tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90316836980372507882012-02-19T01:34:47.189-05:00...there we stood in the doorway We heard the mission bell and we were thinking to ourselves "This could be heaven or this could be hell" Mirrors on the ceiling The pink champagne on ice. And she said: "We are all just prisoners here of our own device." (Eagles)PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.comBlogger1481100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-22043612414855432432009-08-15T17:10:00.000-04:002009-08-15T17:11:51.925-04:00

Lawsuit: Footage shows school abuse: "'They grab him by his arms and drag him on his knees out of the classroom, down the open school hallway and literally throw him into a dark room.'"Frequently, when parents try to obtain an appropriate educational setting for their children with disabilities, the kids are denied services and supports through the often used phrase "I am so sorry Mr. and Ms.

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-86798770289850529132009-06-25T08:21:00.000-04:002009-06-25T08:22:05.206-04:00

JUSTICE FOR CHILDREN 6/27/2009 - Wake up Call Show on Blog Talk RadioCall-in Number: (646) 716-8675 Upcoming Show: 6/26/2009 8:00 PM Description: JOIN THERESA EDWARDS. TONIGHTS GUEST IS A SHOCKER. A TEACHER. LETS FIND OUT HOW TEACHERS RETALIATE AGAINST TEACHERS. THIS TEACHER HAS BEEN FIGHTING TO PROTECT HER CHILD AND IS BEING RETALIATED AGAINST

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-47605378953588772322009-06-14T09:24:00.000-04:002009-06-14T09:26:09.739-04:00

Bullying seems to be the topic du jour. Recent media reports repeatedly quoted District personnel making the point that the kids and parents involved in the alleged recent ongoing rape sequence at Walker Middle school never told any of the district employees what was going on.Now there is an apparent display of concern by the Board and the administrators that there will be increased training and

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com79tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-72505886014659091322009-06-05T21:16:00.003-04:002009-06-14T09:27:42.288-04:00

One more attempt at exposing the system:http://www.collier-ese-reform.com/docs/04.02.09_ocr_doj_ref.pdfThere are a few of us who think there has been something rotten in Denmark. Trying to unwrap it is very difficult. The system insulates itself at all levels.This is why when I see a successful suit by parents, I know that their case was as solid as possible. For you teachers and school employees

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-23213262126826386562009-04-27T08:35:00.001-04:002009-04-27T08:38:34.002-04:00

This story sounds typical of how school districts don't "get it". The system has basically left it up to the parents to be the legal experts and entity to enforce compliance. No part of the system seems to do it."She said she tried for years to get the Collier County School District to properly evaluate her student for a learning disability. Frustrated with what she said was a lack of district

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-86230008990373866302009-04-04T10:41:00.002-04:002009-04-04T10:51:28.084-04:00

The story in the below link is not an isolated incident. When a child is born with an obvious disability, society seems to adjust and make whatever needed rationalizations to accommodate the individual.When a child has a not-so-obvious disability, society blames the kid, the parents, and the parenting. For those of us who have lived with and loved a kid with a disability that is above and beyond

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-33462934087082789382009-03-22T09:34:00.001-04:002009-03-22T09:37:02.124-04:00

My Way News - More 'fight club' allegations at Texas school"Mar 22, 1:22 AM (ET)AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Nine employees are under investigation over allegations of new fights among mentally disabled residents of the troubled Corpus Christi State School, a state lawmaker said Saturday night."If this story is true, I hope there becomes widespread awareness that there are "cancer cells of abuse" across

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-1395809887858929702009-02-16T17:11:00.001-05:002009-02-16T17:11:27.363-05:00

Thanks to The Gradebook for this link and the accompanying public comments:When is 2010? A class-size question that mattersCan anyone validate this person's comments? Anonomous but truthful comments accepted."School systems have been running class size numbers through a "business accounting" model for nearly eight years.Step 1: County-wide class size average was achieved by hiring more special

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-884230461101170112009-02-08T09:08:00.000-05:002009-02-08T09:08:11.079-05:00

Many Florida teachers may be ill-equipped to handle special-needs students: "Even teachers who earned degrees in education may have taken just one or two classes in special education, making them aware of their legal responsibilities but unsure of how to manage a class in which one child may not respond the way other children do.""Scott said many teachers rely on 'old school' punitive methods of

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-8734145157523758602009-02-03T18:03:00.001-05:002009-02-03T18:04:20.889-05:00

I was hoping to get a little more information, but I'll go with what I have.On a previous post, a public commenter and I had a discussion and this was stated:Motel Special Ed: IEP Tip for the day: "We do have to choose which one is the 'primary' disability. This is the one that requires the most service time."I wanted to know how one determined which disability requires the most service time, and

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-68549729693022669172009-01-31T08:49:00.002-05:002009-01-31T08:54:14.983-05:00

Someone made the following comment in my previous post:"In Hillsborough, at least at my school, we list all the disabilities if more than one is present. We do have to choose which one is the "primary" disability. This is the one that requires the most service time."I was curious as to how any one would know which disability requires the most service time. Can anyone help me with the answer to

