Welcome to the CCS SPED Blog!

It is our mission at Cook County Schools to empower and inspire all learners!

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In the spotlight:

Cindy Tyus, Cathryn Garner gave you a shoutout!

"Cindy's cooperation and willingness is matched only by her generous spirit. Cindy's help during the Georgia Milestones Assessment System (GMAS) has been a godsend and answered prayer. She has a true desire to support our students in any way she can. . . and does so cheerfully and with grace. Thank you, Cindy. "

First year SPED teachers, Jodi Robbins gave you a shoutout!

"You made it! Stay the course, only 29 more years! :) Seriously, don't doubt the impact you had on one student or several students this year. Happy Summer."

Mrs. Leslie McElrath

SPED Director

A Message from McElrath:

Well, May is finally here. And even though we are all excited for summer it’s also a little bittersweet. As educators we are tired, but we will miss the kids that have become a part of our lives. Most we will see next year, but our seniors are about to enter a new time in their life and are leaving high school behind. I have no doubt that the course of many of their lives have been forever changed by some wonderful teachers and administrators in Cook County.

I came across a nugget of wisdom that I wish all of our seniors could read. So, if you find this inspiring, share it with a senior.

Here it is…

Oil Tycoon T. Boone Pickens gave the commencement speech at his granddaughter’s high school graduation. He told them, “ I want to make you a thought provoking offer. I hope you realize where you are in life today. You have the best seat in the house. I'll trade you everything I have for it and it won't cost you a dime. Raise your hand if you're willing to make this deal. I'll give you my Gulfstream airplane, my 68000 acre ranch, my stock portfolio, my art collection, all my vacation homes, my oil leases, I'll give it all to you and expect nothing in the way of material possessions in return. " Every kid in the house raised their hand.'' He then said, “ There is only one caveat to me handing over my fortune I've spent a lifetime working for and accumulating. If you make the trade, you have to be 79 and I get to be 18 again.” Every kid immediately lowered their hand. He then said," see this is a lesson to you all, you wouldn't make that trade because time is more valuable than anything on Earth. The proof of that is you aren't willing to trade the time you have left and your young lives for my billions of dollars. Nothing has been guaranteed in this life but more than likely you all have many decades left where my days are numbered. Your time and youth makes you much wealthier than me, It is an asset I wish I still held, so my simple advice to you today is... Don't waste it. "

Discussions with Dr. Holley:

Behavioral Chart

A behavior chart can be an effective way for parents, teachers, and students to monitor positive behaviors. It is an easy way to document and visualize how well a student is doing with a specific goal and provides data. A teacher creates one or two target behaviors and sets up a time frame. When the student is successful during the stated period of time, he/she earns a sticker, smiley face, stamp, or checkmark in the appropriate box. If a set amount of stickers are earned, he/she receives a reward.

Rules for a successful behavior chart

The target behavior should be clearly stated in a way that both the teacher and student can understand.
Carefully consider the time frame a student must engage in the positive behavior prior to earning the sticker. If the student must demonstrate the positive behavior all day, a slip up at 8:20 leaves an entire day with no motivation to improve. However, if you are monitoring too frequently, it can be exhausting. When in doubt, start with many short time frames. When the student is able to master the short time frames, begin making them longer.
Choose only one or two target behaviors for the behavior chart. Too many behaviors can be overwhelming. Pick the one or two on which to focus. Eventually, if those behaviors are successfully changed, you can pick up a more advanced skill.
Consider age and ability level when developing the chart. If the chart is too complicated for the student, there is no motivation to continue.
Let the student take as much responsibility as possible. When she helps create the chart or has input into it, there is a greater chance of success. Ideally, it would be a good idea to let the student learn to self monitor, but one must gradually get to that point.
Consistency! A teacher must be consistent. If the student did not earn the sticker, don’t give in to avoid the conflict. If the student earns a sticker, be eager to offer praise and encouragement with the reward. If you forget to offer the sticker, apologize to the student and take a few moments to get caught up.

Dr. Courtney Holley

Psychologist

SPED Specialists Nuggets of Knowledge

May

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