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Information
Check here often for local information and resources on Special Education!
February 5, 2007
THANK you to Senator Gilda Z. Jacobs who met with reps from Parents For Positive Change to listen to our concerns. We appreciate your interest and your promise to look into the problems we are experiencing in this district.
Upcoming conferences on Autism Spectrum:
February 15, 2007 8:30am Admin Building
Follow up meeting with Dr. John Hoeffler, Susan Safranski, Rob Lawrence, Susan Hill, Friends/PAC reps.
Parents/members of Parents For Positive Change are invited to attend. Space is limited so please RSVP ASAP to terrym2442(at)aol.com or to Renee Boogren at rlboogren(at)hotmail.com
Special Education Follow-up to Parents for Positive Change
Meeting Minutes
March 30, 2007
The meeting began at 1:10.
Welcome and Introductions
Attendees: Paul DeAngelis, Shirley Goldman, Sue Weed, Sharon Tylenda, Terry McCardell, Lou Ann Tompkins, Gerry Matlen, Terry Matlen, Maria Power, Susan Hill, Rob Lawrence, Susan Safranski, Mary Sullivan, Hollis Harriman, Sharon Robertson, Jennifer Fishman, Michelle Olsen, Pam Hanley, Renee Boogren, Debbie Morgan, Alan Duncan
Overview of Process: The purpose of today’s meeting is to complete the review of Response to Parent Concerns. The minutes from the February 15, 2007 meeting and today’s meeting will be used to finalize the document for release and implementation.
Review of February 15, 2007 Minutes
The minutes from the February 15, 2007 meeting are accepted as written, with the following changes:
“Points of Clarification,” Bullet #1: Laura McClure is changed to Kathy Barker, Assistant Director of Special Education, Oakland Schools. Kathy Barker will be working with Lisa Martinico to coordinate the department improvement plan that is part of the state monitoring process (CIMS) with the district strategic plan process. Those interested in participating in the process should contact Dr. Hoeffler by email jh01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
“Points of Clarification,” Bullet #2: A 24 to 36 hour callback timeframe needs to be addressed with the district’s associations (unions). It is a clear expectation regardless, but may not become a working condition.
“Points of Clarification,” Bullet #4: Issues which occur when a special education student is in a general education classroom should be handled by the special education teacher.
Points of Clarification, Response to Parent Concerns, pp. 2-3
Communication
The special education parent survey currently being conducted will help determine website content.
The special education parent survey currently being conducted will help determine website content.Communication with special education parents will be via multiple methods which may include direct mailings and district website when appropriate.
Communication with special education parents will be via multiple methods which may include direct mailings and district website when appropriate.IEPs
Parents will be notified of changes in department programs and services via the Director’s message on the department webpage prior to changes being made.
Parents will be notified of changes in department programs and services via the Director’s message on the department webpage prior to changes being made.Parents may request an Educational Benefit Review through their student’s team. (An Ed Benefit Review is a three-year IEP tracking process. It is used as a professional development activity for staff, and is also part of the state’s monitoring system (CIMS).)
Parents may request an Educational Benefit Review through their student’s team. (An Ed Benefit Review is a three-year IEP tracking process. It is used as a professional development activity for staff, and is also part of the state’s monitoring system (CIMS).) Parents have always had the right not to sign their student’s IEP if they are not satisfied with any of its components.
Parents have always had the right not to sign their student’s IEP if they are not satisfied with any of its components.Files for internal IEP audits done monthly by the supervisors are selected randomly. Approximatley eight IEPs are audited per month. If errors are found the IEP team reconvenes the IEP or does an addendum to correct.
Files for internal IEP audits done monthly by the supervisors are selected randomly. Approximatley eight IEPs are audited per month. If errors are found the IEP team reconvenes the IEP or does an addendum to correct.Improving the quality of IEPs is an ongoing process. This occurs through both staff and parent/guardian training opportunities. Differences and improvements in IEPs and IEP meetings should be evident from year to year. Susan Safranski will post IEP process and expectations on the website.
