Thursday, February 16, 2012

The suggestion for iPads wins with an overwhelming majority.  I have drafted the application and have it attached here for you to see.  You should notice that the expectations are to include these in collaboration and professional development activities to increase your knowledge and use.  Two staff members voted no, hoping to write their own grant for SCF technology in their classroom.  I encourage these two to come visit with me and share their vision.  I will see how I can help you make that a reality.   One person voted that they were NOT ready for any of this.  Again, please talk with me and let me know what you are thinking.  If you truly do not want me to order a device for you, I need to know that.  You do not have to participate and I do not want to purchase technology that will not be utilized. 

RtI expectation review - as usual with semi-new programs, procedures get blurry after the first stages of implementation or the first sign of frustration.  Here are a few items that have come up lately that I would like to review.

• Universal screeners are done AT LEAST fall and winter - but can be done more often if desired
• Universal screeners are a grade level responsibility with support provided on request.
• Data entry  (THIS YEAR) is maintained by grade level.  If you need help with data entry, please ask Robin and she will see that it gets accomplished.
• All students involved in an intervention based on below grade level expectations should receive progress monitoring - whether they are on an IPlan or not.  This data should effect instruction and also provide us individual data points if needed in the future.
• You do not have to write an IPlan for students in order for them to receive an intervention.  We should write an IPlan for a student for which interventions are not showing positive impact.  The IPlan serves as the formal paperwork to demonstrate need for Tier 3 support.
• IPlans and interventions can be planned for any area in which the student is struggling - math, reading, writing, language, or behavior.
• Each grade level has an RtI representative who can assist you, or get you assistance in planing interventions or writing IPlans.  (fourth and fifth grade uses Cindy and Nicole I. ; but we will go with Cindy for now.)
• Nina is assigned to conducting regular progress monitoring of specified students and groups.  She enters data and tracks progress for students on IPlans.  In her extra time she gives universal screeners to new students or students who may have been absent.  Please to do not ask her to do your grade level data entry or diagnostic assessments.  Ask me for help and I will assign tasks according to personal strengths and availability.

Last week I mentioned changes that will be taking place in Skyward - a new look with enhanced features making it quicker for you to arrive at your destination.  These changes are scheduled to roll in next Friday, probably after school.  There will be an icon in the bottom right hand corner that you can use to revert back to the current version or look.  This is a temporary fix to allow you time to learn and adjust.  It will not be there forever.  If you have ANY problems adjusting to the new look, please let me know. We will schedule a time with Tamie for staff inservice if necessary.