Special Edition, Vol. 1, Issue 28

All children do better in an inclusive environment. There are higher expectations of children with disabilities in an inclusive classroom and they have opportunities for social interaction they don't have in segregated classrooms. There's also benefits for students without disabilities who get more exposure to diverse learning styles.

~ Jerri Katzerman, Southern Poverty Law Center

As we continue to share news within SFUSD and beyond, please consider submitting an article for publication. Simply email spedfeedback@sfusd.edu, and we will be delighted to showcase your school or classroom.

Announcements

Parents Education Network (PEN) is sponsoring a free event for students, parents and educators on April 21 from 8:45 - 5:00 at AT&T Park to inspire, and educate participants on the challenges of learning differently. Click here to register.
CALSTAT has a series of free online training modules. Click here to learn more.
The Community Advisory Council (CAC) will be meeting April 26th. Click here for more information
Consider attending a health and recreation fair for families of children with disabilities - Access to Adventure on 05/05/2012 from 12:00pm - 3:00pm. For more information, visit http://www.supportforfamilies.org or click here for the more information.
Previous Special Edition Newsletters are now accessible online. Please click here to access them.

Special Olympics Track & Field Meet

A Message from Paul Zager

I am honored to present the 5th annual SFUSD Schools Program Special Olympics Track and Field Meet at Kezar Stadium on Friday, May 11th, from 10:00 to 1:00.
We will have 47 SFUSD schools involved from K-Transition, including approximately 70 classes, 10 inclusive schools, 85 teachers, and close to 800 students!
Come and share in the celebration of track racing, running, jumping, and throwing with students with special needs in the SFUSD. Click here for the flyer.

Compliance Training Update

The California Department of Education (CDE) has submitted the findings of their Verification Review which occurred during the fall semester.

2 separate reports reviewed district and student level non-compliance findings. The 106 district findings must be corrected through a policy/procedure review and a training for staff and administrators by June 9, 2012. A cross collaborative team of General and Special Education Administrators has been formed to design the training.

Many of our Principals and Assistant Principals have received their training. All administrator training will be concluded by April 26. Initial feedback on the training has been positive, with the understanding that further training and support is required in order to achieve systemic change.

Training for Special Educators will occur during our district professional development day April 23. All teachers and service providers are expected to attend this three hour module. The focus of the session will be on our district non compliance findings and writing meaningful, measurable goals.

Approximately 85 students require specific corrections. These student-based corrections must be completed by May 22, 2012. Special Education Coordinators and Administrators are aware of which students require corrections. Please make correcting these errors a priority.

Once the training has been completed, the CDE will conduct follow up file reviews for evidence of 100% compliance. They will continue to monitor and review files until 100% compliance is reached.

Please continue to utilize this newsletter for updates and timely information related to our progress on compliance matters.

Articles for Reflection and Professional Development

This is an ongoing section where we will provide a current and relevant research article. The goal is to promote discussion and intellectual stimulation amongst SFUSD staff, schools, and the community.

Sometimes relationships with parents can become less than conciliatory. In the article "Building Parent Trust in the Special Education Setting", shared in this month's edition of Leadership Magazine published by the Association of California School Administrators, Laurie Wellner provides educators a perspective on mending relationships through communication and trust.

Click here to read more.

SEIS Update

Did you complete your initial Affirm/Attest by February 29th? If you need support, contact the SFUSD SEIS Help Desk
Make SEIS part of your morning routine - consider making SEIS your Homepage.
Call the SFUSD SEIS Help Desk if you need support: 379-7720 & 379-7899
If you have not been trained please contact Sarah Ashton, ashtons@sfusd.edu

Sincerely,

Communications Team

Special Education Services, SFUSD

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