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All Means All: Each Student Learning Every Day
Important News, Updates, and Information brought to you by Student Services!
6/6/22
For Case Managers please look at the Teaching Programs tab.
5/9/22
For Case Managers with Graduating Seniors (done with school or ageing out at 21)
You must complete the Summary of Performance in IEPOL (click blue link for instructions)
Create a stand alone Prior Written Notice
Send or mail home before graduation
4.25.22
ESY Postings: Should be posted in the coming days. We do need to go through the hiring system-Applitrack (this is to allow you to be hired, have an HRTF for payment, etc.). We have worked with HR to modify the application process for ESY. This submission includes your name, interest and verification of certification. Please be on the lookout!
4.18.22
Extended School Year (ESY):
Below are the guidelines for ESY for the 2021-2022 School year. (Additional Teacher Information in Teaching Programs for Teachers!)
ESY Guidelines: We are finalizing locations and times in the coming week and will send those out as soon as we have them.
Complete screening form by April 29th, 2022, should you have the information from the team. If not, please communicate with your Program Manager/Director of anticipated decision dates.
Manager/Director reviews screening form and communicates to IEP team questions and confirmation.
*Please know that further information regarding ESY, the form, and next steps will be shared via email with all teacher this week. There will be an opportunity to respond with questions/concerns at that time as well as during office hours.
4/11/22
Welcome back from Spring Break- We hope that it was relaxing!
Special Education Meetings:
Can be held in person or via Zoom. We encourage you to work with your families to ensure they meet in the way that works best for them to access their students Special Education!
3/21/22
--Information--
Restraint and Isolation Form:
The Edmonds School District Restraint and Isolation form was updated in December of 2021. If you have any R/I forms before that date, please discard. You may find the Restraint and Isolation Form on the staff work place as well as on the District Behavior Team's website under the Safety Care Crisis Prevention page. On this page, you can also find a slide deck on the Edmonds SD Restraint and Isolation Policy and Procedures to inform about the law, Edmonds SD policy, as well as a step by step guide on how to fill out the R/I form.
IEP Compliance Focus: IEP Signatures on Cover Page
You must have everyone’s signature (except parent or student if they didn't attend) unless they were excused in advance by the parent and district representative
Options:
Use IEPOL signature - can Zoom remote control access
If unable to sign via IEPOL (i.e., chromebook) and all other signatures obtained - download the Zoom Attendance Report and attach as a signature page- write in that the parent “Participated via Zoom” in the PWN.
If they didn't attend, follow the excusal process shared on 2/28/22 memo
3.14.22
Please make sure to review each Job Alike Pages (Teaching Programs, ISSD, AECC, etc.) for job specific information!
Happy World Behavior Analysis (Day) Week!
This day will take place on March 20 of each calendar year. It will also be acknowledged the week preceding this date, starting on March 14. World Behavior Analysis Day
Why is this day being created? Designating a World Behavior Analysis Day will provide a platform for educating many people about this dynamic, burgeoning field and for highlighting its many contributions to improving the human condition.
How should this day be celebrated or observed? You could help celebrate and observe World Behavior Analysis Day by completing the following steps:
1. Educating yourself on the practice of behavior analysis and how the treatment is beneficial to you or your loved one.
2. Finding a behavior analyst in your area by searching the Board Certified Behavior Analyst website and navigating to the certificant registry by visiting the website: https://www.bacb.com/verify-certification/
3. Attending a behavior analytic conference or workshop by completing an online search for events being offered online or in-person.
4. Spreading awareness about World Behavior Analysis Day by posting on various social media platforms, using the hashtag: #WorldBehaviorAnalysisDay.
Thank you to the wonderful behavior analysts and that serve the district, programs, and most importantly, our students!
3.7.22
Happy Education Support Professionals Week!
Please make sure to review each Job Alike Pages (Teaching Programs, ISSD, AECC, etc.) for job specific information!
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IEP Compliance Focus: Safety Net
What it is: Safety Net is funding available to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) that show the need for additional special education funding. For our purposes this is for High-Need Individuals. This funding is based on individual student need(s) and when the costs associated with services from the IEP exceeds the established threshold. Safety Net IEPs are often considered as much because of the service/support addition of a 1:1 aide. Submission to OSPI is March 11th for the 2021-2022 School Year! OSPI Safety Net Information
2.28.22
Please make sure to review each Job Alike Pages (Teaching Programs, ISSD, AECC, etc.) for job specific information!
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IEP Compliance Focus: IEP Team Member Excusals
Please enter all information including reason, date, time and the method of contact to inform the parent of team member absence (i.e., phone, email, text, in person) in advance.
Choose the correct box to have parents and district representative sign (must sign)
1st box - for non-required IEP team members (admin, counselors, etc.) -- rarely used
2nd box - for IEP members unable to attend (fill in all the boxes to excuse) -- most frequently used
Never parents or student or District Representative
SLP, OT, PT, Gen Ed, etc.
