oralee Dittrich - Former Special Education Teacher at MASH
Peggy Czerniak - Kindergarten Teacher at SES
Kim Fechhelm - Title I Teacher at MAES

11 Wilson Reading teachers completed a year long Level I practicum that consisted of 5 formal observations by certified Wilson Trainer, completion of online course, and passing of a 120 point fidelity checklist.  * 5 teachers are completing two practicums (Step 7-12 and Group) and an online class for their Level II Certification.

When taught to fidelity it has been proven time and time again with students that they can learn to read from their teacher and this program.

WILSON JUST WORDS
1. We have several teachers who are teaching Just Words for the first time in 11-12: Shari Gajewski, Jill Chasteen, Carol Wieman, Judy Mader, and Joyce Woletz.

We have one licensed teacher in the district who has been teaching it for over a year - that is Cindy Gibson at our Alternative High School.  She would be a good resource if you have questions. 

2. Wilson Just Words Academy Online Support:
www.wilsonlanguage.com/academy
Username: gregejo@medford.k12.wi.us
Password: Medfordsf10

You will have access to:
InterActivities Whiteboard Application
Video Demonstrations
Printable teaching aids
Fillable Lesson Plans
Discussion Board
Measuring of Student Progress

You can use the above username and password for our district use.

3. Wilson Just Words at our Medford Adult Diploma Academy -
We are looking for someone to teach Wilson Just Words on Monday nights for at least a semester in a two hour block like 4:00 to 6:00.  This would be taught to adults with limited reading skills and will run through our CLC Community Education. If you are interested, please contact me.