SPrEaD the word
Vol. 2 Iss. 2 (09.03.2020)
Welcome back!
Today, I joined the Special Education Director's Zoom with Russell Johnston. I can honestly say that he and his team are listening to the feedback they are getting from districts. For example, the initial fall remote learning plan was still called an Individualized Remote Learning Plan and it was 9, yes NINE pages long. Boy did the chatbox explode!! After those comments and separate emails directors sent, the following Zoom presented some positive changes:
- we aren't all remote so the plan needed a more applicable name
- because this plan does not change the IEP or placement, it is important to document the services during this "new normal"
- the plan was modified to include the specifics
Our plan is very similar to DESE's final revision. This was done for a few reasons:
- Many districts chose to use this version because it was posted to the DESE website and thinking is if advocates and families see that it was born in Malden, then districts are starting in the right place.
- DESE mentioned they would be working to get this version translated!
Also during this Zoom, Russell and his team also released the revised "COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for Schools and District Regarding Special Education" document. You might find some of the answers to your questions here, or at least some clarification. I am also working on an FAQ document for our special education department that will be shared with you and our families. I had hoped to have that done when we released the cohort assignments; however, there were unanswered questions (quite frankly, there still are! This is still the first pandemic for MA, DESE, your administrators, and all of you.
Just as I did during the spring, I do plan to release a "SPrEad the word" at least weekly, or sooner if updates are released. Many of the topics and resources that are included in these smore newsletters come directly from questions and conversations with all of you. So please continue to reach out to your Team Chairperson or me. I will do my very best to get back to you as soon as possible. Please know that I am also working to advocate for our out of district students (who are extremely high need) and there are some who are still remote and others who are returning for only two days per their hybrid model.
Thank you for your patience, flexibility as we embark on this new journey. We are in this together!
Enjoy the long, holiday weekend,
Kate
Top Priority!
COVID-19 Service Learning Plans
Tues., Sept. 8th 3:00-4:00PM: Meeting ID: 770 2451 5023; Passcode: m23Mee
Wed., Sept. 9th 3:00-4:00 PM: Meeting ID: 770 2451 5023; Passcode: m23Mee
Thurs., Sept. 10th 3:00-4:00PM: Meeting ID: 770 2451 5023; Passcode: m23Mee
Wed., Sept. 16th 12:30-2:00PM: Meeting ID: 798 6795 0444; Passcode: 33146d
Thurs., Sept. 17th 3:00-4:00PM: Meeting ID: 712 5526 7310; Passcode: R87272
Special Education Department Meeting
Accommodation Resources for Virtual Implementation
Activities/Lesson Planning Resources and Ideas
How do I.....
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