The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2016-09-26 School Committee Minutes q Town of Reading n & Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: School Committee 2878 F0': 15 AM it 52 Date: 2016-09-26 Time: 6:30 PM Building: School - Memorial High Location: Superintendent Conference Room Address: 82 Oakland Road Session: Open Session Purpose: Version: Finali, Attendees: Members - Present: Jeanne Borawski, Chuck Robinson, Elaine Webb, Linda Snow Dockser, Gary Nihan, Julie Joyce Members - Not Present: Others Present: Superintendent John Doherty, Assistant Superintendent Craig Martin, Director of Finance Gail Dowd, Director of Student Services Carolyn Wilson, Student Representative Alex Nazzaro, Student Representative Mario Cutone, Al Sylvia, Reading Chronicle, members of the SEPAC, Paula Tucci, Karen Severitch and Diana Vlamis Koster of Understanding Disabilities ( Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Linda Engelson on behalf of the Chair Topics of Discussion: I. Call to Order Chair Borawski called the School Committee to order at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Robinson moved, seconded by Mrs. Joyce, to enter into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to pending litigation and to return to open session at approximately 7:00 p.m. The roll call vote was 4-0. Mrs. Borawski,Mr. Robinson.Mrs.Joyce, and Dr. Snow Dockser. The meeting went into recess at 6:31 p.m. The meeting was called back to order in open session at 7:31 p.m. II. Recommended Procedure A. Public Inout Chair Borawski asked for public input on items not on the agenda. �- There was none. B. Consent Agenda Page I 1 Mrs. Borawski asked the Committee if there wereanyconsent agenda items that they would like removed. Dr. Snow Dockser asked that the Football donation be removed. Dr. Snow Dockser moved,seconded by Mr. Robinson, to remove the donation from the Friends of Reading Football be removed from the consent agenda. The motion carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson moved,seconded by Mn.Joyce to approve the consent agenda as presented with the exception. The motion carried 6-0. - Approval of RMHS Field Trip—Swiss Exchange,Model United Nations& METCO - Accept a Donation to RMHS—Volleyball &Cheer Approval of Minutes(August 29, 2016) Chair Borawski welcomed Tom Connery, President of the Friends of Reading Football to present the donation. Mr. Connery provided details of the donation which included Guardian Helmets and Tackle Rings for the football team as well as a donation to support the coaching assistants for the team. Mr. Robinson moved,seconded by Mrs.Joyce,to accept the donation of $7.118.25 for equipment and $3,940 for coaching assistant stipends from the Friends of Reading Football. The motion carried&G. C. Report Students Student representative Alex Na=am reported on the new schedule at the high school which includes office hours with teachers on Tuesday mornings and Flex Blocks on Thursday which is a homeroom block. Seniors are currently meeting with their guidance counselors regarding colleges. The Volleyball team will be holding its annual Volley for the Cure Fundraiser to benefit breast cancer research. Student Representative Mario Cutonereported that there is concern among the high school students that parking passes have been given to students that do not have their licenses at this time. D. New Business Understanding Disabilities Presentation Chair Borawski welcomed Paula Tucci and Karen Severitch of Understanding Disabilities who will report on the highlights of UD's 2015/16 program year and outline the changes to the curriculum. Page 1 2 Mrs. Severitch outlined the operational aspects of UD. Units taught include physical,learning&developmental disabilities,emotional and behavior disorders, autism spectrum disorders,hard of hearing/low vision and food allergies. The focus on the lessons is inclusion and respect instilling that we are all the same inside. Mrs. Tucci indicated the focus this year is on the social emotional well-being of kids. She added that children need to feel safe in the school. UD has been a fabric of this community for 32 years. UD received a Cummings Foundation grant-that has allowed them to update their curriculum. The group is also working with other communities that wish to create similar programs. UD increases compassionwith their lessons taking it beyond teaching. The lessons apply to alr disabilities reinforcing that we are all the same