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-74361802735134710512009-01-24T19:01:00.000-05:002009-01-24T19:01:16.084-05:00

Wow - look what some one wrote on the Wrightslaw blog:"School personnel’s knowledge of the law is often based what they were told in a training program or by “word of mouth.” Like parents, few educators question what they are told. Very few school staff have read the law.If you don’t have a copy of IDEA 2004 and the regulations, get one now!You can download most of these documents from the

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-22832137893695837162009-01-14T18:17:00.000-05:002009-01-14T18:18:07.134-05:00

This is old news. It happened in 2005.But on further review, who really cost the District this much money? Alert - Federal Judge Approves Record $6.7 Million Settlement in Special Education Case: "'This lawsuit could have been avoided and millions of dollars could have been saved had the Manhattan Beach USD and the CDE simply complied with clearly established statutes and regulations.”" "In his

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-66184769652875934202009-01-04T16:55:00.000-05:002009-01-04T16:55:00.674-05:00

Click here for more informationindex: "Upcoming Advocacy TrainingsLevel OneFriday, February 20, 20096:00-9:00pmUSF in TampaLevel Two Advanced Advocacy TrainingSaturday and Sunday, February 21 & 22, 20098:00 am - 5:00 pm USF in TampaSponsored by: Families of Kids with Mood & Anxiety Disorders, Inc."

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-39147133114933529382009-01-03T14:21:00.001-05:002009-01-03T14:21:25.833-05:00

I would be remiss to not draw attention to something positive happening within the ESE world of the Hillsborough County Public School system. After all of the broad brush attacks I have made over the years based on the knowledge I have about how the ESE system works, it might seem a little odd for me to give "kudos" to the system. Speaking of "kudos", has anyone ever read something that came out

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-19264231254076390042008-12-26T00:08:00.001-05:002008-12-26T00:09:51.222-05:00

I know there are a few within the public special education system that will continue to first blame the student and then blame the parent. I even live in a county that is "on Santa's naughty list" for labeling kids in need of specialized education, sending them off to a more restrictive environment in a special education center, and then, just to prove that the kids are too far gone to benefit

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-67371468938850362552008-12-14T10:52:00.005-05:002008-12-14T20:05:41.891-05:00

I know:The District needs some good PR.The District Administrators don't know about ESE issues.There is a common complaint that Hillsborough County is just too big for everyone to be up to date on the latest laws.That somehow in an apparent attempt to explain changes in law, the District "breaks it down", and that in this translation, the original intent of the law is missed.The majority of the

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-38337482074297082772008-12-14T09:46:00.002-05:002008-12-14T09:47:55.500-05:00

PRO on HCPS: Ding, Lady Justice is Done

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-74594990087724317752008-12-04T19:13:00.003-05:002008-12-04T23:34:37.157-05:00

Today, I was reminded of how I came about having this blog. This blog progressed to my other two blogs. Today, I was reminded of how contemptuous and ignorantly isolated the Special Education system is in Hillsborough County.When someone tells me that I can say things that employees of the system can't say, it taps into the anger I have about the system. I mock those who say they are "

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-62540018061145410112008-11-16T23:03:00.005-05:002008-11-19T09:35:03.224-05:00

I keep hearing that HCPS is in need of some good PR.I am eager to assist. Click here to read the formal complaint:Does this issue need to be addressed to gain some good PR?• In addition to turning to police as disciplinarians, Florida schools increasinglyutilize internal discipline methods that focus on isolation and removal instead ofaddressing the underlying behavioral problem. In fact, the

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-69305533277424627832008-11-13T21:33:00.001-05:002008-11-13T21:42:22.095-05:00

The below blog post should be read with comprehension.Keep in mind that "low expectations" is the bane of all education, not just Special Ed.My personal opinion is that kids should be taught to maximize their individualized daily living potential. Think about that concept.Taught to maximize their individualized daily living potential.It is my opinion that "professional-educator-decision-makers"

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-75436536399099231022008-11-12T19:44:00.003-05:002008-11-15T08:24:24.963-05:00

Recently I heard a professional educator give some information to a group of people. The professional educator said that if a parent disagrees with an evaluation completed by a District, the parent can request an Independent evaluation but if the results of the independent evaluation come back the same as the District's, then the parent would have to pay for it.I disagree, and here is why.First,

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-20996917166303995072008-11-12T17:09:00.002-05:002008-11-12T17:11:34.384-05:00

SPLCenter.org: Hillsborough County Special EducationGo to this link.Click on: Complaint: Hillsborough Complaint.pdfRead how many incidents there were that allege that HCPS failed to provide related services to these kids over a long period of time.Read the statistics.Read the request for remedy, especially the last one. Hillsborough County is supposed to have this in action, as it was the same

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-80523357881608682892008-11-02T13:06:00.004-05:002008-11-02T13:10:18.067-05:00

Long-time readers of my blogs would know I have written frequently on how school systems use the "first we blame the student, then we blame the parent" as a defense of the inadequacies of the system, or as an offense to intimidate the parent.As a parent of a disabled kid, I know the story well. Thanks to the link from The Gradebook, here is an article written by Bill Mawwell that suggests some

