SPrEaD the word
Fall Edition 10.2019
Welcome to the first edition of “SPrEaD the word.” Over the last year, I heard that everyone wanted more communication from my office. Given the Team Chairs serve as the district’s designee to commit district resources at Team meetings, I thought I was doing a pretty good job of getting information out regarding our practices. However, I have learned that the message wasn’t always interpreted or delivered as originally intended. I am hoping that these e-newsletters will assist with streamlining communication, as well as communicating adjustments to our practices and procedures. I am also open to attending special education department meetings.
As many of you know, I have been with the Millbury Public Schools for 17 years. During this time, we have seen changes in administration, education practices, and the range of disabilities. With that said, we need to be open to change. But change is hard! I have often caught myself saying things like “Well that’s how we do it,” or “we’ve always done it that way.” While there is much in the world of special education that is governed by laws and regulations, there are some things that may and need to be adjusted to meet the needs of the students in our current classrooms. Earlier this year, I was in a meeting with members of our department when the Team Chair used what I have dubbed the “Pizza Analogy”. For too long, we have provided all students with a large cheese pizza regardless of what they needed. What if the student only needed a slice or two?
With that said, I invite you all to join me in shifting our mindset to improve our practices and procedures to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students. Will it be easy? Not always. Will it be worth it? Absolutely!
N1s: Writing the Story
Notice of Proposed School District Action
Writing an N1 - Proposed Action
What is an N1?
*A specific, detailed summary of the meeting following a prescribed format
*Factual document, not an opinion document
*Always reflects the unique nature of the particular case
*Answers the following questions:
- What action is the school district proposing to take?
Why is the school district proposing to act?
What rejected options were considered and why was each option rejected?
What evaluation procedure, test, record or report was used as a basis for the proposed action?
What other factors were relevant to the school district’s decision?
What next steps, if any, are recommended?
When is an N1 used?
- Written for any meeting that is held in regard to the IEP. This includes the review of reports, progress meetings, etc.
- Documents any action to be taken as a result of a Team meeting
- Change in placement (pull out, inclusion), services
- Team Chair
- BCBA
- Special Education Liaison
These links will bring you to template N1s. If you are in need of assistance, please reach out to your Team Chair.
Parent and Family Engagement
- Annual Welcome Letter
- Millbury Public Schools IEP Process Parent Survey
Contact the SPED Office
Email: kryan@millburyschools.org
Website: https://www.millburyschools.org/Page/63
Location: 12 Martin Street, Millbury, MA, USA
Phone: 508-865-0875
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MPS.SpED/
Twitter: @MPS_SpecialEd