3rd box - parent refuses to excuse and we need to reschedule a new IEP
2.14.22
Please make sure to review each Job Alike Pages (Teaching Programs, ISSD, AECC, etc.) for job specific information!
2.7.22
Please make sure to review each Job Alike Pages (Teaching Programs, ISSD, AECC, etc.) for job specific information!
Records Team: ESC Support: Office Professionals
We have multiple levels of support at the Student Services Department. An especially important support that we offer comes through our office professionals: coordinators, records, and technicians. Please know these professionals are using agreed upon standards and have the authority to review and ask for changes on any document that needs to meet compliance. Below are the staff you may hear from when working through IEP and Eval completion.
IEPs*, Evals, 504s, SLA/PSYCH Protocols, and Records:
Katie Newbaum (Team Lead) x7122
Heather Adona x7199
*Here is a teacher version of the compliance sheet that our records team uses when reviewing IEPs. Many questions can be answered by reviewing this sheet prior to sending it to the team.
SPED Transportation Requests: Katie Newbaum x7122
SPED Records Requests: specialedrecords@edmonds.wednet.edu
IEPOL Technical Glitches: Connie Blevins x 7212
North Schools:
Director: Hayley Eitner
Manager: Elizabeth (Liz) Spier
Office Coordinator: Alexandrea (Lexie) Welch x7965
South Schools:
Director: Alicia Carter
Interim Manager: Karly Kline
Office Coordinator: Doris Brunson x7188
ISSD (OT, PT, SLP, Psych, MSW, BCBA):
Director: Jo Callaghan
Managers: Kate Pother and Charlotte Richardson
Office Coordinator: Pauline Mallory x7208
1/31/22
Welcome to Semester 2!
We hope that this semester goes well for everyone. Thank you for your continued work to support students through this fall and winter!
Please make sure to review each Job Alike Pages (Teaching Programs, ISSD, AECC, etc.) for job specific information!
1.24.22
Please make sure to review each Job Alike Pages (Teaching Programs, ISSD, AECC, etc.) for job specific information!
AAC Modeling 101:
This 1-hour training is on many IEPs as a support for staff who work with students who use AAC to communicate.
It will be offered on the para training day (January 31st), during block 1 session 6. Please encourage your paras to attend, if they have not done this training yet!
You can also set up a time to do the training over zoom with your whole classroom. Fill out an AT Coaching Request and the AT team will schedule that with you.
1.18.22
Please make sure to review each Job Alike Pages (Teaching Programs, ISSD, AECC, etc.) for job specific information!
--Information--
Ninth Circuit Issues Special Education Decision Regarding Dyslexia
January 18, 2022
Pacifica attorneys Carlos Chavez and Sarah Johnson successfully represented the Issaquah School District before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in a dispute involving the appropriateness of a special education evaluation and the resulting educational programming for a student with suspected dyslexia. The Ninth Circuit rejected the parents’ argument that the District was obligated to formally evaluate the student at issue for dyslexia. Instead, the Court found that the District appropriately evaluated the student in all areas of suspected disability when it evaluated her for a “specific learning disability” in the areas of reading and writing. The Court concluded that the District did not violate the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) when it found the student eligible for language-related services as a student with a specific learning disability, rather than using the parents’ preferred term of dyslexia.
The Ninth Circuit also held that the District was not required to use the parents’ preferred “dyslexia specific” teaching methodology with the student, reaffirming prior precedent that the use of a specific methodology is only required if necessary for the student to receive a free appropriate public education. The Court found the District was not required to specify parents’ methodology in the student’s individualized education program (IEP) given the student’s progress in the District’s program and the lack of any evidence that such a methodology was necessary.
A copy of the opinion can be found here.
1.10.22
Please make sure to review each Job Alike Pages (Teaching Programs, ISSD, AECC, etc.) for job specific information!
1.3.22
Happy New Year!
Welcome to Gabbie Lanier, School Behavior Analyst, who has filled the open BCBA position starting today! She will be working with the other BCBAs and larger intervention team to support staff and students. Gabbie held the school behavior analyst position with Monroe School District prior to coming to Edmonds.
Check this Out:
Social Anxiety Disorder Identification and Treatment with Dr Jonathan Shaywitz, MD
What exactly is social anxiety disorder, why is it on the rise, and which interventions work the best? These are some of the questions Dr. Shaywitz, MD, addresses. Social anxiety disorder can masquerade as other behavioral issues, and it can become a chronic mental health condition, so identifying it correctly is important for treatment. A differential diagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder includes panic disorder, agoraphobia, atypical depression, and body dysmorphic disorder.
Dr. Shaywitz discusses various pharmacological treatment options and the potential risks of not identifying this disorder accurately.
