Tidbit

Don't forget to place a copy of 2010-2011 IEP in the cumulative folder for your caseload students. IEPs for 2010-2011 should all be completed May 14, 2010. I do thank you for all you do for the students in Birmingham City Schools. Have a super summer and may it be peaceful and relaxing.

End of the Year Tidbits

Can you believe it is almost the end of the school year once again!! We only have three weeks left before summer break begins. There are just a few things that you should remember:

• Make sure 2010-2011 IEPs are completed (red-dotted) and placed in Setsweb;
  
• All re-evaluations up to October 1, 2010 must be done before you leave for the break; and
  
• Verification forms must be signed by the school Principal verifying that IEPs for the 2010-2011 school year have been completed(red-dotted) and placed in Sets.

Once these things are complete, you can breathe easy and have a great, peaceful and relaxing summer.

Curriculum PLU 2010

I have just completed the "last session" for my Curriculum PLU in the great Birmingham City Schools district. It was very informative. I learned about the different departments and how they all really need each other to function effectively. I am looking forward to what will be available on next year. I say "kudos" to Dr. Elaine Hill for taking the reins to ensure that administrators can work toward earning a PLU with ease. I am looking forward to continuing the wonderful world of PLU.

What's New in Special Education

I am elated about what is going on in the Special Education Department in Birmingham City Schools. We now have a therapeutic outpatient therapist who is working with students at Inglenook/Riggins Therapeutic programs. January 5, 2010 we started a k-5 class, so we are able to meet the needs of our younger students who have therapeutic/mental health issues. We also have a transition therapist who will work with teachers, parents, and students at home/school and assist in transitioning students back to their zone schools. Isn't this exciting news. I am not finished yet...Janice and Susan will work in schools with students who have specialized behavior aide. They will also do small social skill group and individual sessions with students within the school who have behavior plans. (BIP)If other students are in the school with a para due to behavior concerns, please let me know. We will be able to help alot more students within the district and even decrease the number of students being placed at Riggins Alternative School. 2010 is a wonderful year in Birmingham City Schools. If you have questions, please let me know. I may be reached at 231-4812.

Special Education Tidbits

Prayerfully, you have had an exciting and rewarding year, thusfar serving the students in our fantastic district. These are some tidbits to help you have an even better year: (1)Make sure you send the MEDC and Parental Consent Form to Rita for all new students. When we do not receive information from you, there is not a central office file for a new student. (2) Please begin the initial referral as soon as possible if a student is from out of state. We need to know that the student meets the state guidelines for Alabama. If you can not secure student information from another disrict or from out of state, please let Rita know. (3)Check students on your caseload MEDC date to make sure eligibility is current. (4) Fax all OT/PT forms to 231-4689. I will make sure the OT/PT therapist receives the medical referral. (5) Refer back to the Yellow Brick Road, it contains excellent information that will help you throughout the year. Have a joyous Holiday season.

IEP Tips for Parents

Click below to hear a podcast detailing tips for parents to assist with the IEP process.

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IEP meeting tips for parents

My name is Nelva Hunter Walker. I am a program specialist in Birmingham City Schools. I have had this wonderful job since April, 2004. One of my job duties is to keep lines of communication open between the parent and school. The open line of communication will help to avoid litigation. If the IEP is written cooperatively between the parent and school, usually the child will have a super year.

Parents are often intriqued with the special education process. Here are a few tips to assist you in having a successful IEP meeting:

1. Keep in mind that the IEP is a movable document. The IEP will travel with you to a new school or community.
2. Provide written input to the teacher at least a day in advance.
3. Include technology, homework and grading in the IEP. Often times if grading is not included in the IEP, the general educator may have problems grading your child on what he/she can actually do.
4.Please attend IEP meetings. These meetings strengthens the relationship between the parent and school. Read the profile to ensure accuracy. Strengths and weaknesses may be addressed in the IEP. Your attendance speaks volumes to the teacher and school at large.