The Scoop
Special Services Update - August 14, 2023
Communication, The Scoop & You!
Hello TISD Special Services #ShiningStars!!! We have the roles of a lifetime to make a difference in so many lives... I can't wait to see how your story plays out and and to see you #shine in your roles this school year!
The Scoop is a place for you to make sure you are in the know and have all the information you need. You are responsible for the information in the SCOOP. If you need clarification, please reach out to your Student Support Specialist or me.
~Keri
Homebound Teachers Needed!
We have some special education students beginning the year on Homebound without a teacher. Homebound teachers are compensated for 4 hours of instruction per week at their daily rate along with 1 hour of planning time per 2 hours of instruction. If you’re interested, please complete the Homebound Interest Form and Steve Shiels will reach out with possible opportunities.
Homebound services can be completed by a certified teacher employed by Tomball ISD after work hours for the compensation listed above.
PLEASE remember to contact your student support specialist for all questions, concerns, or needs. Thank you in advance.
Student Support Personnel by Campus
A few changes were made to the Student Support Personnel by Campus document, so please check it to ensure you are contacting the correct staff.
DHH ARDC rep. availability update
If a student meet DHH disability, then a DHH representative must be included in the IEP meeting. Please see who to contact below:
Consult Services:
Less than 45 minutes a week of any type of services provided by Terri Dagostino. Terri will attend these ARD meetings. She will provide input, complete the supplement, and give the parents information regarding Texas School for the Deaf. District DHH representative, Terri Dagostino, will be available on Tuesdays, Thursday, and Fridays this school year.
Direct Itinerant Services:
Direct Services, which must be 45 minutes or more a week, provided by the Cyfair Co-Op itinerant. The Itinerant will attend meetings, provide data and give goal input. Completing the supplement and giving parent information regarding Texas School for the Deaf.
Site Based Services:
All services are located in public school settings in Cyfair.
Cyfair representatives are responsible for the IEP items. TISD sends district representative and provides transportation. Currently, Terri Dagostino is attending as our representative.
SLP's please start gathering students that will qualify for SELA as well. More information will follow on this with a new spreadsheet.
Other Resources:
Referral Process in Tomball ISD
Please review the Referral Process guidance document. We will discuss this more in upcoming department meetings. If your campus needs guidance or has questions, then refer to the following:
Administration - Contact Student Support Specialist
Assessment Staff- Leads and Audra Arnold (Diags)
Counselors- Steven Shiels
Academic Specialist- Brianne Carbery
Students receiving Special Services show marked improvement in Tomball ISD on secondary ELA STAAR/EOCs!
- On the English 1 EOC - Last year 70% of our SPED population did not meet. This year that number dropped to 50% due to intensive intervention methods, commitment from our teachers and partnership with our SPED department.
- On the English 2 EOC - Last year 65% of our SPED population did not meet. This year that number dropped to 55% due to intensive intervention methods, commitment from our teachers and partnership with our SPED department.
- 7th grade ELA - Last year 43% of our SPED population did not meet. This year that number dropped to 38% due to intensive intervention methods, commitment from our teachers and partnership with our SPED department.
- Last year 43% of our SPED population did not meet. This year that number dropped to 37% due to intensive intervention methods, commitment from our teachers and partnership with our SPED department.
October SNAPSHOT - Plan Now! October 27, 2023
Why is this important for you? Snapshot numbers are used for determining the funding from the state in many different data areas. One of which is the number of students being served in special education, their instructional settings, types of services as well as results driven accountability data.
We ask that any students needing initial evaluations within a few weeks after snapshot be moved up to have ARDs completed prior to snapshot so we are able to account for these students in funding and personnel need analysis. Also, please be mindful of any re-evaluations due prior to snapshot or students needing evaluations due to NCEC status and aging out of that eligibility.
You Be The Judge
During SY 2022-23, a student with a learning disability and other disabilities had an IEP and a safety plan. The safety plan required staffers to notify the parent of any potential incidents of bullying.
On Feb. 9, 2023, the mother reported to the Delaware district that a classmate threatened the student in the cafeteria. Although the district initiated an investigation the same day, it determined that no bullying occurred.
On Feb. 28, the mother reported that children were inappropriately exchanging photos of the student and that two classmates texted threats to the student. After investigating, the principal determined that bullying occurred, and the district implemented interventions and supports to "proactively prevent future incidents." The district also revised the student's IEP in April and May. Notes from the IEP meetings indicated that the student was making "satisfactory progress" toward her benchmarks in reading, math, and self-advocacy.
The mother filed a state complaint. She alleged, among other things, that the district failed to properly notify her of the bullying incidents as required by the safety plan. Under the IDEA, a district must ensure that a student with a disability who is the target of bullying continues to receive FAPE in accordance with her IEP. Dear Colleague Letter, 61 IDELR 263 (OSERS/OSEP 2013).
Did the district appropriately address the alleged bullying incidents?
Get your log on information for Special Ed. Connection (LRP) from your lead or Student Support Specialist and find out how the court ruled
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Dates:
- Tuesday, August 15 - FIRST DAY of SCHOOL for students!!!
- Monday, September 4 - LABOR DAY, no school on this day.
- Friday, September 15 - Cross Talk at TEC. Breakfast at 8, Meeting 8:30 - Noon
- Check HERE for the rest of the year meetings for Special Services
Shout Outs
Thank you to all Special Services Star team members that have been mentoring our new staff!
Thank you Jeanette Guzman for coming back early to prepare for staff and covering ARDs for our contracted SLP campuses that have not started yet! We appreciate your work and flexibility!
Thank you Pooja for going above and beyond for a student and to develop a resource that uses overall visuals and combines the 5 point scale (0-4) and health care's 1-10 pain scale with accompanying descriptions of the levels, what is going on, and strategies/needs.
This is just one example of her excellent work, and always serves her students in the way they need.
Social Media: Twitter
More Information
Be sure and check out and read the other Smore Newsletters being produced by Student Support Staff Soon (links are to end of year last year, but will update once school year starts):