inside. UD will be celebrating Food Allergy,Dyslexia and Autism Awareness in the next few months. Mrs.Tucci pointed out that this program would not be possible without the over 200 volunteers,60 of which are new this year and funding support from the community. Mrs. Tucci outlined the next steps which include the focus on the social emotional well-being by incorporating these standards into the curriculum reinforcing the positive attitudes and school culture. The School Committee thanked Understanding Disabilities for sharing tonight. ( Special Education Update Mrs. Wilson provided the School Committee with the Fall Report. She quickly reviewed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and what is required by districts. She went onto point out that regular education teachers have an important ole in ensuring that the general education environment is a rich and responsive educational environment that seeks to have teachers prepared for the diverse student learners they are encountering on a day to day basis. Mrs. Wilson reviewed the IEP, evaluation and Team processes used in the district She went on to review the disabilities categories which are driven by the state. Categories include autism,developmental delay, intellectual impairment,neurological, emotional,communication,physical, specific learning,health and sensory. Mrs. Wilson explained the role of the building principal in special education which is to assist the Administrator of Special Education to coordinate the delivery and supervision of special education within each building. The principals recommend the hiring of staff and are responsible for the evaluation of the special education staff in their buildings. Mrs. Wilson reviewed our in-district programs and current staffing challenges. Goals for the year include increased communication through the updated website and continued-work with SEPAC, have a full staff of qualified professionals meeting the needs of our students,to continue the PLC work to help our teachers continue to reflect on their practice / and improve their work with our students and continue to provide targeted professional development based on the needs in each building. She reviewed professional development opportunities that will occur this fall. Page 1 3 Lastly, she reported the change of vendor for our special education software, continued monitoring of transportation and a successful extended school year this past summer. E. Old Business Superintendent's Evaluation Student Representatives Namuo and Cutone left the meeting at 8:33 p.m. Mrs. Borawski reviewed the evaluation process and turned the meeting over to Mrs. Webb. Mrs. Webb reviewed the Superintendent's evaluation and read several School Committee member comments from each standard. Dr.Nihan thanked Mrs. Webb for taking on the task of putting together the information. Mrs.Borowski thanked Dr. Doherty for his service to our students and community. Mr.Robinson moved,seconded by Dr.Nihan,to approve the -Superintendent's End-of-Cycle Summative Evaluation Reportforthe 2015- 16 school year. t Dr.Doherty said that the past year was busy and challenging. Four current and past staff members passed away and the administration has dealt with budget concerns. He went on to thank his strong administrative team. Dr. Doherty thanked the Committeefortheir feedback. The motion carried 6-0. FYI Budget Preparation Mrs. Borawski felt it was important that the Committee take a position on the Board of Selectmen's position on the amount recommended for theoverride. The Committee members agreed. Mr. Robinson pointed out that the amount of $7.5M is a sustainable amount. Mr.Robinson moved,seconded by Mrs.Joyce,to support the Board of Selectmen's ballot auestion of a $7.5 million override. Mrs. Borawski pointed out that a lot of time has been spent on this subject and a no vote will have a damaging impact on kids. Dr. Doherty added that over the life of the override SSM will be dedicated to the school department budget. The motion carried 6-0. Page 14 F. Reports(continued) Liaison's Report Mrs. Webb reported on the RCASA annual meeting on Thursday night as well as the"In Plain Sight"display that will be in October. Dr. Snow Dockser updated thecommitteeon the HRAC. The next meeting will be on Oct. a at Town Hall. The HRAC has been planning the MLK Day Breakfast. She next reported on the SEPAC meeting held last week. She said there was an animated Q &A. She thanked Alicia Williams and Carolyn Wilson. The