ORDER OF BUSINESS
Call to Order, FB Live, Zoom etiquette
Welcome and Introductions
Purpose and Vision
- The Howard County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) advises the school system on the needs of students with disabilities. We collaborate with other community disability advocacy groups to improve special education and the lives of our students in Howard County, MD.
Special Presentation: Data Collection and Progress Monitoring in the Hybrid Model
- Yvonne Cox- HCPSS Instructional Facilitator for K-12
- Beth Benevides, HCAS Educational Consultant for HCAS, Associate Director for Outreach - Hussman Institute for Autism (https://hussmanautism.org).
- Virtual - Alternative Service Delivery Model (ASDM) is an amendment to an IEP.
- Students in hybrid - IEP. Need data collection.
- TAB-20-09 http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/Special-Ed/TAB/TAB_20-09_Recovery_Efforts_%20Jan_2021.pdf
- Expectation is always that students have made progress toward their goals in the past year.
- Q - Since virtual included a change in grading policy, different accommodations, how will that be used as data?
- Different types of data in virtual. Ask the teacher how data is being collected.
- Q - Data collection and ESY (extended school year)?
- Decisions are supported by data.
- Q - 4x4 in HS and MS? Impact of virtual delivery model in receiving services
- That is not an ESY discussion, would be a COVID impact discussion.
- Q - Is “COVID impact” compensatory services?
- Q - What kind of progress monitoring is used for virtual? ES?
- Reading charts, work samples, frequency, latency, rubrics, types of data stay the same. Progress monitoring ASDM is different than IEP. Progress monitoring is on the plan in place (ASDM vs IEP).
- Q - For writing in particular
- Writing samples with a rubric to assess. Parents can request access to those rubrics.
- Q - Will COVID impact discussions be had for everyone or will families need to request that particular discussion?
- HCPSS will be required to have this discussion for ALL students with an IEP.
- Q - Timeline?
- 3 pieces of data, IEP goals prior, during virtual and then during hybrid. They will need to collect that data before being able to have those discussions.
- Will have training for parents. FAQ.
- Compensatory discussions will not happen for students that have remained virtual. With the exception of students transitioning out of the school system.
- Q - Any special outreach for English language learner (ELL) families with students on IEPs?
- Interpreter is available for ELL families. HCPSS did a training for those parents. They are planning on doing another one.
- http://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Pages/Special-Education/TAB.aspx
- Q - Regarding Data collection... Should I be asking my Son's team if they are collecting the data described in the presentation, or will the IEP team be doing this?
- They should be doing this. Whole IEP team, including paras, etc….
- Q - Is there a specific behavior program provided or taught to HCPSS teachers or paraeducators?
- Student specific. If there is a specific strategy or approach, then that student’s team would be trained in that.
- Safety care program - restraint, seclusion and de-escalation strategies.
- Q - What type of data is collected? What if the student requires lots of reminders?
- Level of independence is a measure. Data that shows how they perform with parental support and without parental support.
- Take photos and videos of the child doing activities like opening food, tying shoes, writing, behaviors, etc..
- Makes notes on the classwork, take picture and send to IEP team.
Announcements:
- Wrightslaw books. “Special Education Law” and “From Emotions to Advocacy” are available for parents. Choose 1 book and email us to reserve your copy.
- As always, keep an eye on our website as we update it when we receive new information! View News and Advocacy https://howardcountysecac.com/news-and-advocacy
- SECAC Board
- Legislation Update:
- The Independent Education Evaluation bill (SB0371) passed the Senate. Needs to go through House.
- Continuity of Learning bill (SB0300) - changed a bit to be notification within 10 days of closure. Still a win, bill is moving forward. Passed the Senate, onto the House.
- Outreach
- Other vulnerable populations. Sub-committee will report out next month. Marcia Morales and Dianne Henry.
- Policy Committees - https://policy.hcpss.org/
- 9020 - Student Rights and Responsibilities - Beth S.
- Draft update to cabinet. No dates yet.
- 5210 - Transportation - Dianne H.
- Put on BOE agenda, April and June.
- 1-1 Advocacy and Support
Board of Education Introductions and Updates
- Vicky Cutroneo (Member at large) - SECAC Liaison
- Want suggestions for topics for the board to discuss at meetings to be added to the agenda.
- Christina Delmont-Small (D1) - Non-public liaison
- Budget was sent to the county. CE will make decisions soon and send back to the BOE.
- Asks we advocate for CE to fully fund the school system request.
- Dr. Yun Lu (D5)
- Here to learn more about the special education community.
Department of Special Education Introductions and Updates
- https://www.hcpss.org/special-education/behavior-talks/
- Dr. Terri Savage - Exec Dir Department of Special Education (DSE)
- Annual HCAS night is being planned. SECAC will send out the info.
- Revamping the DSE website this year. Should be ready for 2021-2022 school year.
- Q - How is PPE being distributed to the schools?
- Teams discussed before students returned. Things change as time goes by.
- There’s a schedule for replenishing the PPE. PPE is stocked and ready to send out as soon as it’s requested.
- Let DSE know about specific concerns.
- Janice Yetter - Director of DSE
- Trish Gunshore - Compliance and Parent Engagement
- Ann Scholz- Family Support and Resource Center (FSRC)
- Emily Kinsler - Countywide services
- Colleen Garret - HS resource teacher
- Susan White - Teacher
- Christine Johnson - HS resource teacher
Next Meeting Dates
- April 21, May 19. Location subject to change, pending school closure.
- April - Transitions, board nominations
- May - Board vote
Adjournment