 |  |  |
Learning On October 22, 2021, Dr. Petino, Assistant Director of the Office of Special Education Programs of the NJDOE, presented to Montclair's Child Study Teams and Related Service Providers. This collaborative workshop allowed department members to discuss topics related to writing and implementing IEPs as well as assisting teachers with providing information related to student growth and achievement in the classroom. Additionally, at the start of the school year staff throughout the district received professional development from Dee Rosenberg, the Director of the Robinowitz Education Center, who presented in regards to dyslexia, which was a key foundational element as the district launched the Acadience assessment in grades K-6. | Working Together The key to ensuring the success of our students is building the interrelationships between departments. To date, Pupil Services has continued to work with community organizations as well as the following departments to enhance the services provided by Registration, EC&I, Technology, Transportation, and the Business Departments. In regards to registration, a clear process has been outlined in identifying students with IEPs that are new to the district to ensure appropriate placement in school programs. Staff has worked with transportation to create a more seamless process, thereby ensuring a more timely execution of services. We continue to work with EC&I and the Technology Department to make certain that students are provided with the necessary devices and programs to meet their needs both virtually and in the classroom. With the addition of an instructional supervisor, teachers will have increased support with the implementation of programming in their classrooms. This will also allow opportunities for coaching in the classroom related to co-teaching, differentiation, effective classroom management, and culturally responsive practices. | Community On October 7, 2021, the Pupil Services Department met with SEPAC membership to present an overview of department responsibilities, as well as key terms and phrases related to the classification process. The full presentation can be found utilizing this link. To build on the training that the staff received, Susan Miller, the Assistant Director of the Robinowitz Education Center, presented to parents and community members about dyslexia. This partnership was in collaboration with the EC&I department, who spoke about the launch of the Acadience assessment in grades K-6. We have continued our collaborative relationship with MFEE to review the goals of our department as they relate to their yearly grant process. We are appreciative of their support in funding a variety of programs as well as their implementation of the Navegadores program. |
Learning
This collaborative workshop allowed department members to discuss topics related to writing and implementing IEPs as well as assisting teachers with providing information related to student growth and achievement in the classroom.
Additionally, at the start of the school year staff throughout the district received professional development from Dee Rosenberg, the Director of the Robinowitz Education Center, who presented in regards to dyslexia, which was a key foundational element as the district launched the Acadience assessment in grades K-6.
Working Together
In regards to registration, a clear process has been outlined in identifying students with IEPs that are new to the district to ensure appropriate placement in school programs. Staff has worked with transportation to create a more seamless process, thereby ensuring a more timely execution of services. We continue to work with EC&I and the Technology Department to make certain that students are provided with the necessary devices and programs to meet their needs both virtually and in the classroom.
With the addition of an instructional supervisor, teachers will have increased support with the implementation of programming in their classrooms. This will also allow opportunities for coaching in the classroom related to co-teaching, differentiation, effective classroom management, and culturally responsive practices.
Community
To build on the training that the staff received, Susan Miller, the Assistant Director of the Robinowitz Education Center, presented to parents and community members about dyslexia. This partnership was in collaboration with the EC&I department, who spoke about the launch of the Acadience assessment in grades K-6.
We have continued our collaborative relationship with MFEE to review the goals of our department as they relate to their yearly grant process. We are appreciative of their support in funding a variety of programs as well as their implementation of the Navegadores program.
Departmental Restructuring and Updates
The Special Education Professional Handbook was adopted through a board resolution in November 2021. This handbook is a guide for Montclair employees and includes an overview of special education procedures, practices, and details the roles and responsibilities of all district personnel.
Additionally, an instructional supervisor, Ms. Stafford, was added to the Pupil Services team to strengthen the delivery of services.
Compensatory Education Update
A robust plan was developed in conjunction with the EC&I department and building administrators to address compensatory education, and as a result, services are slated to begin in late January.
