Special Education

Focus Group

October 29, 2007  Meeting Notes

Representatives in attendance:

Yvonne Sorter, Elementary Resource

Trinn Murray, Middle Resource

Bethany Verner, High Resource & Community Transitions

Deborah Monroe, Psychologist

Cindy Pearson, OT/PTs & VI

Jennifer Woods, EC-Preschool

Linda Kovol, Life Skills

Desiree Casson-Wald, SLP & DHH

Leslie Knudsen, EBD

Laurie Russell, Elementary Paraeducator

Amelia Lunde, Secondary Paraeducator

Lucille Nollette, Directors

Gordon Grissom, Secondary Admin

Sue Thomas, Meeting Facilitator

Representatives unable to attend:

Wendy Barrett, Elementary Admin

Topic:  Special Ed Budget

Summary:

• Detailed budget info shared by Brett Greenwood
• Jacquolyn shared program allotments
• Unlikely that additional above-baseline requests will be honored

Next steps:

• Safety net application due in December (now an integral part of budget)

Topic: Special Ed Budget – Program Allotments

Summary:

• There is a yearly audit process – important that special ed expenditures meet audit requirements
• Instructional materials & supplies are to be used for specially designed instruction
• Need to remind teachers of criteria for approved expenditures
• Itinerant groups have their own line item budgets

Next steps:

• Build understanding of the budget & auditing processes with constituents

Topic:  Priority Task List

Summary:

• Bring “Right Response” discussion back to the table (“hands-on” or not)
• Instructional assistanc3e
• Research topics

- Injury report vs incident report

- Program continuum behaviors

Next steps:

• Need opportunities for collaboration & scheduling
• Review data online
• Incorporate “minimum, moderate, maximum” special ed concept in program