annual METCO BBQ and Pool Party was held on September 10". She thanked all that attended. Dr. Snow Dockser went on to share that the high school recently hosted students as part of the Spanish Exchange program. She thanked all the teachers that hosted visiting teachers to observe in their classrooms. Mr.Nihan reported that there will be a walkathon to benefit a scholarship in memory of Wood End Teacher Sally Mucica. It will be on October 1511 at Wood End. 1' Chau Borowski shared that she and severalcommittee members have been approached regarding their stance on Question 2—Charter Schools. The School Committee w9uld not be taking a position on ballotquestion2 because of the importance of the upcoming override election,the potential impact on the FYI budget, and other critical, time-sensitive local matters. Assistant Superintendent Mr. Martin shared information on the recently released MCAS/PARCC data. He will give a full report at a future meeting. Dr.Nihan was pleased to see that RMHS has moved from a Level 2 to a Level 1 school. He congratulated Mr. Baku and the high school staff and thanked them for their hard work. Superintendent's Report Dr. Doherty handed out the School Committee calendar of topics. The Superintendent will share information regarding the recent trip to Washington D.C. to attend a conference at the White House. He,Ms. Burd and Mrs. Wilson attended this event on Social Emotional practices. Fourteen states were _. represented and it was quite an honor to be askedtoattend. This trip was funded through the grant and the district did not accept until they received approval that the grant could be used to support this trip. Page 15 Dr. Doherty recognized Mr. Zaya for the recent recognition from the MIAA for hosting high quality state tournaments. III. Routine Matters a. Bills and Payroll (A) WarrantS1710 9.1.16 $139,483.63 Warrant 51711 9.8.16 $89,040.60 WarfantS1712 9.15.16 $276,093.62 Warrant S I 712E 9.14.16 $800.00 Warrant S1713 9.22.16 $211,793.83 WarramP1704 8.12.16 $1,050,471.89 Warrant PI705 8.26.16 $1,039,262.99 Warrant PI706 9.9.16- $1,374,559.78 b. Calendar IV.Information V. Future Business VI.Adjoummen[ Mr. Robinson moved,seconded by Mrs.Joyce, to enter into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to-salary negotiations for non-represented personnel-and the approval of minutes and to return to open session at approximately 9:45p.m. The roll call vote.carried 6-0. Mr. Robinson,Mrs. Joyce Dr. Nihan, Dr. Dockser.-Mrs.Joyce and Mrs.Borawski. The meetingadjoumed at 9:28 p.m. Open session was called back to order at 10:02 p.m. Superintendent's Salary Mrs. Webb moved,seconded by Dr.Nihan, to approve the Superintendent's salary increase of 2 Y.% which is an annual amount of$183.067 for the 2016- 17 school year. The motion carried 6-0. Adiourn Mrs.Joyce moved,seconded by Dr.Nihan, to ad iourn. The motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m. NOTE: The minutes reflect the order as stated in the posted meeting agenda not the order they occurred during the meeting. Page 16 John Voheity,Ed.15. Handouts: School Committee Topic Calendar ISI Special Education Presentation Page 1 School Committee Calendar Topics DRAFT-9/23/2016 Please note that this may change depending on availability of presenters and topic material August 29 New Teacher0dentation New Teachers John Doherty School Committee September 26 UD Presenbtlon I Understanding Disabilities Paula Tucci Special Education UpdateStudent5ervices Carolyn Wilson SupedMendenCs Evaluation School Committee Jeanne Borowski Fylg Budget Administation John Doherty October lTs Buddy Bench Presentation I, Student Samantha Gibbs Conference Presentation John Doherty,Carolyn Wilson John Doherty Fy186udget Central Office John Doherty Student Activity Policy Reading l __ Carrtral Office _ Gail Dowd Odober2O PARCC/MCAS/Common Measures Learning and Teaching Craig Martin Principals Curriculum Leaders Coaches Student Activity Policy Reading 2 Administration Gail Dowd November7 Uteracy,Curriculum Update Literacy PLC Crag Martin Mike McSweeney loanneging Tdcla Stodden District Goal _ Administration John Doherty Novernil High School lnitiatives RMHS Adam Bakr RMHS Guidance Report RMHS Guidance Department Lynna Williams Late Start Committee Update Late Start Committee Craig Martin Decembers SocialEmotional Learning District Leadership Team Sam Burd School Transformation Grant Update Courtney Fogarty Health Education Update Erica McNamara SHIRT Update Lynn