Improving the quality of IEPs is an ongoing process. This occurs through both staff and parent/guardian training opportunities. Differences and improvements in IEPs and IEP meetings should be evident from year to year. Susan Safranski will post IEP process and expectations on the website. Implementation of Inclusion
The special education supervisors will insure that all special education teachers are knowledgeable about the process for requesting approval for field trips in time to request approval for their classes to attend Troy Daze next fall if they wish. If parents are told otherwise, contact Susan Safranski.
The special education supervisors will insure that all special education teachers are knowledgeable about the process for requesting approval for field trips in time to request approval for their classes to attend Troy Daze next fall if they wish. If parents are told otherwise, contact Susan Safranski.Susan Safranski distributed a handout describing CIMS (Continuous Improvement Monitoring System). CIMS is part o the state monitoring syst;em for special education in Michigan. All special education parents will be receiving a survey from Wayne State University as part of the CIMS process, and are encouraged to complete and return it.
Susan Safranski distributed a handout describing CIMS (Continuous Improvement Monitoring System). CIMS is part o the state monitoring syst;em for special education in Michigan. All special education parents will be receiving a survey from Wayne State University as part of the CIMS process, and are encouraged to complete and return it.Seaholm’s Autistic Program
Dr. Hoeffler has assigned Paul DeAngelis to convene a task force to address the location of the AI rooms at Seaholm. Those interested in serving on this committee please contact Mr. DeAngelis at pd03bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us. A decision on this issue can be expected by June 1.
Dr. Hoeffler has assigned Paul DeAngelis to convene a task force to address the location of the AI rooms at Seaholm. Those interested in serving on this committee please contact Mr. DeAngelis at pd03bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us. A decision on this issue can be expected by June 1.AI Summer Program
Clarification is requested about extended school year opportunities for students other than AI.
Clarification is requested about extended school year opportunities for students other than AI. The extended school year policy is being distributed to staff and will be reviewed with the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (PAC).
The extended school year policy is being distributed to staff and will be reviewed with the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (PAC).A different extended year program will be offered Summer, 2008. Eligibility will be based on regression recoupment data.
A different extended year program will be offered Summer, 2008. Eligibility will be based on regression recoupment data.Director’s Credentials
The Special Education Director is approved with the State of Michigan.
The Special Education Director is approved with the State of Michigan.Financial penalties are still a legal matter under consideration with the State.
Financial penalties are still a legal matter under consideration with the State. Next Steps
Meeting minutes distributed to attendees on April 3.
Meeting minutes distributed to attendees on April 3. Comments, changes and feedback should be sent to Dr. Hoeffler by April 20.
Comments, changes and feedback should be sent to Dr. Hoeffler by April 20.Response to Parent Concerns will be revised, and a public release will take place during the week of April 30.
Response to Parent Concerns will be revised, and a public release will take place during the week of April 30.Implementation will occur according to the specific time frames set forth in that response.
Implementation will occur according to the specific time frames set forth in that response.Special education parents are encouraged to continue to collaborate with the district through the Parent Advisory Committee and Friends of Different Learners.
Special education parents are encouraged to continue to collaborate with the district through the Parent Advisory Committee and Friends of Different Learners.Meeting adjourned at 2:45.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Hill
Special Education Follow-up to Parents for Positive Change
Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2007
The meeting began at 8:35.
Welcome and Introductions
Attendees: John Hoeffler, Susan Safranski, Terri McCardell, Susan Weed, Sharon Tylenda, Maria Power, Karen Barnhart, Sharon Robertson, Renee Boogren, Lou Ann Tompkins, Terry Matlin, Mary Sullivan, Rob Lawrence, John Robertson, Susan Hill
Opening remarks – Dr. John Hoeffler
Review of Proposed Action Steps – Dr. John Hoeffler reviewed a draft document prepared by Special Education administration in response to issues raised at a meeting requested by Parents for Positive Change on December 12, 2006. A DRAFT document was presented which contains long-term (Continuous Improvement and Monitoring System (CIMS); Strategic Plan for Special Education in Birmingham Public Schools) and short-term (clarified below) methodologies for improvement in Special Education delivery, implementation and administration.
Questions/Discussion
Susan Safanski would like input about what should be included on Special Ed website, in parent communications, etc. She would like to “know what parents need to know.” Contact her directly with input.