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-45619525477660607602008-11-02T10:09:00.001-05:002008-11-02T10:10:46.541-05:00

I really like the title Mr. Gage chose. It says a lot.I found this intersting and insightful commentary by Daniel Dage. Read the complete post. Segregating disabled kids in itself is injust for the teachers and the students and the parents and "the system", whether it sees it or not."So when I consider this pervasive culture of repression it becomes pretty obvious to me that total integration is

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-34741611100965741842008-10-26T11:48:00.001-04:002008-10-26T12:05:51.509-04:00

How many of you know that an OCR complaint was filed several years ago that resulted in OCR finding that HCPS's "evaluation list" was a violation?I haven't found a link to that specific complaint, but I am sure your local Compliance officer should know about it.

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-76305113386083803512008-10-25T10:42:00.005-04:002008-10-25T10:59:00.302-04:00

I missed the first part of the last HCPS Board meeting, but thanks to advanced technology, I had the opportunity to watch it from the beginning.Starting around 13:00 minutes into the meeting, agenda item 1.04 was brought up. Through the ensuing discussion, the general director of education was asked if HCPS had a partnership with Hillsborough Community College, and she said "No, we do not."

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-11818892725452553522008-10-24T06:43:00.001-04:002008-10-25T10:02:29.426-04:00

The Groupthink Bully At Helm Of School BoardSounds like an IEP meeting where the parent is trying to advocate for their child.

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-32152221900729336872008-10-16T17:52:00.002-04:002008-10-16T17:54:49.096-04:00

Grady has a new boundless playground - St. Petersburg Times""They would watch, they would laugh, they would talk across," said school principal Melanie Bottini, "but they couldn't play alongside."I am sure that the decision makers of our professional education system understand the difference between parallel play and cooperative play.Parallel PlayParallel play (or parallel activity) is a term

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-23126898431641016922008-10-07T16:52:00.004-04:002008-10-07T17:10:20.143-04:00

I am going to make a broad brush attack, so get up your defenses about isolated incidents and unreasonable parental expectations. The fact is, as a parent, I have been there, done that and know the truth. I was lied to so many times over a 20+ year period, I know the truth. I have no respect for those who initiate the lies and it is difficult for me to have respect for those who knowingly present

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-17425081710875464552008-10-06T08:20:00.004-04:002008-10-06T13:32:49.214-04:00

Lee schools look to revise bullying policy : Lee : Naples Daily NewsIt may be a surprise to my readers that many well-meaning people within the education system actually "bully" students. In the above linked article, we find this comment:"Rhodes said that her son, who has Asperger syndrome -a high functioning form of autism, was bullied by elementary school students and emotionally harassed by

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-75644074430040601602008-10-03T06:10:00.004-04:002008-10-03T06:31:10.378-04:00

Go back to this link, then click on the link to the state complaint.Read the complete findings by the state about how the HCPS did not honor the written IEP's and did not provide the contracted service that was written in these IEP's. The District received money for these IEP's and then did not provide the service.Where did the money go? What was the true "punishment" of the corrective action

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-4506086943184170052008-10-02T16:49:00.002-04:002008-10-02T17:30:42.650-04:00

Today's news#comment-133144565Read the comment by "on shortchanged".Where does one turn when one needs experts in behavior teaching? A teaching institution?I thought each school in HCPS had a highly trained behavior specialist.I thought each school writes comprehensive IEP's. How could there be a problem with behavior?Here is a comment from one of my previous post's: Anonymous said... My child

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-4284047181722848962008-10-02T15:15:00.001-04:002008-10-02T15:20:53.203-04:00

Suspending and Expelling Students With Disabilities: The Legal Dos and Don'tsI wonder if this is where IDEA money goes.

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-79792819387909639922008-10-02T10:36:00.005-04:002008-10-02T17:28:23.553-04:00

Another article about yesterday's news can be found here:State ComplaintWe could examine this part of the article closely: The groups also say the school district isolates students with disabilities through discipline. Disabled students in Hillsborough are 2 1/2 times as likely to lose as least 10 days of school to suspensions or expulsions as other students, they say.But a veteran of two

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-14528747400901448712008-10-01T15:12:00.002-04:002008-10-01T15:47:13.038-04:00

Complaint Alleges Hillsborough Withheld Services To Studentsor Complaints to be filed for disabled Hillsborough students | WFTS-TV | First in HDHow many different ways can the public try to make a point. I hope for the sake of all of the kids, which is what a class action suit is about, that the complainants do not succumb to the smoke and mirrors of "early resolution" or mediation. If the

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-30091505122906959392008-09-26T15:27:00.003-04:002008-09-26T15:33:28.402-04:00

I wonder which group will be the first to learn the significance of the passage of this law. Will it be the interested parents and advocates seeking the purpose of the law or will it be the many within the public school system who should be responsible for it's compliance?Special Education Law Blog: ADA Amendments Passed and Become Law!Today (9-26-08), the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), S.3406, was

