Welcome to the CCS SPED Blog!
Embedded Files
It is our mission at Cook County Schools to empower and inspire all learners!
Jason Carter , Jennifer Greene gave you a shoutout!
"Although many teachers have volunteered time recently to ensure students are in the correct locations at lunch at CMS, during the past few weeks, Mr. Carter has gone above and beyond to join his students in the cafeteria EVERY DAY. He sits at the table with his students, and it is AWESOME to observe their interactions. What a great example of building relationships with students and taking steps to improve student behavior. The impact can be easily observed within this section of the lunchroom AND on this team in the classroom. Way to go!
Drew Bryan , Blake Harris gave you a shoutout!
"Ms. Bryan is an exceptional educator who goes above and beyond for her students. I have had the pleasure of working with her and seeing her interactions with students. She is always happy to help and encourage her students."
In the spotlight:
In the spotlight:
Mychal Riley Marlette , Meagan Odom gave you a shoutout!
"A shout out to Mychal Riley for implementing new strategies to help a student learn to write his name. This innovative move helped the student feel more confident to self-advocate for the accommodation, and eventually try it on his own. Way to go!"
Haley Pennington , Jeanne Dixon gave you a shoutout!
"Thank you for your flexibility and willingness to do what it takes to promote student success!"
Beth White & Caroline Brown , Kacy Williams gave you a shoutout!
"Shout out for always going above and beyond for the students at CES and throughout the county. I know I can always go to you two for anything and you will be there. Thank you for the light you shine every day!"
Jace Walker , Tabtitha Jenkins gave you a shoutout!
"Jace is doing a great job co-teaching with me this semester in Earth Systems! He is taking the initiative working with students and never hesitates if I ask him to help out in some way."
Dawn Surrency and Cindy Crosby , Leigh Moore gave you a shoutout!
"You ladies are communicating & potty training, and I don't think I could be more proud! Not only have you embraced PECS, but the success you've seen in such a short time is amazing. The skills and independence you're providing to these kids is life changing. Thank you for your consistency, commitment, and love for our students! "
Mrs. Leslie McElrath
SPED Director
A Message from McElrath:
Wait until you see what we’ve been up to in special education this month! Our self-contained teachers and SLPs were trained in the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). This system allows students who are nonverbal to communicate with others using pictures. Special education teachers and SLPs have already started teaching our students how to use PECS. Communication is one of the main areas that is addressed through special education services. It is our goal that all students who have a deficit in functional communication leave Cook Schools with a viable system that allows them to communicate their wants and needs. Be on the lookout for our students who are learning to use PECS around your school
Discussions with Dr. Holley:
With testing season right around the corner, it is important for us as educators to know what to look for when it comes to anxiety. Here are the main characteristics of anxiety through cognitive behavior, behavioral indicators, and physiological processes. So, what are some things we can do?
1. Use Pre Task Rehearsal- This is a preview strategy to cut down on anxiety by reviewing material and utilizing practice tests
2. Smaller Units-chunk information into smaller, more manageable parts
3. Developing Mnemonic devices to help recall
4. Recognizing effort as well as performance
5. Avoid criticism, sarcasm, or punishment for performance problems
6. Use alternative forms of assessment when possible, including modifications to time constraints.
Dr. Courtney Holley
Psychologist
SPED Specialists Nuggets of Knowledge
SPED Specialists Nuggets of Knowledge
PECS
The Cook County Special Education Department has rolled out a program called PECS ( Picture Exchange Communication System).
This EBP is effective for teaching non verbal students to communicate. Self contained teachers and SLPs attended a 2-day training in January at RESA to learn more about implementing PECS to the student of Cook County School.
The six phases of PECS
The six phases of PECS
PHASE I
How to Communicate
Individuals learn to exchange single pictures for items or activities they really want.
Angel and Adrian in
Mrs. Hough's class
expressing wants and needs
via PECS.
PHASE II
Distance and Persistence
Still using single pictures, individuals learn to generalize this new skill by using it in different places, with different people and across distances. They are also taught to be more persistent communicators.
PHASE III
Picture Discrimination
Individuals learn to select from two or more pictures to ask for their favorite things. These are placed in a PECS Communication Book—a ringed binder with self-adhesive hook fastener strips where pictures are stored and easily removed for communication.
PHASE IV
Sentence Structure
Individuals learn to construct simple sentences on a detachable Sentence Strip using an “I want” picture followed by a picture of the item being requested.
ATTRIBUTES & LANGUAGE EXPANSION
Individuals learn to expand their sentences by adding adjectives, verbs and prepositions.
PHASE V
Responsive Requesting
Individuals learn to use PECS to answer questions such as “What do you want?”
PHASE VI
Commenting
Individuals are taught to comment in response to questions such as, “What do you see?”, “What do you hear?” and “What is it?” They learn to make up sentences starting with “I see”, “I hear”, “I feel”, “It is a”, etc.
SLP Leanne Chaney and SPED teacher Haley Pennington introduced PECS to our parapros on 2/25/2022.
GA DOE Teacher Tools February 2022
GA DOE Teacher Tools February 2022
Click on the link below to check out the monthly newsletter from the GA Department of Education. This newsletter is designed for teachers of students with disabilities.
Click on the link below to check out the monthly newsletter from the GA Department of Education. This newsletter is designed for teachers of students with disabilities.
Who doesn't love a good meme?
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