#ALedchat is a weekly chat on Twitter about education topics. It is held each Monday from 9-10pmCST. While the discussion on #ALedchat continues on Twitter well beyond our weekly one-hour chat session, this platform affords us the opportunity to extend, expand and share the conversation with an even greater audience. Educators from across the state of Alabama, and the world, can come here to find encouragement, support, resources, professional growth opportunities and advice, while providing the same to their colleagues.
A1. HCS trains new gen ed teachers on the Sp Ed process at new teacher orientation, Mentoring Mondays, and through PST, New Sp Ed Teachers are also trained through more extensive Sp Ed trainings, hands-on training w/ the coordinator & assignment of a seasoned mentor. #aledchat
A1: Training is provided at CO level, but also within the building through mentors. I've also found it helps to sit down with them for their first couple and go through it with them (model etc.) #aledchat
A1: It’s important for our teachers to understand the special education process to correctly provide tribes instruction, utilize PST, etc. We annual staff training, mentoring, chairs, ... to make sure everyone is informed. #aledchat
A1: During PD and new teacher meetings prior to the school year they are eased into the process. We have monthly PST meetings with teachers of each core subject. They attend these meetings with their assigned mentor/buddy teacher. #Aledchat
A2: The two reasons for full disclosure are VA Tech Rule (emergent situation that is danger to themselves or others) and Parental Consent. We offer training to parents on First Responders' Need to Know and give them the opportunity to sign a release. #ALEdChat
A2: Staff as well as parents need to be aware of FERPA as it relates. Our Spec Ed Department holds parent meetings routinely to share info. We are all on the same team-students first. #aledchat
A2: FERPA needs to be a centralized topic on the agenda in SPED meetings, & within your school, parents, and stakeholders. You never want to hesitate or be in limbo regarding the safety or discretion or your child based on the law. Communication is key to understand #ALEdChat
A2: We have a great relationship with our First Responders. We always have staff involved when an incident occurs. They collaborate with us well. #ALedchat
Q3: How does your system ensure Child Find is not violated through knowledge of impairment or knowledge the child may be in need of some type of Specialized Services? #aledchat
A3: HCS trains all staff if there is any reference to sp ed to refer to the coordinator in an email (whether they think the child needs it or not). Coordinator calls the parent/person referring & discusses the possible referral, sets up meeting if they refer. #aledchat
A3: Our entire staff is trained yearly on what to listen for in conversations with parents or guardians. We also have specific questions we ask upon enrollment. #ALedchat
A3: HCS trains all staff if there is any reference to sp ed to refer to the coordinator in an email (whether they think the child needs it or not). Coordinator calls the parent/person referring & discusses the possible referral, sets up meeting if they refer. #aledchat
Q4: Since not all students with a Health Care Plan need a 504, what factors does your system use to determine when a 504 needs to also be put into place? #ALEdChat
A4: HCS has a 4 prong approach to help us determine if 504 in addition to HCP is needed: Frequency of HCP Services, Intensity of HCP Services, Complexity of HCP Services, and the Health and Safety Risk if HCP services are not provided or incorrectly provided. #ALEdChat
A3: Just like all SPED relations, professionalism and communication is key. Follow protocol with your coordinator. Also remember morality and humility in reference to the referral process with the student and the parents. It can be overwhelming. #ALedchat
A5: When meeting on the BIP, we ask for parent input and use as much as possible, provide an informal training on how to implement, explain the need for consistency and provide parent trainings quarterly. #ALEdChat
A5: It is important to involve parents in the BIP from the beginning. Ask for input as to what they see works for their child. Being collaborative helps keep everyone working toward a common goal. #ALedchat
A5: Making sure the BIP is written in practical terms that parents could follow at home; building the relationship so that they feel comfortable asking questions #aledchat
A5: Establishing a relationship. Explain the details in full sincerity. As much as we want your child to excel and thrive in a school environment, were also here to help out outside the school walls. Our job is more than 7-4, be an outlet for your stakeholders #aledchat
Yes. Sometimes we speak an educational language only educators understand. Be clear and explain carefully what your goals are and action steps to reach the desired goals/behaviors. #ALedchat
A5: Making sure the BIP is written in practical terms that parents could follow at home; building the relationship so that they feel comfortable asking questions #aledchat
A6: Bus Drivers are trained each semester by Case Managers, Transportation & SE Director. Everyone signs the agenda/sign in sheet & IEP Record of Access. We also give them a confidential check list that is consistently updated with IEPs and kept in a locked location. #ALEdChat
A7: After a referral is accepted and hearing and vision completed & passed, the sp ed teacher sends an email with student initials, grade, homeroom teacher, and deadlines to the Coordinator & Psychometrist. She then sets up the testing and completes within the timeline. #aledchat
A7 we are blessed with referral facilitators at FCS that ensure this process and keep us within our timelines...true blessings and another way FCS provides wrap around services for our children to ensure the best for each Falcon #ALEdChat
A6 training is provided annually and as needed based on changes in the IEP. A true working and successful IEP is a living document with amendments occurring as the child evolves. Following IEPs listen to the the children...#ALEdChat
A8: The Mentors, training and investment of working with new teachers one-on-one as much as possible to train and assist helps ensure they learn the correct process. #ALEdChat
Q8 student led IEP meetings. I also had my students meet with their teachers to discuss their abilities and needed services and accommodations...powerful #ALEdChat
A8: I taught SPED for six years at Helen Keller in Talladega prior to admin. I learned a lot about life within those six years. Compassion and humility. It truly does take a village. Be there for your teachers. We’ve all been there, & be a crutch for your parents! #aledchat