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-28497701829694018352008-09-24T20:00:00.007-04:002008-09-24T20:41:59.080-04:00

I first met Mr. Sammons a few years ago. He was in search of knowledge about the truth with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).Was there a discrepancy in what the school system said the student learned and what others said he learned? Published Thursday, August 19, 2004Administrative Judge to Decide Diploma DisputeParents say high school shuffled their son through the

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-71744753662414728302008-09-23T09:47:00.000-04:002008-09-23T09:47:46.970-04:00

Stephen Gorham Exceeds Expectations for School Board - EsKay

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-68608083972594777902008-09-21T18:42:00.000-04:002008-09-21T18:42:53.438-04:00

Dallas schools plan to ease grading standards angers teachers | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News"Our grading policy is based on raising academic standards"heard on Headline News with Richelle Carey around 6:30 pma school spokesperson says:"Kids will be able to retake "major exams" and avail themselves to taking this test, including "after school".Did I hear that right?

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-61218620544660483462008-09-21T17:45:00.001-04:002008-09-21T17:46:31.633-04:00

Hillsborough County Transportation and ESE BusingPass it along.

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-48008924849009626132008-09-14T08:24:00.010-04:002008-09-14T16:41:36.185-04:00

A link from The Gradebook:Bus change for special-needs students worries parents - St. Petersburg TimesPlease read the article for content as it speaks to "each side" (parent/LEA(local education agency))of the issue.I take exception to this comment in the article: so long as the district is meeting children's needs, officials say the district was not required to send notification about this year's

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-30240058447902918402008-09-13T21:37:00.002-04:002008-09-13T21:40:27.750-04:00

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE This educational conference’s goal is to provide parents, teachers, therapists and other professionals with resources that will help their children make achievements in all aspects of life. While we focus on children with special needs, we believe these resources are just as valuable to any child. There will be something here for everyone, for one day, in one place!This is

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-4661862868671950242008-09-13T16:08:00.005-04:002008-09-13T18:17:19.309-04:00

I know a mom in a neighboring county that sounds like the parents in the below link. She had advocated strongly to get her school district to recognize that he "is different". "They" use her personality against her, as she tries so hard not to make waves while she constantly fights for her son. He is smart. He is different. He "has" Aspergers.I saw what happened when a well crafted letter was

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-43417199294753933022008-09-08T23:50:00.005-04:002008-09-13T18:19:12.788-04:00

Back in 1997, STAND's first conference was held at USF.Amy Rowley was the guest speaker.This website is the one that I have found that explores the significance of this case.Amy "lost" in court.Thomas Vaughn's synopsis of the case was this:"Amy was given an interpreter for a 2 week trial. This professional determined that she really didn't need one and this accommodation was withdrawn. Parent

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-23289373668647343792008-09-04T20:35:00.002-04:002008-09-04T20:56:19.935-04:00

PRO on HCPS: SPARC 2008 - Inquire about VouchersHello Friends! I bet your thinking this is just another conference……. WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This year’s SPARC 2008 is not the same old conference ….. we have many different presenters, and many, many different exhibitors this year! Have you seen the list on the site?? Two of our newest and most exciting exhibitors and conference sponsors are:

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-40739550756907799302008-08-31T11:59:00.003-04:002008-08-31T12:28:09.491-04:00

School buses have Hillsborough parents fuming - St. Petersburg TimesThey say a picture is worth a thousand words.Here is a picture: "LMAO".I would assume everyone has heard about the busing fiasco. There has been enough finger pointing to go around that no glove could fit and would again vindicate OJ.I understand that a large majority of the public doesn't read the information sent to them. I get

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-20091584748311449772008-08-27T20:29:00.004-04:002008-08-29T20:47:54.359-04:00

Mothers support parents of special-needs children The challenge to parents of children with disabilities is found everywhere.The disregard to the Federal law IDEA is rampant.Keeping the majority of everyone within the public education ignorant of the true intent of IDEA is rampant and by design.There is an almost a universal reaction by all educators when they are presented the actual words of

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-66508475377583734352008-08-25T18:42:00.004-04:002008-08-29T20:52:23.895-04:00

Dollar's Worth Stretched By Teen's Triumphs, AchievementsI like Mr. Otto although I have never met him.I want to thank him for this article. Read the reader comments. There is nothing more true that low expecations within our special education system is one of our society's most moral shortcomings.And that't not just me talking. Just talk to parents of kids with disabilities that understand what

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-15665945790722387412008-08-24T18:52:00.003-04:002008-08-29T20:53:04.115-04:00

From my friend Melissa:"Hello Friends,Welcome back to school! I hope each and every one of your children have a wonderful school year! As school starts, we don’t want you to forget about registering for SPARC 2008! www.standadvocates.org SPARC 2008- It’s Going to Be Great!Saturday, September 20, 2008 8:00am – 5:00pmFitzgerald Middle SchoolLargo, FloridaOnly $25.00 until 9-13-08Hotel

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-57664570566603647392008-08-21T23:52:00.003-04:002008-08-29T20:54:11.841-04:00