Training was discussed in several contexts: parent education, informational meetings, transition planning, general ed teacher training. IEP training is an issue of particular concern. Suggestions for IEP improvement include staff training, refresher training for supervisors, and parent education.
Points of Clarification
•Strategic Plan and CIMS process will dovetail in Fall, 2007. Lisa Martinico, BPS strategic planning facilitator will work collaboratively with Laura McClure from Oakland Schools. Broad input is needed from the Special Ed community. Those interested in participating in the process should contact Dr. Hoeffler.
Strategic Plan and CIMS process will dovetail in Fall, 2007. Lisa Martinico, BPS strategic planning facilitator will work collaboratively with Laura McClure from Oakland Schools. Broad input is needed from the Special Ed community. Those interested in participating in the process should contact Dr. Hoeffler.•“Chain of Command”: To escalate a concern they feel is not being adequately addressed, parents should first contact the teacher, then the supervisor, then the department head, and finally Dr. Hoeffler. A 24-36 hour timeframe for response at each level is considered reasonable. This chain of command should be published on the district website and communicated to teachers and staff. If an administrator needs to be contacted for an issue that needs immediate attention, secretaries’ phone numbers are provided. Phone calls and drop-in visits need to be outside of instructional time.
“Chain of Command”: To escalate a concern they feel is not being adequately addressed, parents should first contact the teacher, then the supervisor, then the department head, and finally Dr. Hoeffler. A 24-36 hour timeframe for response at each level is considered reasonable. This chain of command should be published on the district website and communicated to teachers and staff. If an administrator needs to be contacted for an issue that needs immediate attention, secretaries’ phone numbers are provided. Phone calls and drop-in visits need to be outside of instructional time. •A subscription service/listserve should be available as a tool for Special Education communications when the district completes technology upgrades this summer. Special Ed parents could serve as mentors/educators to those needing help with technology; Friends of Different Learners could help facilitate. A combination of email, website and hard copy communications should be used as appropriate. Principal newsletters may also be used to communicate information within school communities.
A subscription service/listserve should be available as a tool for Special Education communications when the district completes technology upgrades this summer. Special Ed parents could serve as mentors/educators to those needing help with technology; Friends of Different Learners could help facilitate. A combination of email, website and hard copy communications should be used as appropriate. Principal newsletters may also be used to communicate information within school communities.•The first line of communication for parents should be the teacher. It is appropriate and allowable for parents to communicate directly with paraprofessionals, but the teachers need to know what issues are of concern. This policy has already been communicated to the parapros.
The first line of communication for parents should be the teacher. It is appropriate and allowable for parents to communicate directly with paraprofessionals, but the teachers need to know what issues are of concern. This policy has already been communicated to the parapros.•Minutes from all relevant Special Education meetings (PAC, Friends, PPC, AI, CI, etc.) will be posted on the district website after being approved by the group which met. Time frames will vary depending upon meeting schedules. Minutes should be submitted to Susan Safranski for posting.
Minutes from all relevant Special Education meetings (PAC, Friends, PPC, AI, CI, etc.) will be posted on the district website after being approved by the group which met. Time frames will vary depending upon meeting schedules. Minutes should be submitted to Susan Safranski for posting.•Susan Safranski would like additional input about newsletter target audiences (parents, staff) and content.
Susan Safranski would like additional input about newsletter target audiences (parents, staff) and content.•The PAC will participate in a process to evaluate current and proposed modes of communication (a communications “audit”).
The PAC will participate in a process to evaluate current and proposed modes of communication (a communications “audit”).•Audited details of the district’s AI monetary transfers should be communicated to the public, as should comparative performance data for the department. Further detail of direct and indirect cost transfers is available from the district’s Deputy Superintendent for Business Services.
Audited details of the district’s AI monetary transfers should be communicated to the public, as should comparative performance data for the department. Further detail of direct and indirect cost transfers is available from the district’s Deputy Superintendent for Business Services.Administration addressed systemic issues raised in the December 12, 2006 meeting in its response document. Specific issues the group would like covered in subsequent meetings include:
•LRCs being curriculum driven, not following IEPs
LRCs being curriculum driven, not following IEPs•Transportation
Transportation•Assistive/adaptive technology
Assistive/adaptive technology•Extended School year ofor other children in addition to AI
Extended School year ofor other children in addition to AIMeeting extended its scheduled time by one hour. Terry Matlin and Rob Lawrence will schedule a second meeting to review pages two and three of the district’s report.