Dr. Shaywitz is a Board Certified Psychiatrist and the Medical Director at Montare Behavioral Health.
Social Anxiety Disorder Identification and Treatment Recording
12.13.2021
Have a Fantastic and Well Deserved Winter Break!
Thank you for hanging in there with us as we navigate this school year.
Looking forward to a great 2022!
12.6.21
Please make sure to review each Job Alike Pages (Teaching Programs, ISSD, AECC, etc.) for job specific information!
Looking for evidence-based strategies to teach all students to read and write?
You can still join the book study. Not only will you learn great strategies that you can immediately use and have some wonderful discussions with co:workers-you can earn complete a Professional Growth Plan and earn 25 extra clock hours!!
Email Heidi Brislin or Melissa Petersen to get a copy of the book sent to your work location.
Here is the information sheet that has all the specifics!
11.29.21
Welcome to December- We hope everyone had a restful break!
Please make sure to review each Job Alike Pages (Teaching Programs, ISSD, AECC, etc.) for job specific information!
11.22.21
Please make sure to review each Job Alike Sub Page (Teaching Programs, ISSD, AECC, etc.) for job specific information!
Teachers there are timelines for Recovery Services communications outlined in on the Teaching Program Page- Please review.
11/15/21
Please make sure to review each Job Alike Sub Page for job specific information!
Support Request Forms:
Evaluation or IEP Support Form - Evaluation or IEP case manager can submit this support form to request assistance with: Evaluation planning, eligibility decision making including SLD professional judgment, IEPOL system support (how to complete in the online system), and/or IEP development (goals, accommodations, minutes, complex student support)
Social Emotional Behavioral Support Form - This form must only be submitted by the School Psychologist if the student is only served in General Education or Resource Room and School Psychologist and IEP Case Manager if student is served in a self-contained program. If you are in a different role, please connect with the ISSD manager/director for that school to discuss the student case.
IEP Count Information:
Monthly IEP count deadline for November 2021 is on Wednesday, 12/01/21
If you have IEPs that are due by December 1st, 2021,
you must do the following, by Monday, November 29, 2021:
Have an IEP meeting
Write and lock the IEP in the IEP Online
Submit IEP Submission Form
This is just a friendly reminder that this month is a short month with our Thanksgiving Break.
Unlocked IEP reminders will start to go out on Monday, 11/29/21.
11/8/21
SEAC Parent Referrals: We are looking for SEAC Parent Referrals from Case Managers! These parents help facilitate collaboration between students, parents, staff, the Board of Education, and the community in order to promote inclusion, understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with disabilities and special needs in our community.
10/25/2021
SEAC Parent Referrals: We are looking for SEAC Parent Referrals from Case Managers! These parents help facilitate collaboration between students, parents, staff, the Board of Education, and the community in order to promote inclusion, understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with disabilities and special needs in our community.
10/18/21
*Don't forget to check out your Job Alike Tabs (Teaching Programs & ISSD)! Those tabs include job specific information!
BOOK STUDY starting soon: This book study for preschool, DK, and elementary IS staff will cover the new book Comprehensive Literacy for All: Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities to Read and Write. Join us on select Wednesdays (8:15am, 2:40pm, or 3:10pm) to review and discuss sections from this book and learn how to implement research based strategies for comprehensive literacy instruction (emergent and conventional) for your most significantly impacted students.
The book AND clock hours are provided. Together, we CAN teach every student the literacy skills they need to read and write. Email Melissa Petersen or Heidi Brislin to get a copy of the book. Our first meeting is November 10th!
Check out the AT Website to learn how Learning Ally can support your students who struggle with reading. Connie Blevins if you need an account set up for yourself as a teacher or need a currently enrolled student moved to your building from a different building. If you need any training on how to use this complete the AT/AAC training requests form and the AT Team will get you taken care of!
10.11.21
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Disability Awareness Month
Celebrating the contributions and history of people with disabilities!
Disability History Month is observed annually in October to raise awareness and understanding of disability rights history and celebrate the achievements of disabled people.
The Washington State Legislature established the observance as a civic holiday in 2008 to promote the appreciation and inclusion of people with disabilities.
If interested, the Governor's Office of Education Ombuds have created lessons and activities for use during Disability Awareness Month: Link
10/4/21
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Universal Reading and Writing Supports: Are you looking for tools to support struggling writers and readers? Click here to learn more about tools available to help students who struggle with writing. To learn more about tools to support struggling readers click here. If you would like some training for you and your staff about how to use this tool, complete this form and the AT team is here to help!
9/27/2021
-----Process Updates-----
District Rep: Please see the linked document below that outlines the process for ensuring that IEP meetings include the correct participants. Student Services Directors and Program Managers will be available to answer any questions about these requirements during job-alike meetings, ISSD team meetings and Admin training sessions that are scheduled over the next two weeks.