A copy of the reponse from the great state of Florida regarding a movie that mocks disabilities.Please read for content and see if he addressed the issue."Dear Ms. Whitehead: Commissioner of Education Dr. Eric J. Smith asked our office to respond to the electronic message dated August 13, 2008. Your message, sent on behalf of the Statewide Advocacy Network on Disabilities (STAND) and FRIENDS –

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-10618481852792496602008-08-12T19:41:00.010-04:002008-08-29T20:57:19.973-04:00

No place else in our society that I know of places scrutiny on the English language to the degree that is found in the language of the law. When Congress reauthorizes IDEA every four years, if one reads the commentary found in the Federal Code of Regulations 34 CFR Parts 300 and 301, one will see how much time and effort one word can be parsed. The commentary adds meaning to the intent of the law

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-61662282553318426892008-08-09T20:02:00.007-04:002008-08-29T20:56:42.817-04:00

Trying to make sense of words, because they are important.I really need some help on this one. How does a student become "eligible" for occupational therapy under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?All answers appreciated. Take nothing for granted. I have just read something that may interrupt my enjoyment of the Buc's game and the PPV Ultimate Fight.I need some validation

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-68427232070354623302008-08-08T20:55:00.003-04:002008-08-29T20:58:18.925-04:00

If you don't know where Fort Lonesome is, look 9 miles east of Wimauma on CR 674. It looks a lot different than it did in 1953. But it is still 9 miles east of Wimauma.Who would have thought that a country cracker would become an Evidence Based Practitioner. I may not be one yet, but I am pretty far down the railroad tracks. Having been a mental health counselor and then owner/operator/teacher/"

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-86548076688098693512008-08-06T14:28:00.006-04:002008-09-01T10:01:05.479-04:00

In yesterday's Tampa Tribune, buried under the title of USF Charter School Changes Name, Management we find:"The board also appointed: Joyce Wieland to general director of exceptional student education; and "Maryann Parks to supervisor of exceptional student education,...."When I look at the current HCPS Exceptional Student Education Department's list of administrators, I note that there is the

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-41258707709364846022008-08-05T15:11:00.004-04:002008-08-29T20:59:10.014-04:00

I have spent most of my blogging time over on my PRO on HCPS site and reading The Gradebook. Plus keeping up with Goader. And I found a blog that has some interesting comments about special education.I have a backlog of notes on ideas to write about but keep putting them off. I imagine when something happens to trigger my need to vent, I will at least have some notes to fall back on to help

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-56937302521326682692008-07-12T19:04:00.005-04:002008-08-29T20:59:48.759-04:00

Frequent readers of my blogs would recognize that I have been accused in the past by the then top administrators of making "broad brush attacks" against the HCPS. I thought I was simply speaking the truth. And I still think so.One of the issues that I have faced as the parent of a disabled student within the HCPS system was teachers of the disabled that were less than professional. Couple that

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-64899193158539079272008-07-08T16:49:00.002-04:002008-07-08T16:51:16.471-04:00

This Thursday and Friday- July 8th and 9th.Public welcome.Dreyer and Associates201 N. Franklin Street, Ste 1775Tampa, Florida 33602

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-17879141755972552122008-07-03T20:52:00.001-04:002008-07-03T21:06:02.711-04:00

I just finished my second 1/2 day as a court spectator to the Due Process.It is scheduled to be continued.I am learning more about what I already knew.Low expectations can be a roadblock.Read the links.Learn the history.Understand the disconnect.

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-86587620227956169742008-07-01T07:05:00.004-04:002008-09-02T23:27:02.955-04:00

From Wrightslaw, we have the legal definition:"Congress also made significant changes in the legal definition of "transition services" in IDEA 2004.(34) Transition Services - The term `transition services' means a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that-(A) is designed to be a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-16202850984793262112008-06-29T20:16:00.000-04:002008-06-29T20:17:01.386-04:00

For those who would like to see another side of how ESE issues are dealt with, observing a due process case is eye opening.The current Whitehead due process hearing is open to the public and covers issues such as appropriate post-secondary transition and discrimination.June 30 - July 3Dreyer and Associates201 N. Franklin Street, Ste 1775Tampa, Florida 33602

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-29229699234706354992008-06-09T17:19:00.006-04:002008-09-02T23:32:14.385-04:00

"I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,I can see all obstacles in my wayGone are the dark clouds that had me blindIt’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)Sun-Shiny day." - Johnny Nash************Maybe more will see the obstacles in their way.I am not sure the dark clouds are gone.Maybe someday it truly will be a bright, sun shiny day.I'm out of the system. Just like Lee.I must say that

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-69223158985444191982008-06-08T09:21:00.008-04:002008-08-29T21:03:27.872-04:00

I have scanned the Press Release regarding the settlement of May 2, 2000, Whitehead vs. HCSD. The contact information at the bottom of the press release has changed. The link can be found on my side bar "May 2008 - How much money will the District spend this time?"There are many issues regarding this case. If nothing else, the word "Ethics" should be of grave concern to anyone associated with

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-73599601899995953482008-06-07T17:31:00.005-04:002008-08-29T21:04:50.189-04:00

