SPrEaD the word
SPECIAL EDITION (03.13.2020)
School Closure and Special Education Services
Good afternoon,
First, I would like to say thank you. Many of you took time out of your already jammed pack day to gather resources and information to send home with students today. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
During your staff meetings this afternoon, your building principals shared that I would be reaching out. This afternoon Russell Johnston held a conference call for all special education administrators. The purpose of this call was to review and further explain the items outlined below; I have also included the key takeaways as they pertain to us.
School closure, FAPE and compensatory services
We are not providing virtual learning to our students. We are providing families with resources to maintain continuity (packets, menu options, online activities). Therefore, we are not required to provide compensatory services.
Upon our return, we will be reviewing cases on an individual basis to determine if compensatory services are needed. At this time, I am already thinking of 10-15 cases that will likely require this. I will work closely with Team Chairs to make sure these Teams are convened for conversations.
Individual students out of school
Many families have chosen to keep students home over the last few days and may choose to continue to do so upon our return. That is their choice. We are not obligated to provide services, as this is not the same as home/hospital tutoring. In order to provide services, the family will need to provide a doctor’s note per the Home/Hospital Education guidance.
IEP timelines
These are determined at the federal level. More information will be coming
Per the current federal guidelines, I will adjust the compliance calendar accordingly. So yes, we will have multiple meetings to reschedule. I may adjust some of our current practices so that staff, specifically related service providers, are not having to compromise service time for meetings.
Virtual IEP meetings and due process hearings
DESE is advising that we hold as many meetings virtually (telephone, Skype, Zoom)
Over the next week, I will be communicating with IT for assistance so that we may support families.
DESE and federal timelines (grants, Circuit Breaker Extraordinary Relief, etc.)
This item is more for Mary and me. There wasn’t much at all shared on this as DESE still needs to work to adjust some of the deadlines. They also need some guidance from the feds because of the federal grants.
Other information:
I know you will all be continuing to support your students and families. I also understand that this will look different depending on your role. Given Russell’s big message was connections with families, it is my expectation that all of you connect with your families frequently. Whether you use email, Remind, What’s App, Class DoJo, Google Classroom, please communicate often with your families and students to check-in, provide strategies, and/or share resources.
Clinicians (guidance counselors, school psychologists, School Adjustment Counselors, nurses, BCBAs):
For those students, you see on a regular basis (per 504/IEP), please check in with the families just as frequently. For example, if you have a morning and end of day CICO, do this via email.
Offer to provide counseling virtually. This will go a long way.
Check-in with your colleagues!
Review/update BSPs
Finalize observations and evaluation reports (Be sure to upload them to Aspen!)
Review your calendar to map out upcoming evaluations
Special Education teachers:
please check in with general education teachers to see if they need assistance modifying activities/resources that are being shared
Check-in with students to ask about what they are reading, what activities they have been working on, and/or how their activities are going.
Offer assistance virtually
Offer to meet virtually
Finalize MCAS-Alt requirements, if applicable
Finalize observations and evaluation reports (Be sure to upload them to Aspen!)
Review and analyze data to assist in assessing students when we return
Review your calendar to map out upcoming evaluations
Related Service Providers:
please check in with general education and special education teachers to see if they need assistance modifying activities/resources that are being shared
Check-in with students and families to offer strategies and supports while at home
Offer assistance virtually
Offer to meet virtually
Finalize observations and evaluation reports (Be sure to upload them to Aspen!)
Review and analyze data to assist in assessing students when we return
Review your calendar to map out upcoming evaluations
All Special Education staff:
Watch for another ESY email from me
Enter grades/Update Student Portal (jr./sr. high staff)
Work on Draft IEPs
Hold virtual consults with teams to discuss and plan for individual students
Update or Create a Google Classroom to house some of the amazing resources you created for this closure (Then you have a way to support families when students are out due to illness)
Update or Create a teacher website
Update/modify data sheets
Finalize any DRAFT IEPs
Begin working on upcoming DRAFT IEPs
I hope you and your family stay healthy during this time.
I will be available via email. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
Take care,
Kate
New Parent Survey Responses
Helpful Links
Millbury Public Schools IEP Process Parent Survey
MPS Evaluation Report Template
Permission to Release Information
Guidelines for Determining 1:1 Support/Rubric for Determining 1:1 Support
Accessibility and Accommodations Manual for the 2019–2020 MCAS Tests and Retests
MCAS-Alt Resources and Training
MA DESE Q & A Guide on Special Education Extended School Year Services (603 CMR 28.05(4)(d)
Future Topics:
- Development of the IEP
- Parent Response to an IEP
- MPS Policy and Procedures Regarding In School Observation by Parents and their Designee
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