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"Needs not Labels, Services not Places, Names not Numbers"
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In the News...
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SFUSD Goals & Special Education
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Access And Equity
 Awesome Autism Class at Sunset Elementary! April is Austism Awareness month. The Special Education Department would like to highlight Janelle Franco, a talented K-2 teacher of students on the Autism Spectrum at Sunset Elementary. Janelle uses a variety of strategies to meet the diverse needs of her students. Not only does she consider the instructional needs of the students but she also takes into consideration the physical environment. The classroom is designed with a meeting space for whole group instruction, work stations for independent work and tables are available for small group time. The classroom environment is also rich with visual cues, labels and sensory tools such as a bouncy ball to sit on, elastic bands on the legs of chairs for leg swinging and fidget toys. Students receive differentiated instruction and communicate using sign, communication boards and verbal language. The iPad becomes an engaging tool used during whole group instruction and independent work time. Inclusive social opportunities at Sunset range from general education classes to the Garden Girls Club. Sunset has also implemented Reading Buddies, PE Buddies, and Friday Play Groups. Janelle Franco and Sunset Elementary do an outstanding job of meeting the needs of students on the Autism Spectrum and including them as valued and celebrated members of the school community. |
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Student Achievement
SFUSD Special Olympics, May 9th
 The Special Olympics Track and Field Event at Kezar Stadium is one of the most enjoyable days of the school year for many students, teachers, and volunteers. It is a day when students with special needs are able to show their talents, see friends from across the district, and have fun! It is also an opportunity for students to learn and practice sportsmanship; one of the core values of the Special Olympics. Teachers and volunteers have the privilege and satisfaction of creating a safe and accepting environment for kids to compete with their peers, free of judgement. The Track and Field Event is a day of celebration of sport, friendship, and community, and we hope that you are able to join us on May 9th at 10:30am!
When: Friday, May 9th
Where: Kezar Stadium, 670 Kezar Dr. San Francisco, CA. 94118
-Scott Booth, Presidio Middle School
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Accountability
The New Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC)
The Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) system is being replaced with participation in the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC). Instead of the CST, CMA or CAPA, students receiving special education services will participate in the SBAC or CAPA; the CAPA will remain unchanged for the 2013-2014 school year. Students in grades 3-8 and 11 will participate in the computerized assessment, which includes both English-Language Arts and Mathematics. The Field Test window for the SBAC is April 7 - May 16 for K-5 schools and March 18 - May 16 (except April 10-11 and May 8-9) for K-8, middle and high schools. On March 20, 2014, parents of students receiving special education who will participate in the field test received a letter explaining the changes from STAR to SBAC and the considerations for students with IEPs. For additional information about SBAC and supports and accommodations, please see your site test coordinator.
For additional information on the SBAC click here.
-Tania May, SpEd Content Specialist
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Announcements
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April is Autism Awareness Month
Haven't celebrated and want to? Here are some great ways:
National Autism Awareness Month Activities: Click HereFive Books to Celebrate Autism Awareness Month: Click HereEmail me about your celebration and get featured in the May SpEd Newsletter!
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SEIS End of the Year Prep
Teachers and Administrators: Ensure Caseloads in SEIS are ready for summer!
Our goal is to have all IEPs and Amendments Affirmed by May 16th, 2014
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Thank you for reading the April Special Education Newsletter!
If there is something you would like to submit for the next newsletter (May) please email Sarah Ashton (ashtons@sfusd.edu).
Sincerely,
Dr. Elizabeth Blanco
Special Education Services, SFUSD
"A bird doesn't sing because it has the answer, it sings because it has a song."
- Maya Angelou
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Community
Advisory
Committee
(CAC)
The CAC advocates for effective Special Education programs and services.
Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of every month. Please come!
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"Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand"
Chinese Proverb
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