Taylor County Early Childhood Sub-Committee fro 11-12

Our Taylor County Early Childhood Sub-Committee will meet on the following dates in 11-12 from 1:30 to 3:30. 

October 14

December 9

February 10

April 13

Taylor County Transition Advisory Council for 11-12

Our Taylor County Transition Advisory Council will meet on:

October 13

January 12

April 12  

We will continue to work on successful transition of students with disabilities to post-secondary opportunities, stay in compliance with transition requirements of IEP, and Reality Fair.

New this year will be planning for a Transition Night for Students with Disabilities and their Families. 

Response to Intervention Model for SLD

We have until 2013 to officially approve the Response to Intervention for Learning Disabilities Model in each of our school buildings.  I would like to plan for the implementation of this model hopefully at start of Second Semester of 11-12 for one building and at start of 12-13 for all of our school buildings.

At present we are using the significant discrepancy model between Ability (IQ score) and Achievement Level (Woodcock Johnson III score for example).  There has to be a significant discrepancy between IQ and Achievement in one of the following areas: Basic Reading Skills, Reading Comprehension, Reading Fluency, Written Expression, Oral Expression, Listening Comprehension, Math Calculation, and Math Reasoning.  There does not have to be a two year delay behind grade or age level peers for students to receive LD services.  

Medicaid Reimbursement Funds - Medford

We have received $213,000.00 in Medicaid reimbursement funds for the 10-11 school year which is more than anticipated.  This money will go towards supporting our special education programs, students, and staffing.  Thanks to all the staff who took time to complete the Medicaid reimbursable services such as Attendant Care, Transportation, School Nursing, OT, PT, and Speech Language. 

Preschool Planning Mini-Grant

We received $1,600 in 10-11 in funds through a Preschool Planning Mini-Grant.  They have set aside $1,500 for our district and community to use in 11-12.  The Grant Coordinator indicated she set aside money for us because of our great work in the area of early education! 

Pre-Kindergarten Position

We have offered a Pre-Kindergarten teaching position to Brittany Metz.  She has accepted the position pending board of education approval.  We are excited to add her to our returning team of pre-kindergarten teachers 

National Biology Teacher of the Year - Tracy Swedlund

Congratulations to Medford Senior High School Science Teacher Tracy Swedlund for winning the National Biology Teacher of the Year Award - Wisconsin.  Tracy will be recognized at a National Conference in California in August.  This is a well deserved recognition for Tracy as he is one of our finest people and professionals in the school district.