Dunn Tom Zap December 39 Math Update Learning and Teaching Craig Martin Science Update Coaches Curriculum Leaders Julia Heal Richele Shandand Sarah Marchant Heather Leonard Caren Brown January5,9,12,23,26 WIS Budget Discussions- - _- - — Central Office John Doherty _ Gall Dowd February6 District Goal Update Central Office John Doherty District Leadership Team Fary 27 TBD ebm March Library Media and Technology libraryand Technology PLC John Doherty Lisa Norcross Mardi 20 Communication Central Offke John Dohe April Special Education Update Student Services Carolyn Wilson Team Chairs __.. All 25 District Goal U ate__...._.. . ___... Central OffkeJohn Doherty__ Mi REF Grant Update REF/reachers _ _ REF — 22 ""rintendenrl Evaluation School Commlttee Jeanne Borawski Junes Teacher Recognition Teachers Jenn'der Bove _Reorganization John Doherty 9/26/2016 Special Education: Fall Report Reading Public Schools Carolyn J.Wilson Director of Student Services t IDEA 2004 • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act • IDEA 97 reauthorized in 2004, 2007 • Ensure that all children with disabilities have FAPE(free, appropriate public education)...designed to meettheir unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living • Ensure thatthe rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected i 9/26/2016 Regular Educators Responsible for ensuring that the general education environment is a rich and responsive educational environment that seeks to have teachers prepared for the diverse student learners that they are encountering on a day to day basis IEP Process • Eligibility Determination • IEP Development • Placement 2 9/26/2016 Evaluations • Requests for evaluation can come from parents or the school • The evaluation process consumes anywhere from 8 to 36 hours of staff time per child. • I will provide information on the number of evaluations later in the year. We reviewed the data from our SST teams at the end of last year. Team Process Team including chairperson,teachers, parents, evaluators, others meets to consider evaluations and make eligibility determination: • Presence ofa disability • Lack of effective Progress caused by disability • Need for special education 3 9/26/2016 Disabilities • Autism • Developmental Delay • Intellectual Impairment • Neurological • Emotional • Communication • Physical • Specific Learning • Health • Sensory: Hearing,Vision, Deaf-Blind Effective Progress • Documented growth in knowledge and skill acquisition including social emotional growth, learning standards set forth in MA Curriculum Frameworks,and district curriculum • Growth according to chronological age,developmental expectations,and individual potential q ._. 9/26/2016 r Need for Special Education Specialized Instruction: a need to adapt the content, methodology, delivery of instruction and/or performance criteria in order fora student to make effective progress • Related Services:Speech and Language,OT, PT FAY Individualized Education Program OEP) • Developed by the Team • A contract between family and school s • Accommodations and services provided by regular and special educators 5 9/26/2016 The Role of the Principal in Special Education T Special Education Programs 6 9/26/2016 r RISE Preschool • Under federal regulations,we are required to evaluate children before theirTHIRD birthday and if they are deemed eligible for special education they are entitled to begin accessing those services on their THIRD Birthday. • This is the age group that is most difficult to plan for. I/' We have,-rel-fic-nii hap...ith early 6intil,ii • We offer an integrated preschool model with 5 classrooms and we currently offer 2 substantially separate preschool classrooms. • Every yearwe have a waiting list fortypical peersto enroll in our program The Learning Center Staffed by licensed special education teachers and supported by paraprofessionals. There are learning center supports at each elementary,middle and high school. • Services are provided either in the general education setting or in a sma 11 group setting outside of the general education setting. • Services may include,but are not limited to: • Specialized Reading services • Specialized Mzth SeM i • Speciallsed WrRing Services rotative ranRimdy Support through specialized instruction • Please Note:The IEPTeam is charged with determining these services,the frequency and the setting based on what the student requires. 