Back in the day, I am sure most of us had to balance an equation, either in math or chemistry. April Griffin has a post about a teacher who deserves recognition.I have purposely not named names on my blogs. I just posted a comment to a comment on my PRO blog, and I spoke about how, when my son was a student, I learned that an accolade from me about a teacher, support person or even a mid-level

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-36539709687867281832008-06-05T15:24:00.003-04:002008-06-06T09:18:44.297-04:00

Hopefully, frequent readers of my two blogs, and those who should be knowledgeble about IDEA, understand the difference between a state complaint and due process as both are defined in IDEA. Here is a letter for you to read and share with others:What this Mom would say to a School Board, if she believed they would listen…..June, 2008 Dear Hillsborough County School Board members, I am writing to

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-36785397979362714752008-06-02T21:52:00.004-04:002008-06-02T22:04:01.219-04:00

Anon and I have had a civil discourse. I will take it upon his/her word that I made sense of the issue.Read the comment section for yourself to see what we talked about.

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-344497436908222222008-05-28T23:48:00.007-04:002008-09-03T20:04:08.658-04:00

Not only am I a broad-brush-attack, isolated-incident, malcontent parent who can-never-be-appeased, I also have a desire to educate. Just ask the hundreds-close-to-low thousands of families that I have had contact with over the last 32 years.I believe that the world of Special Education is the cornerstone of "public education". For those who have never been responsible for a disabled person, this

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-57348418095513506852008-05-26T13:36:00.005-04:002008-08-29T21:08:00.872-04:00

There are so many aspects about SpEd that don't meet the trained eye. One aspect about the previous story of the kid getting "voted out of the class" is that the article states the kid was being evaluated for autism ---- since February.For those who are buying into the reality that our public school system is more about the "'business' of education" rather than the "business of 'education', I

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-48460203223883874282008-05-26T09:34:00.008-04:002008-08-29T21:09:19.175-04:00

The response by Suzie Creamcheese on my previous post contains the word "trust" in this context:"......We work so darn hard with the kids, try to make parents trust us and another teacher and her administrator cut us off at the knees!!! ".I have written about the word "trust" and have used it as a Blog post label. Back in the day, when I had frequent contact with school personnel in many

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-25549979866000045392008-05-24T22:18:00.004-04:002008-05-24T22:39:26.542-04:00

We all know the story. A little animal faces adversity from it's peers. The little animal is shunned, mocked and ridiculed. Then one day, the little animal figures out that it can identify with others and suddenly the adversity disappears. At least in the story.Thanks to the Gradebook, we have the link to this story: Teacher lets Morningside students vote out classmate, 5 ... "After each

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-24248652147998736562008-05-18T11:36:00.003-04:002008-08-29T21:12:01.605-04:00

I posted this on my other blog.Again, thanks to The Gradebook, they have this post: SCHOOLS NEED SHRINKS: Students, especially those with special needs, should not have to do without psychological services as the Miami-Dade district has proposed in its budget cuts, two Nova Southeastern U. psychology profs write in an op-ed piece for the Miami Herald.Lest we forget, public education is a business

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-9224752058306578222008-05-02T19:04:00.005-04:002008-09-03T20:01:07.070-04:00

In the card game of Hearts, one gets to manipulate their environment by giving away three cards. As one gains experience, the choice of what cards to give away will be based on a reasoned chance of what one will receive in the exchange. Then you are on your own.In the card game of Spades, you get what you are dealt. But you have a partner that you must cooperate with to maximize your chance of

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-65290533768107456442008-05-02T14:19:00.003-04:002008-05-02T14:33:47.335-04:00

I suppose each of us have a passion about something in our life. Some more than others. Some stronger than others. Some may have passions that lie dormant because they are not triggered.When it comes to issues within the public school education system, blogs are full of passioned commenter's.Yesterday I created this post. I received this comment on the situation of public schools. It was better

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-35810968161025005622008-05-01T17:26:00.002-04:002008-05-01T17:43:12.549-04:00

Published: Thursday, May 1, 2008Polk Schools Must Pay Family $720,000Administrative judge says district failed to adequately educate autistic student.By John Chambliss THE LEDGER **********I know this man. His story is not an isolated incident.But there are few parents who have all it takes to deal with the system.This is what the judge said:"In a 20-page ruling, Judge William F. Quattlebaum in

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-38855858356216547402008-04-20T09:40:00.004-04:002008-04-20T12:56:42.946-04:00

There is a lot of angst amongst the HCDS people about something called Springboard. In today's Tribune, there is an article that leads one to believe that this Springboard gimmick may be more about how some people can make money disguised as an effort to increase accountability in education.Maybe image is everything. After all, schools are supposed to educate students, and what better way to say

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-70802173341967379072008-04-10T17:20:00.004-04:002008-04-11T07:12:12.210-04:00

I decided to copy-n-paste my comment on my previous post. Maybe more people will get to read it. Because we all know the road to improvement is based on exposure. Tell your friends.*********************Considerations for Educationally Relevant Therapy"CERT".I have written several times about "parsing" of words. I have been in many, many IEP teams where services are denied because "it" wasn't "