Meeting adjourned at 11:00.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Hill
NOTE
Below is our response to the Minutes of March 30, which was sent to Dr. Hoeffler and other administrators on April 30, 2007. Parents for Positive Change responses are in RED.
Subj: Parents for Positive Change: Response to Minutes
Date: 4/29/2007 10:30:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: Terry Matlen
To: jh01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us
CC: pd03bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us, Susan Hill,Rob Lawrence, Ss02bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us, Renee Boogren, Deb Morgan,Sharon Robertson,Mary Sullivan, Jennifer Fishman, Dr Jerry Matlen, Hollis Harriman, Michele Olsen, Pam Hanley, Alan Duncan, Lou Ann Thompkins, Terry Matlen, Sue Weed,Sharon Tylenda, Terri McCardell, Maria Power
File: MeetingMinutesMarch302007PPCRESPONSE.doc (42496 bytes) DL Time (TCP/IP): < 1 minute
Dear John,
Thank you for your patience. We have prepared a formal response to the meeting Minutes of March 30, 2007 and are attaching it here. These comments are by representatives of Parents for Positive Change, including Renee Boogren, Sharon Robertson, Debbie Morgan, Mary Sullivan, Hollis Harriman, Michelle Olsen, Pam Hanley, Alan Duncan, and myself.
Obviously, since an extension of 10 days was given to our group for comments, changes and feedback due to the Spring break, we hope you will respond in a timely fashion and understand that you might need an additional 10 days as well.
The group would like to know what the timeline is for formal communication and implementation of the issues discussed during our initial and ongoing meetings.
We appreciate the time you have taken to listen to our concerns and we look forward to further collaboration and communication.
Note that our comments/responses are in RED.
Regards,
Terry Matlen and Renee Boogren, on behalf of Parents for Positive Change
Special Education Follow-up to Parents for Positive Change
Meeting Minutes
March 30, 2007
The meeting began at 1:10 PM.
Welcome and Introductions
Attendees: Paul DeAngelis, Shirley Goldman, Sue Weed, Sharon Tylenda, Terry McCardell, Lou Ann Tompkins, Jerry Matlen, M.D, Terry Matlen, Maria Power, Susan Hill, Rob Lawrence, Susan Safranski, Mary Sullivan, Hollis Harriman, Sharon Robertson, Jennifer Fishman, Michelle Olsen, Pam Hanley, Renee Boogren, Debbie Morgan, Alan Duncan
Overview of Process: The purpose of today’s meeting is to complete the review of Response to Parent Concerns. The completion of the review does not suggest completion of communication between PPC and the Administration. The minutes from the February 15, 2007 meeting and today’s meeting will be used to finalize the document for release and implementation.
These Minutes do not address all of our concerns. Actions should be taking place immediately. We are disappointed that there is no concrete evidence of any changes being implemented.
Review of February 15, 2007 Minutes
The minutes from the February 15, 2007 meeting are accepted as written, with the following changes:
“Points of Clarification,” Bullet #1: Laura McClure is changed to Kathy Barker, Assistant Director of Special Education, Oakland Schools. Kathy Barker will be working with Lisa Martinico to coordinate the department improvement plan that is part of the state monitoring process (CIMS) with the district strategic plan process. Those interested in participating in the process should contact Dr. Hoeffler by email jh01bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us.
“Points of Clarification,” Bullet #2: A 24 to 36 hour callback timeframe needs to be addressed with the district’s associations (unions). It is a clear expectation regardless, but may not become a working condition. “May not become a working condition” implies that there is or will not be a policy for a 24-36 hour callback timeframe. There was no direct clarification of a consistent and effective plan for communication, which will be implemented to address communication issues. Communication continues to be a problem and it is not clear what the solution will be.
“Points of Clarification,” Bullet #4: Issues, which occur when a special education student is in a general education classroom, should be handled by the special education teacher.