7 ' 9/26/2016 ILP z= Crossroads Description:Students within the Crossroads program have significant cognitive and learning challenges,as compared to students within Learning Center.The Crossroads classrooms provide identified students with specialized and skills based instruction through a modified curriculum primarily in English Language Arts and math,as identified by individual student IEPs. Students are included within the general education classroom for social studies,science and electives/specials.Students also have academic support blocks built in to their schedule. Program specific paraprofessionals may also provide academic,social and behavioral support and accommodations in both the Crossroads and general cation classrooms. ILP i.= Crossroads MNaoft3{ al:esdeurminedbynuderrtIEPTeams— • MedYMrvnkulm MtAeemafmnFenaEUU.uglr.mry RlruMtMY.mem Rdamnr..elwel • esnemammedaeaeNereprvibxim6Y«•W Mehmk wppert Mxb er iktlde ergot dx6 mebYiNnmmluminetkeCrAeeeesarmerheNM,vkAtM Rni601YNetltln'mel P.' emiX ubpau{axlvil ewmm Ime be.pmI W M(er memMp rmnlm,N dJg ranFeel "..b am els,—set, m,mx,ml hely.0m,smm,letim 3+rvLNlmiefu Hlvrnn .rr ry xnk.x R.e. r.pnl xaka..linaxnmlm,.no=lu.mw.kkmek.rYamuaea kym Pror.mrR.m.RnPx.+.'m.« �muh mmeniotm WwdEmJ GaaHdg%RMHS 8 9/26/2016 ILP 2= Compass (Wood End) Methodoloav:Students within the Compass program have significant cognitive and learning challenges,as compared to students within Learning Center or Connections.The Compass classroom provides access to the curriculum through specific entry points,through the use of highly modified curriculum and intensive accommodations.Students receive instruction in the areas of and academics.Students may require the use of AAC and other non- verbalmodesofcommunication.Students may attend specials(art, music,PE,library)with their class or an adaptive class.. l ILP 2= Compass (Wood End) Methadalow:As determined bythe rtudarWr IEP team area InnrvRlon In all wrc wmem ams suypwtedfor speWls OP adaptive spetlals(AM MrrI PE,INrary) SuopcM1ed all day OwnrF. r%tnrui[iora,etc)for tire puraAmad rain atim,safety.aM • be In[Idemalteamin, F.ioral aademl[s Serial maralion,are l.u,K"WN ad BCBAsemiwslwmuh ATrmsultluMces • AACwnsuh Mkes Daily communkation wit IEPtom members PICmMlrgi(periodi[imerdlSdpllnarymee[irgs...6iweek[onsvl[sl Rogam specifcpanpmlessiools • Talfttra' 9 9/26/2016 DLC 2: Compass (Birch Meadow) Description:The DLC2/Compass program is a substantially separate program designed to meet the needs of students who present with acute challenges in the areas of communication, social skills and cognition. The program utilizes individualized and small group instruction in the areas of communication,social skills,behavior regulation,activities of daily living,life skills,and to areas. Students participate in the Compass classroom for the duration of the school day with supported inclusion opportunities in the associated grade level general education classroom as appropriate. Students access intensive Pro requiring higher staff to student ratio not only for academic and behavioral skills but also to ensure safety. Compass (Birch Meadow) Methodolopv:Teachersemploy research based interventions which may include dense schedules of reinforcement, discrete trial training,visual supports,modified curriculum, and specialized communication approaches. Strategies employed by related service providers are embedded into the daily routine of the Compass classroom. These related services are integral to students'success in accessing this modified environment.Compass program encompasses a graduated exposure to the student's larger community relative to their developmental skills. Locations: Birch Meadow,Coolidge,RMHS 10 9/26/2016 Compass (Coolidge & High School) ' :The DIC21Compass program is asu=. h. rtantially separate program designed meet the needs entswho presentwi[h ante challenges in the areas of mmunication,social skills and cognhlon.The program utilizes individualized and small oup insWction m the areasofcommunication,social skills,behavior regulation, ivrtles ddaily Irving,I'rfe skills,and concert areas. Students participate in the Compass lassroom forthe duration oflhe school day wkh supported inclusion oppertunfies is In associatedgrade level general education classroom as appropriate.Students access ntenzivep ramming requiriiag higher rtaffto student ratio not onl for academic and which may include deme schedules of reinforcement,discrete trial'training,visual wpports,modified curriculum,and specialized communication approaches.Strategies employed