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-57453452954304972412008-04-08T18:14:00.006-04:002008-04-22T20:59:45.667-04:00

I started what I thought would be a short answer to a comment on this post: Moron State Complaints. But I couldn't just stop at one paragraph,so here is my response.No thanks on being one of those ESE teachers, or any other position. I couldn't work in a system that depends on slight-of- hand relationships in order for the system to continue to exist. And hopefully, all that ESE teachers should

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-51455985920610356222008-04-06T17:23:00.002-04:002008-04-06T18:18:43.723-04:00

"Long as I remember the rain been comin down.Clouds of mystry pourin' confusion on the ground.Good men through the ages, tryin to find the sun;And I wonder, still I wonder, who'll stop the rain." - Credence Clearwater Revival***************I've "pumped a lot "pain"" on my blogs. I've written about how I perceive the "HCDS system" having a propensity towards obfuscation, parsing of words and

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-28700842764070375522008-04-05T14:58:00.003-04:002008-04-05T15:27:50.280-04:00

Within the world of ESE, there is a lot of needed information to play the game. Very few players have that information. There is a lot of misinformation out and about about how some parents "sue the District". I think the HCDS once had a big meeting at the fair grounds to address the rumor mill about parents suing the District. I would love to hear some first hand accounting of what was said, and

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-4200148396634665722008-04-02T08:12:00.004-04:002008-04-02T09:05:48.960-04:00

IEP season is getting near. ESE specialists are honing up on how to streamline IEP meetings with minimal distractions. This includes practicing a "set routine" of the IEP meeting process and remembering to delay addressing parental questions and concerns until the end of the meeting. Phrases such as "we will get to that later", or "we need to do these steps first" or maybe "we don't have to write

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-41441772318786439892008-03-22T13:46:00.003-04:002008-03-22T14:24:26.617-04:00

I am under strict marital-law orders to clarify my previous post:HIgh School Sex -It's More Than Just Sex When I wrote that I wasn't going to ask the second girl if the adult school employee was having sex with her before she graduated, I was trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. Like, maybe he took some professional development courses, and instead of grading on her curves while she was a

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-70967600951515907252008-03-22T09:26:00.005-04:002008-09-03T20:09:59.702-04:00

If you are thinking I am going to share personal history, I'll play a little of Garth Brooks' "Old Stuff":"Oh the stories we could tellIf it weren't for the code of the road,,,"Just a marketing ploy to get one's attention. Speaking of marketing, now that we know some people pay $4000 an hour for sex activity in New York, it may be surprising to know that one can get a blow job in Immokalee, Fla

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-75638922238172113382008-03-20T08:45:00.008-04:002008-09-14T17:15:35.478-04:00

If this account is true, I wonder if the secretary has kids.Or was her reaction to an irate parent a reflection of an administrative posture that "no one talks to us that way. We are educational experts."In the real business world, consumers who don't like the way they are treated don't go back. In the real business world, business owners have the right to refuse service to those they do not want

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-24347270824812477882008-02-14T21:56:00.007-05:002008-09-03T20:05:09.270-04:00

Deaf student left miles from home"Pinellas school officials are investigating an incident Tuesday that left a 13-year-old deaf girl at the wrong bus stop, in the rain, more than two miles from her home""She tried to use sign language and other hand gestures, said her father, Joe Catalano. But the driver seemed frustrated and hurried her off the bus. Asked whether Heather tried to communicate with

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-69849378612889827052008-02-11T20:00:00.000-05:002008-02-12T19:30:17.814-05:00

Special Education is not for the faint of heart. It is about big money as much or more as it is about specialized instruction that is designed to meet the needs of a student with disabilities.A comment from Personal Experience 6:28 about a parent having "sued the district time after time" gives rise to the question if the commenter understands the difference between due process, which is a highly

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-25971089431152566902008-02-02T19:39:00.001-05:002008-04-09T10:17:46.356-04:00

There is something very intriguing about the doors to public education. I don’t know who built the first one, but I am sure that information could be found if one took the time. I have no doubt that the study of the origin and progression of public schools in our country would be a fascinating endeavor . I am also sure the following statement made by a former Teacher of the Year would not go

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-33434667010328488892008-01-21T14:37:00.000-05:002008-01-21T15:19:21.354-05:00

I was trying to find the information about how making public schools be responsible for educating disabled kids was more about politics than education. Still haven't found it, but the search is interesting. I once went to Washington D.C. to speak to a couple of legislators about ESE Issues. It has been about 10 years ago and my memory has a lot of gaps in it.I found this Report to Congress and

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-84891915499812469692008-01-20T11:38:00.001-05:002008-03-24T19:15:45.827-04:00

A little Van Halen to jump start the day:"Some say money is bad for the soulBad for the rock, bad for the rollBad for the heart , bad for the brainBad for the damn near everything oh yeahIt must be good for something"I have reason to remind the readers of this event from the recent past:Old news is still bad newsGo to the link and read finding of fact by the State. Not just a complaining

