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 Evanston Citizens for Appropriate Special Education (CASE) is a community advocacy organization working to improve the range, quality and accessibility of special education services in Evanston/Skokie District 65 and ETHS District 202.
We provide information and support for parents of children with special needs through Parent Connections meetings and our CASEline number.
We are commited to advancing disability awareness in the Evanston community. |
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Hello Evanston CASE members,
Happy summer! I hope that the school year ended on a positve note for your child.
This month's newsletter gives you an update on the new inclusion plan model introduced by Joyce Bartz, Director of Special Services for D65. While CASE supports the overall plan, we have concerns about the possible further dilution of co-teach services in the fall. The District plans to roll-out the new "integrated model" of inclusion starting in the 2012-2013 school year.
In addition, read about the disturbing downward trend in ISAT achievement data for kids with IEP's. This data was not discussed in the D65 Board meeting on June 4th, but CASE will follow up at the meeting on June 18th.
Also, check out some fun summer opportunities for kids with disabilities in Evanston.
CASE is available year round to assist you. Feel free to contact us over the summer.
Warm regards,
Cari Levin, LCSW
Founding Director
Evanston CASE |
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D65 New "Integrated Model" for Inclusion |
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At the D65 School Board meeting on June 4th, Ms. Joyce Bartz presented her proposal to implement a new approach to inclusion called the "Integrated Model". While CASE supports this plan, we have concerns about what appears to be a further dilution of co-teach provided by special education teachers. The new model will increase the push-in service time provided by Speech, OT , PT and Social Workers. These providers will now be considered co-teachers.
The Administration also talked about plans to "de-cluster" students in inclusion classrooms. They recognize that some of the classrooms that had several more "challenging" students were overwhelmed and understaffed. It sounds like they plan to place kids in a more spread-out fashion, and they will consider all classrooms "potential inclusion classrooms."
IEP's will have to be rewritten to reflect this change, so be sure that you understand the implications for your child's program. You will see a shift from pull-out to push-in time. The idea is to reduce the amount of time that kids are removed from the general education classrooms to receive services, thus increasing their inclusion time.
CASE advocated for staffing of paraprofessionals in these classrooms to provide continuity and stability for children as these various professionals move in and out of the classrooms.
In addition, it was suggested by the administration that co-teach is a "restrictive" service. Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is a legal term meaning that children must be provided an opportunity to be educated in an environment as close as possible to their typically developing peers. So, defining co-teach as a "more restrictive" classroom might insert a barrior to access of this service for some kids. CASE is strenuously arguing that co-teach is a service, not a placement and therefore should not be considered more restrictive on the continuum of services. We will keep you updated on developments pertaining to this issue.
To read Ms. Bartz' report on the integrated model,
click here
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ISAT Achievement Data for students with IEP's | |
At the June 4th D65 Board meeting, the ISAT achievement data for students with IEP's was presented in a report. However, the Board never discussed this data. They instead focused, on the TWI and ACC program data.
CASE is very concerned by the disturbing downward trend in achievement for students with IEP's in reading and math. We plan to address this issue at the D65 Board meeting on June 18th.
To view the data, read pages 1-7 here
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EBSA Buddy BasebALL program | |
Evanston Buddy BasebALL provides individuals with a mental and/or physical disability the opportunity to play baseball, regardless of their abilities.
Buddy Ball helps individuals learn teamwork, promote self-esteem and have fun. The Buddy Ball league is aware of the extra expenses for those with special abilities. Because of this, EBSA will not charge any fees to participate.
Sunday afternoons in July at James Park in Evanston. To register, contact: Mike Hamann at hamann@ameritech.net.
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Summer Drama Camp for Kids with Autism | |
When:
August 6, 2012 - August 17, 2012
9:00am to 3:00pm, Monday-Friday
Where:
St. Joan of Arc School - 9248 N. Lawndale Ave, Evanston
Cost:
Early Bird Discount until May 15, 2012, $1,400 per camper,
After May 15, 2012 the cost will be $1,600
For more information read the flyer here |
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Balance Boards and Beams Summer Camp | |
This is a unique opportunity for some hands on fun! Bring your child to the Balance Boards and Beams summer camp to experience the process of building their own balance board. Camps are offered for preschool and school age children. Balance Boards and Beams is owned and operated by Liz Kantorski. Liz provided a fun, interactive presentation of her products at the Parent Connections meeting in April. Her balance boards are therapeutic and fun for people of all ages. For more information and to register for Liz's summer camps, click here |
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