by related service providers are embedded into the dally routine of the Compass classroom.These related services are integral to studeMs'success in accessing this mod'died environment Compass program encompasses a ggraduated ezposme to the student's larger community relative So their deve lopme Ma I ski0s. 1 Compass (Coolidge & RMHS) hlethgol,dwr&detanmined ty the stodarcY lEFTeam... Dien nammin mnallcoremmamarta, ��,o�lpvpaortea r>:pHiala ox amp<Ne soeaals tAn,rausc FE.lie,.M saanyrt dmuchand au:he day punch.rtcaa,nrsieiccq aciforthe yu,poaes or na,igathm, an idem altavc iy Furcuonal academic, sc dW iiRerMiwe are uu,K pa raked • BCBAseMupconauh AT'.vhcSMim MuCaomuld eM[ea • Cammmily Bawd neiron(CVS,y vainui Me ligh SAod) XtylereaM nertise Fr,ucciaonalconmaicnana dtivhiv it 9/26/2016 DLC i= Connections Descri tion: The Connections program is designed for student who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or suggestion of tendencies that align with a spectrum diagnosis that makes it difficult for the student to make effective progress socially,organizationally and/or academically.The students may social deficits and/or verbal and non-verbal communication deficits that interfere with their ability to make effective progress across settings without support. At the elementary level the program is co- taught classroom. At middle and high school supports are provided both in and out of the general education setting. k s DLC i= Connections Mme:comhmmg xe'raeaaoro..srermeomei..Rekeen:hipoeremPmemmk,.emimraMmaaeal M Mle Lartie Wmnep So[olThlnkN PMbsoyyhl,DLC uses mesame philm h—eknx qm"h hgh xxool lerelinan eNertm4eeP ^^aManrnirlrMe brguaye rhe sNeemS mpeMiebu[Rglavrry an Meuseaf tleclanurebrpuagevlM[hlWrcnanMe.Waunspe[vum.Gv4rnn rtlnlortesmeenperuree Mhelgrg[M1iNlnn reaponaro melremiwnmemby rex2 Mem to lwernronomrcAal[uesaM aerNop[omersarar YillaM1em tlxbrNresWemenX.So[lillinki[g M1elpsaotlennm[rre'rnb M1oworhersaemlMJyabartMem,khelp aMemsuMemaM Mrcr.eedmrNnkabwrmeY'ndvelMergxuMatMeirpeersmaybe M1arry,aMk Mnlene Me types o(beMiors rc[nsary In erhne M1elp omen hive cemlomde Mwghb abom w. Applies BeM1aviorAvlysnlnOW bu[B¢etlmeinlyinveaarghM1ariarplemaM beM1evlamrwaN.lnaxrr of rNdeM rtqurringsgnAum MMowrhaMmYrtleuiahineNerb kammaidomsNaryA9AwatlbeaPPl'rC meats.Wxen posnxk k'nprcknble neeemea[hatilhin'mlanenin DLGlnwsermX SNhnX[vryaver raxa[MeYleam b oXreruXiys. WxmlAelumiem(malaaapsre Gehav'rrxkun[ka{seY kmlle[UamveyM1MeuudFvrcrurolBeM1a'nor Aneamema.ThetlaUeol@[tMMmrgM1FBAswilldAermlrcmesppma[M14bn riMbelwiorplam. Secklem a.ear.ero<arvamnr.a.mr.�deabasrs,w.reuaareeapdr[.Iryramereeer Dream i.a'raar,.ime:m. Apemrea m.ae,rt ea>em.x bym.arrmmm mP^meeery aMrawrrwryeaM re e W kin rk rcae br mrermayn.rt lmCev:BirtM1 MeabwCmlMgq R MNS 12 9/26/2016 TSP/SSP= Therapeutic Support Program (TSP) 0' lo to be a support pr m that provides a fleoble inclusion model where rtudeMz tan receive full supportm the TSP clasraom wkh the goal of moving toward fall inclusion. tiesiggnedto menthe individual needs of students asihry progrzs aM menage emotional egulatlonsothrachey maybecomesuccessful embers ofahe General Education classroom. TSPise safe therapeadcenin en rdthatprovidesatademit,behawantsocia and emaior�al saoas. St eM canazcesssupp nstiffaM.pro mmwhenes oemingddawkyasare of fiestraeonwkh a ederc,enntional and social challenges,The program atilizsthe IEP amess to provide stwkms wait appropdate supports a nd determ ine meas�ra ble goalrto he 1p thieve studem succeses. The studenCspnrn , sabilttymust be Emotional,Health,or Necrological,The student's IEP Team mustdrtlrmlMManth[studemreg'a acomprehensiwpr omwmeettheneedsof ms or her inability. Therapeutic Support Program=TSP Methodology: Students will be taught coping strategies and develop an increased awareness of their individualized needs.In response to everyday stressors in school,students will recognize when to apply these strategies so they can better access the general education setting.The Therapeutic Support Program will also collaborate with families to provide increased knowledge of student's disabilities and share strategies that will help foster personal responsibility,self-confidence,independence,and positive interactions with others,and generalize these skills across all setting. Students will have access to individual and group counseling,behavioral and academic supports as determined by the IEP Tea m. Locations: Killam,Coolidge, RMHS 13 9/26/2016 LLD= Bridge Program