Points of Clarification, Response to Parent Concerns, pp. 2-3
Communication
The special education parent survey currently being conducted will help determine website content.
The special education parent survey currently being conducted will help determine website content. How many responses were received? This parent survey is not designed to address direct and consistent contact with parents beyond the use of computer/email- based communication.
How many responses were received? This parent survey is not designed to address direct and consistent contact with parents beyond the use of computer/email- based communication. Communication with special education parents will be via multiple methods which may include direct mailings and district website when appropriate.
Communication with special education parents will be via multiple methods which may include direct mailings and district website when appropriate. A variety of communication methods must be used to ensure that all parents
have access to information. Many parents are not comfortable using websites and email, so they do not always get important information via those methods. Parents need alternative methods of communication, ie emails, website notices and hard copies sent home with students.
have access to information. Many parents are not comfortable using websites and email, so they do not always get important information via those methods. Parents need alternative methods of communication, ie emails, website notices and hard copies sent home with students. IEPs
Parents will be notified of changes in department programs and services via the Director’s message on the department webpage prior to changes being made.
Parents will be notified of changes in department programs and services via the Director’s message on the department webpage prior to changes being made. Information / changes should be funneled through department heads (Wendy Albanese, Pat Katchman and Deb O’Neill) to parents as a conduit for disseminating information to and from Special Ed. Administration. Also, parents should have the option to choose to receive documents electronically or backpack or US Mail and all communication should have the option for return/receipt.
Information / changes should be funneled through department heads (Wendy Albanese, Pat Katchman and Deb O’Neill) to parents as a conduit for disseminating information to and from Special Ed. Administration. Also, parents should have the option to choose to receive documents electronically or backpack or US Mail and all communication should have the option for return/receipt. Parents may request an Educational Benefit Review through their student’s team. (An Ed Benefit Review is a three-year IEP tracking process. It is used as a professional development activity for staff, and is also part of the state’s monitoring system (CIMS).) As stated, the CIMS process is a staff development activity. The CIMS process is not directed at providing student-based FAPE.
Parents may request an Educational Benefit Review through their student’s team. (An Ed Benefit Review is a three-year IEP tracking process. It is used as a professional development activity for staff, and is also part of the state’s monitoring system (CIMS).) As stated, the CIMS process is a staff development activity. The CIMS process is not directed at providing student-based FAPE. Parents have always had the right not to sign their student’s IEP if they are not satisfied with any of its components. Parents need to be informed (expressively) as to their legal rights under IDIEA if they do not sign their student’s IEP.
Parents have always had the right not to sign their student’s IEP if they are not satisfied with any of its components. Parents need to be informed (expressively) as to their legal rights under IDIEA if they do not sign their student’s IEP. Files for internal IEP audits done monthly by the supervisors are selected randomly. Approximately eight IEPs are audited per month. If errors are found the IEP team reconvenes the IEP or does an addendum to correct. Currently, there is a district-wide error rate of 12% on IEPs, which is unacceptable. These statistics need to be available on the website and via documents that are easily accessible by parents. How do we know that changes have been made to improve the writing/implementation of IEPs? We would like to see evidence of such changes: what was wrong and what is being done to correct them.
Files for internal IEP audits done monthly by the supervisors are selected randomly. Approximately eight IEPs are audited per month. If errors are found the IEP team reconvenes the IEP or does an addendum to correct. Currently, there is a district-wide error rate of 12% on IEPs, which is unacceptable. These statistics need to be available on the website and via documents that are easily accessible by parents. How do we know that changes have been made to improve the writing/implementation of IEPs? We would like to see evidence of such changes: what was wrong and what is being done to correct them. Improving the quality of IEPs is an ongoing process. This occurs through both staff and parent/guardian training opportunities. Differences and improvements in IEPs and IEP meetings should be evident from year to year. Susan Safranski will post IEP process and expectations on the website. What is the timeline for posting on the website? Regular updates and information should be funneled directly through department heads and elementary, middle school and high school newsletters.
