Minutes
Special Education Subcommittee Meeting
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
A meeting of the Special Education Subcommittee was held on Wednesday, October 26, 2011
at 7:00 pm at Quincy High School. Present were Ms. Barbara Isola and Mrs. Emily Lebo, Chair.
Also attending were Superintendent DeCristofaro, Ms. Judy Todd, Ms. Donna Cunningham, Mr.
Richard Kelly, Ms. Erin Perkins, QPAC Board members, interested parents, and Ms. Laura
Owens, Clerk.
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by Mrs. Lebo. Given that a School Committee
quorum was not present, the meeting was held for informational purposes only.
Ms. Todd reviewed recent changes in 504 Plans, one specific issue relating to food allergies, which are
no longer covered. 504 plans are for issues that substantially limit a student’s ability to learn; some
health issues are covered, but not all. Recent changes include the requirement to re-evaluate every
three years (as in IEPs); QPS reviews every fall and re-evaluates each child’s plan. 504s expire at the end
of each school year. 504 plans are now documented in StarBase. Concerns were expressed about the
process for removing students from 504 plans. Ms. Todd reviewed the procedure and noted that
individual health plans have become the means for handling food and other allergies.
The next item on the agenda was IEP Implementation and Ms. Todd explained about the new tracking
program (Easy Track) that allows for schedule monitoring for specialists. There was a subsequent
discussion about requiring parent signatures for interim reports and report cards (as is required for
progress reports) and perhaps utilizing Instant Alert so parents are aware of report release dates.
Ms. Todd then presented the Special Education Program Improvement Plan that was presented and
approved at the School Policy Subcommittee meeting on September 26, 2011 and then approved at the
School Committee meeting on October 5, 2011. Ms. Todd reviewed progress towards last year’s goals,
especially the new core ELA and supplemental Math for middle school that are fully implemented for
this school year. She cited the success of the Orton Gillingham program (every elementary school has
one certified or soon to be certified teacher and every middle school has one or more certified teachers)
and the new Lexia (computer-based) program that is being used in resource rooms, allowing teachers to
utilize small-group instruction strategies. Another goal from last year successfully implemented was the
awareness of the new Anti-bullying regulations and implications for SPED students; IEPs are reflecting
needs of these students.
In a review of the MCAS data and growth model (preliminary scores), Ms. Todd noted that Middle
School math is a major concern, but the numbers are moving in the right direction. Mrs. Lebo noted
that the Grade 10 numbers are phenomenal, especially considering the number of first time test takers
in Grade 10. Professional development money through SPED grant will be focused on this area, as well
as online coursework, DSAC support (for both SPED and regular education teachers). The goal is to
2 Special Education Subcommittee Meeting 10-26-11 build math content knowledge base for middle school SPED teachers. High school math scores are
showing impressive growth.
For 2011-12, the goals are focused on Standards 3 and 5: implementation of Lexia, understanding of
updated regulations. Visualizing and Verbalizing training was completed; LIPS will be completed in the
spring. QPAC goals are the same as last year, with new action steps. The Disability Book was a
cooperative effort between QPAC and SPED team; can be used for all levels of school. Both the Program
Improvement Plan and the Disability Book are available on the QPS website; special thanks to QPAC for
the collaboration on the Disability Book.
There was a subsequent discussion about Math instruction and how to help prepare parents for the
curriculum changes coming with the new Common Core Standards. Suggestions included hands-on
Math workshops, sharing sample lesson plans (once available from DESE). Also discussed needed
communication with teachers in terms of progress reports and comments more clearly describing
student class performance. This is being followed for first term and will be discussed with School
Committee at a meeting later this year; update on the issue can be presented at next SPED meeting.
For the QPAC Update section of the agenda, Jill Gichuhi presented on the goals and action steps for
2011-2012: Increase participation in QPAC by (1) increasing the visibility of QPAC in the schools and
community, (2) improving communication between QPAC and members, and (3) improving the services
provided through the Resource Center. Advise the district on special education policies, procedures,
and programs by (1) evaluating information provided to substitutes regarding students with disabilities,
(2) reviewing QPS transition-related procedures, and (3) developing a parent’s guide to special
education.
Ms. Gichuhi then reviewed the meeting schedule, including general meetings, subcommittee meetings,
support groups, and special presentations and events. The December 8th presentation on Parent’s
Rights and Program Overview will need to be rescheduled. The discussion that followed centered on
whether there it is possible to utilize Early Childhood program students to provide babysitting. Also,
whether when a child is referred to SPED for initial evaluation, would it be possible to include
information about QPAC with forms. Since most parents are new to SPED process, this might be a
helpful kind of support.
The next item on the agenda was information about Social Skills Programming across QPS. Donna
Cunningham discussed how it begins in integrated pre-school setting with Tools of the Mind. Building on
this is Second Step, DARE, and Steps to Respect in elementary schools. Guidance counselors and school
psychologists tailor content to groups as needed. In middle schools, guidance works on specifically
targeted topics and special programs like Rachel’s Challenge are presented. In high school, Life Skills
programs are focused on these same topics. Transitional planning brings these topics into the IEP
process. Also, in high school, the school psychologists have groups on social skills. NQHS reverse
inclusion: AP/Honors students going into SPED classrooms and Student Council is working with learning
centers. The subsequent discussion focused on how to ensure that all students have exposure to these
social skills programs in an immersive way. Ms. Todd clarified that individual IEPs do have specific goals
for that and student and social skills information is often embedded in program. Some substantially
separate classroom students who may not be able to participate in larger school activities have this
content for student development every day. The group agreed that having a comprehensive list of
what curriculum is being used in SST classrooms would be helpful information.
The last item on the agenda was Parental Concerns. Questions were raised about how team chairs
know that a 3-year reevaluation is due (Easy IEP system has notification 60 days before due and parents
can also remind team chair), how transitioning a student with IEP to college works (transition plan is
specific, suggestions about support services at colleges, self-advocacy skills). Anticipation for the SPED
Transition Guide (under development). Also discussed were concerns about people missing Instant
Alerts (update contact information online at https://instantalert.honeywell.com/ ) and bus tags/privacy
(use is optional, can be placed inside book bag rather than worn).
The next meeting is February 1, 2012.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45.