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-62714113441455147592008-01-19T08:34:00.000-05:002008-01-19T10:00:55.941-05:00

A wide variety of media sources are full of stories about the financial woes of school systems. Not enough money for this, and not enough money for that. In the arena of Special Education, it is the same. Try to have a discussion about Special Education finances with a high ranking administrator and see how long it is before they make sure it is stated that the District is "responsible for all

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-53766112943434822352008-01-18T15:54:00.001-05:002008-03-24T19:13:24.990-04:00

My previous post was an attempt to provide some insight in to why some educational settings do not succeed, despite how much the educators involved want to believe that they know what they are doing. Money is not the answer. Changing a mind-set is.As a parent of a disabled child, I have years of experience and hundreds of anecdotal incidents (far exceeding what was often referred to as "isolated"

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-78964424813281589992008-01-18T13:24:00.000-05:002008-01-19T08:04:30.286-05:00

While many professionals perceive parents as a biased and uniformed source of information regarding best practices, some parents do try to inform themselves regarding challenging issues dealing with their children. Imagine the response a parent might receive if they provided the below article to their IEP team. The "knowing looks" among the professionals as they perceive the information as just

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-58601981753812871242008-01-12T08:05:00.000-05:002008-01-12T09:17:47.539-05:00

This TAP (Technical Assistance Paper) speaks to a District's responsibilities to behavior. Functional Behavioral Assessmentand Behavioral Intervention PlansIt should be noted that it references IDEA 1997. If there is a current TAP for IDEA 2004, it could not be located.A few points of interest are:"Federal law now places greater emphasis than before on the role of functionalbehavioral assessments

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-91151661327887762242008-01-11T16:27:00.000-05:002008-01-11T17:47:31.928-05:00

The basics of Least Restrictive Environment.Full context is provided for those who want to see where it came from. The section focused on is found at the bottom below.If we focus on the last clause, we find:(ii) Special classes, separateschooling, or other removal of childrenwith disabilities from the regulareducational environment occurs only if the nature or severity of the disability is such

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-19864464218956809192007-12-31T09:10:00.000-05:002007-12-31T10:41:15.143-05:00

When one looks at the ESE page of the SDHC, follows the links, one would find:SCHOOL DISTRICT OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDAEXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION THE EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNICATORExceptional News for Exceptional PeopleAugust 2006September 2006October 2006 November/December 2006 January 2007 February/March 2007 April/May 2007 No Exceptional News after April/May 2007 for Exceptional People?^^^^

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-77879746171799201132007-11-28T19:31:00.001-05:002008-04-09T10:16:37.322-04:00

I will be gone for two weeks. Not sure how often I will be able to access online. In a way, I will miss it. In a way, I will be glad to get away from hearing stories of ignorance. It amazes me when those who should know the law, don't. It amazes me when they abuse their power through their ignorance.Let's talk about evaluations and re-evaluations. At the risk of doing what I think the District

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-87397268376310413462007-11-25T17:25:00.001-05:002008-04-09T10:13:15.280-04:00

In late 1996, when I realized that common sense and normal interactions with many of the people-in-power within the public school system did not work, I sought assistance from other sources. One of these happened to be a book."You, Your Child, and Special Education" - A Guide to Making the System Work by Barbara Coyne CutlerIt made a lot of sense as I connected to the issues that were outlined.

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-7942475384380812052007-11-19T14:57:00.001-05:002008-09-03T20:19:19.826-04:00

I keep checking for updated information on this website. It says to.But every once in a while someone asks this question - What is an LEA rep? This website titled LEA Questions and Answers gives some information:SCHOOL DISTRICT OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FLORIDAEXCEPTIONAL STUDENT EDUCATION Q: Who can sign as LEA? A: At school sites, the only school-based personnel who may act and sign as the "LEA"

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-56675861296929838902007-11-14T12:28:00.000-05:002007-11-14T12:30:29.427-05:00

The wheels of professional education grind on:MEMORANDUM TO: District Superintendents FROM: Bambi J. LockmanDATE: November 9, 2007SUBJECT: Florida Alternate AssessmentAs you are aware, we have just completed the field test for the new Florida Alternate Assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities. We thank you for your participation and the valuable feedback you and your

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-3808576427492218472007-11-10T12:26:00.001-05:002008-09-03T20:22:24.667-04:00

Northoftampa: 'I'll be his legs,' dad says I hope this article does not paint the whole picture. But my experience tells me it does. I hope my fears are wrong, but I have seen it too many times. Prove me wrong when I think this student is not accessing his curriculum appropriately according to IDEA and research based practices.This sentence bothers me. "In kindergarten at Symmes (any)Elementary

PRO On HCPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15353857127042470801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9031683698037250788.post-23188367118997306282007-11-09T09:57:00.001-05:002008-07-05T00:02:12.555-04:00

As I read and hear media reports about sex and violence in our school systems, I usually see a follow up report on how our parents are failing in their responsibilities to properly train their children. The assumption is made that along with the responsibility of having a child, the necessary skills should be in existence too.Public school systems take on responsibilities of training students to

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