Improving the quality of IEPs is an ongoing process. This occurs through both staff and parent/guardian training opportunities. Differences and improvements in IEPs and IEP meetings should be evident from year to year. Susan Safranski will post IEP process and expectations on the website. What is the timeline for posting on the website? Regular updates and information should be funneled directly through department heads and elementary, middle school and high school newsletters. Implementation of Inclusion
The special education supervisors will insure that all special education teachers are knowledgeable about the process for requesting approval for field trips in time to request approval for their classes to attend Troy Daze next fall if they wish. If parents are told otherwise, contact Susan Safranski. Please state for the record that the Troy Daze invitations required for attendance to Troy Daze, which are sent to the Special Ed. Admin. Office will be disseminated and provided to all special ed classrooms, including AI, LRC, Individual Needs Room, etc. throughout the district. Invitations or communication from other districts sent to BPS special education must be distributed in a timely fashion.
The special education supervisors will insure that all special education teachers are knowledgeable about the process for requesting approval for field trips in time to request approval for their classes to attend Troy Daze next fall if they wish. If parents are told otherwise, contact Susan Safranski. Please state for the record that the Troy Daze invitations required for attendance to Troy Daze, which are sent to the Special Ed. Admin. Office will be disseminated and provided to all special ed classrooms, including AI, LRC, Individual Needs Room, etc. throughout the district. Invitations or communication from other districts sent to BPS special education must be distributed in a timely fashion. Susan Safranski distributed a handout describing CIMS (Continuous Improvement Monitoring System). CIMS is part of the state monitoring system for special education in Michigan. All special education parents will be receiving a survey from Wayne State University as part of the CIMS process, and are encouraged to complete and return it. How does this relate to a district specific inclusion policy? The CIMS is not directly related to the unique educational and learning needs of each student. The administration has yet to produce a specific written protocol or procedure for inclusion.
Susan Safranski distributed a handout describing CIMS (Continuous Improvement Monitoring System). CIMS is part of the state monitoring system for special education in Michigan. All special education parents will be receiving a survey from Wayne State University as part of the CIMS process, and are encouraged to complete and return it. How does this relate to a district specific inclusion policy? The CIMS is not directly related to the unique educational and learning needs of each student. The administration has yet to produce a specific written protocol or procedure for inclusion.There was no mention made of training for General Education teachers and ancillary staff in proper methods of receiving, educating and including students with disabilities in the “inclusive model”.
There was no mention made of training for General Education teachers and ancillary staff in proper methods of receiving, educating and including students with disabilities in the “inclusive model”.No discussion of vocational activities such as cleaning up after General Ed. students in the cafeteria being demeaning to students with disabilities. Vocational activities should be meaningful and based on the students’ interests.
No discussion of vocational activities such as cleaning up after General Ed. students in the cafeteria being demeaning to students with disabilities. Vocational activities should be meaningful and based on the students’ interests. Seaholm’s Autistic Program
Dr. Hoeffler has assigned Paul DeAngelis to convene a task force to address the location of the AI rooms at Seaholm. Those interested in serving on this committee please contact Mr. DeAngelis at pd03bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us. A decision on this issue can be expected by June 1. The task force should have a copy of all program items from parents of students in the AI Secondary program. The lack of specialized and appropriate Art and Music specific to the AI Program students was not addressed. When will these students receive art and music? This is a denial of FAPE and must be addressed immediately
Dr. Hoeffler has assigned Paul DeAngelis to convene a task force to address the location of the AI rooms at Seaholm. Those interested in serving on this committee please contact Mr. DeAngelis at pd03bps@birmingham.k12.mi.us. A decision on this issue can be expected by June 1. The task force should have a copy of all program items from parents of students in the AI Secondary program. The lack of specialized and appropriate Art and Music specific to the AI Program students was not addressed. When will these students receive art and music? This is a denial of FAPE and must be addressed immediately Issues such as: Community Based Instruction Protocol, Field Trips, “Time-Away” room safety, specific research-based Math and Reading Curriculum were not discussed and no outcome was communicated to parents.
Issues such as: Community Based Instruction Protocol, Field Trips, “Time-Away” room safety, specific research-based Math and Reading Curriculum were not discussed and no outcome was communicated to parents.AI Summer Program
Clarification is requested about extended school year opportunities for students other than AI.