9/20/21
Our greatest appreciation to all of you doing your very best in challenging times. We are enjoying the opportunities we have in meeting with various teams and learning what your and we look forward to meeting the rest of you and supporting you and your buildings!
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SEAC: The first Special Education Advisory Council 2021-2022 Meeting will be held 9.22.21 via zoom at 5:30pm with a Family Information night following from 6:15-7:15pm. (Flyer attached).
Sip & Spouts: We have scheduled our first all Sped Sip and Spout this week (Wednesday @9:00am- Zoom link in the SPED calendar) Grab a cup of coffee or tea and please join us for a chat! Previous topics have included refinancing mortgages, funny/favorite stories about working in the public schools, wild animal encounters, and lots more. Hope to see you there! Future Sip and Spouts will be spread throughout the day to make sure that we cover all work times!
-----Process Updates-----
Documentation of Remote (zoom) Meetings that are currently being held:
Any other factors that are relevant to the action: For the health and safety of students and staff, IEP meetings are being held via Zoom.
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The Special Education Technology Center (SETC) assists school teams in building their capacity to support diverse students while promoting access to learning through the integrated use of technologies across learning environments. This fall the Virtual Mini Conference features a free pre conference on 9/29/21 after school with Victoria Thompson on X, Y, and devices: Creating Inclusive Math Classrooms with Technology. The Mini Conference is 9/30/21 and features Christopher R. Bugaj, MA CCC‐SLP on Make Learning Accessible, Inclusive, and Awesome For All! There will also be some great afternoon sessions presented by SETC Staff. Cost is $75.00.
The Special Education Technology Center (SETC) assists school teams in building their capacity to support diverse students while promoting access to learning through the integrated use of technologies across learning environments. This fall the Virtual Mini Conference features a free pre conference on 9/29/21 after school with Victoria Thompson on X, Y, and devices: Creating Inclusive Math Classrooms with Technology. The Mini Conference is 9/30/21 and features Christopher R. Bugaj, MA CCC‐SLP on Make Learning Accessible, Inclusive, and Awesome For All! There will also be some great afternoon sessions presented by SETC Staff. Cost is $75.00.
9.6.21
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IEP Meetings Format: We will hold IEP meetings for students via Zoom. We will reconsider in-person IEP meetings when restrictions are lifted. Schools may have communicated that parents/visitors are not allowed in school at this time. This holds true for IEP meetings.
High School IEPs: Under the testing section for 9th graders, please select the appropriate testing accommodations because the 9th graders will be taking the 8th grade SBAs this fall.
-----Process Updates-----
No action items this week. Please make sure to review your Job Alikes Sub Page for additional information, process updates, and action items specific to your Job Alike group.
*Please make sure you have reviewed last weeks process updates.
-----Action Items-----
Special Education Records: Please review the Special Education Records Page. It is updated and has needed links prepared for IEP submission! You can find the page on the top right-hand corner of the Home Page.
Date: 9/1/21
Welcome to the 2021-2022 School Year!
We are excited to welcome staff back this week and students next. We have worked as a Student Service Department over the summer to reorganize the memo based on feedback from last year, form, and function. The memo will be updated weekly with important information, process updates, and action items that are essential for your roles as educators in your schools as Special Education Teachers and in the Student Services Department of the Edmonds School District.
This, the main page, will host material for all staff.
Teaching Programs, ISSD, AECC, and Assistive Technology have sub pages (links above).
The sub pages will host specific information for the specific Job Alike Groups.
There are additional sub pages that will host information that applies to the title, throughout the year.
Hyperlinks will be identified in blue.
To search the Memo for past topics, please use the Find Function (Control F) and enter the word or phrase you are wanting to reference. You will be able to search the highlighted text for the topic you are looking for.
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District Wide Site Support: Please review the Site Support document for the 2021-2022 school year. This includes Teaching Programs, ISSD, and Office Support Staff.
We have welcomed two new Managers to Teaching Programs: Melissa Robertson and Liz Spier. They have joined the team with grace and have not missed a beat! Alicia Carter has also expanded her Director role to support a broader spectrum of programs along with Deaf Hard of Hearing (DHH) and Visually Impaired (VI). As a team, we are excited to be serving schools across the district.
-----Process Updates-----
District Rep: Watch for further guidance on district rep. *Please note- IEP case managers may not serve as their own District Rep. If you have meetings in the next week, reach out to your building admin for support.
Para Requests: Over the last year we have spent time studying our District Practices around para supports/1:1 paras in the IEP process for students. For expectations and guidance, please review this Process Update.
-----Action Items-----
No action items this week. Please make sure to review your Job Alikes Sub Page for additional information, process updates, and action items specific to your Job Alike group.
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