Descriutlon:Specific Leaming Disability with difficulty in expressive or receptive language when their profile is consistent with a Langua eBased Learning Disability.A Langguage Based Learning Disability should be denoted asthe primarydisability.The student has a language based learning disability that impedes decoding and encoding skills,such that structured,muhi- senwry instruction isrequired. Current evaluations reveal that the student demonstrates average to superior cognitive abilities.Students'piles typically depict well-developed reasoning and comprehension skills with relative weaknesses in processing speed and working memory. However students may also have a documented expressive/receptive language disability.The students are struggling in the general education classroom Recent evaluations should include cognitive, educational(reading written languag9e and math) and speech and language evaluations.Priorto the referral studentsshould F receiving maximum targeted pull-out services to adOress their areas of their deficit The team has determined that the severe discrepancy between academic achievement and their ability are not primarily a result of behavior issues,excessive school absences,or severe atter Tonal issues. LLD= Bridge M avStudents participatein a structured,in idsensory,reading program5tudertseive small gpinstructonin some cases,other content areasThe forma[oftbecuriculum modifiedtoreducelanguage in directions and assessmentsrts are able Fo demonstrate con�eppYual understanding.s in all sub1'ect areas maybe mod' ed.With appropr,ateations,students should be included in the general education setting for contend subjects as determined by the Team.Students may re9ulre wppkmental writing programsto assist in the breakdown of the writing procers.5tudentsruay require a reading fluency program.5tudenis will be exposed to grade level literature to continue to build vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking skills.Assertive technology will be util¢ed to offer students an interactive,multi-sensory approach to instruction. Organization and executive function skills will be addressed,if needed. Location:Joshua Eaton,Parker Middle School and RMHS 14 i 9/26/2016 POST: Providing Opportunities for Successful Transition Description:A collaborative post secondary program that provides experiential and educational opportunities in the areas of dally living,employment,community inclusion,recreation,leisure t. and real-world academic skills in order to promote successful transition to adulthood. The main goal for the program is for young adults to gain the skills to become integrated members In out Cginmunity. Methodolopv: • Life Centered Education(LCE)Transhmn Cumiculum(council for Exceptional Children) • vocath, I opporomitieswithin the community •%LC.mmunityeTeriences:traveltraining,recreation andvocational exeriences in the community Con:Joint program between Reading Public Schools and akefield Public School. Located in Wakefield. f 'l. I Current Staffing Challenges • Team Chairvacancies at High School and Elementary • Speech and Language at Barrows-Person has been hired! • Special Education Teacher of Reading at RMHS • Paraprofessionals in multiple buildings • Home Service Providers is 9/26/2016 Goals for the year • Increase communication through the updated website and continued work with SEPAC. • Have afull staff of qualified professionals meeting the needs of ourstudents • Continue the PLC work to help our teacher continue to reflect on their practice and improve their work with our students. • Continue to provide targeted professional development based on the needs in each building. Professional Development this Fall • QBS15afety Care: De-escalation and physical restraint training. Lips Training for 3 teachers in the district • Curriculum Based Assessment and progress monitoring in Reading with Ilda King:7 Staff members • Social Thinking:Counseling staff and75P staff • Legal Summit forTeam Chairs • Wilson Reading: Introductory Course:3 High School Special Educators Mass Down Syndrome Congress:Goal is to send iS staff district wide. • Landmark Study Skills: 30 Staff from high school and middle school • Just Words:Goal would be to have iS special educators. 16 9/26/2016 ti Other Important Updates • eSped • Transportation • Extended School Year Student Services Office Located at RMHS in the Office of Teaching and Learning 781-942-9129 /Annmarie Foley,Administrative Assistant to the Director of Student services 17