Clarification is requested about extended school year opportunities for students other than AI. The extended school year policy is being distributed to staff and will be reviewed with the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (PAC).
The extended school year policy is being distributed to staff and will be reviewed with the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (PAC).A different extended year program will be offered Summer, 2008. Eligibility will be based on regression recoupment data. For the record, verbal information was provided by Ms. Safranski that placed the “burden of proof” on the parent to supply the regression and recoupment data used for ESY eligibility. Communication on this issue is incomplete. Please provide statistics as to how many students will be receiving ESY this summer. What are their disabilities?
A different extended year program will be offered Summer, 2008. Eligibility will be based on regression recoupment data. For the record, verbal information was provided by Ms. Safranski that placed the “burden of proof” on the parent to supply the regression and recoupment data used for ESY eligibility. Communication on this issue is incomplete. Please provide statistics as to how many students will be receiving ESY this summer. What are their disabilities? Director’s Credentials
The Special Education Director is approved with the State of Michigan. Documents as to the process by which she was approved question the legitimacy of the approval.
The Special Education Director is approved with the State of Michigan. Documents as to the process by which she was approved question the legitimacy of the approval. Financial penalties are still a legal matter under consideration with the State. FOIA request letter pertaining to Cases C-5980 and C5897-06 dated 1/25/07 states that the State of Michigan excluded $96,005.20 in school aid from the 2005/06 school year in one lump sum. If a request, made by the district pursuant to Section 15(2) of the State School Aid Act was completed, it should have been communicated to all stakeholders during the March 30th meeting. Please provide us with this documentation.
Financial penalties are still a legal matter under consideration with the State. FOIA request letter pertaining to Cases C-5980 and C5897-06 dated 1/25/07 states that the State of Michigan excluded $96,005.20 in school aid from the 2005/06 school year in one lump sum. If a request, made by the district pursuant to Section 15(2) of the State School Aid Act was completed, it should have been communicated to all stakeholders during the March 30th meeting. Please provide us with this documentation. A dissention regarding the refusal to the request for further meetings and the incomplete response by the Administration to the parents was voiced by both Debbie Morgan and Alan Duncan and were not included in the Minutes.
Next Steps
Meeting minutes distributed to attendees on April 3.
Meeting minutes distributed to attendees on April 3. Comments, changes and feedback should be sent to Dr. Hoeffler by April 20. Extension given to April 30.
Comments, changes and feedback should be sent to Dr. Hoeffler by April 20. Extension given to April 30. Response to Parent Concerns will be revised, and a public release will take place during the week of April 30. A complete response should include the updates and corrections from the Parents for Positive Change. We find it unacceptable that the great majority of our concerns presented in December were not reviewed. We have over 70+ issues on the table that must be addressed. PPC is requesting regular meetings with administration to collaborate and work to resolve these issues.
Response to Parent Concerns will be revised, and a public release will take place during the week of April 30. A complete response should include the updates and corrections from the Parents for Positive Change. We find it unacceptable that the great majority of our concerns presented in December were not reviewed. We have over 70+ issues on the table that must be addressed. PPC is requesting regular meetings with administration to collaborate and work to resolve these issues. Implementation will occur according to the specific time frames set forth in that response. Communication needs to continue between the Administration and PPC. A schedule must be drawn up with representatives from each group attending the meetings.
Implementation will occur according to the specific time frames set forth in that response. Communication needs to continue between the Administration and PPC. A schedule must be drawn up with representatives from each group attending the meetings.Special education parents are encouraged to continue to work together with the district through the Parent Advisory Committee and Friends of Different Learners. To continue the communication and partnership, we request that PPC be given the opportunity to schedule further meetings. Communication between PPC will be with the administration. We feel that PAC and Friends have not utilized their potential for making needed changes within this district.
Special education parents are encouraged to continue to work together with the district through the Parent Advisory Committee and Friends of Different Learners. To continue the communication and partnership, we request that PPC be given the opportunity to schedule further meetings. Communication between PPC will be with the administration. We feel that PAC and Friends have not utilized their potential for making needed changes within this district. Meeting adjourned at 2:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Hill
