Special Education Town Hall Meeting Agenda
Wednesday, 4/8/20 at 11 AM
Introduction (Press *6 on your phone or click on the microphone on your screen to mute. Questions will be held until the end and posted via the chat feature.)
- Good morning to all of our parents and guardians joining us today. Challenging situations are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call out our courage and strength. We are stronger together. Together we will get through this!
- This morning, we would like to commend all of our students and families for their valiant partnership as we travel these uncharted paths in an effort to continue supporting our students and their instructional goals virtually.
- We want to begin by acknowledging and thanking the Teaneck Board of Education and our Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Christopher Irving for their leadership and guidance. We would also like to thank our Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Ms. Angela R. Davis, Ms. Christine Jiminez-Johnson, the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Ms. Patricia Dent, Director of Innovation, ELA, and ESL, all of our building administrators, our child study team members, related service providers, and our teachers for finding innovative ways to engage with our students and their families during this pandemic.
- I think that I speak for all of us in saying that we all wish we could be together. For now, we can all do our part by continuing to follow the social distancing recommendations from the state.
- That said, the Teaneck Public Schools Department of Special Education is committed to ensuring our students with disabilities receive educational services closest to the manners prescribed within their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). We recognize this might pose some challenges, but we are heartened by the collective efforts of our district leadership team, school leaders, parents, educators, and related service providers who continue to expand on the intent of IDEA to provide educational services during this unexpected and unprecedented time. At this time, please hold your questions for the end. There is a lot of detailed information that will be covered. This presentation will be posted on the Special Education Google Site following this meeting.
- Beginning, April 13, we are moving to Google Classroom in grades 1-12 and for our students in the 18-21 year old program.
- Preschool and Kindergarten will follow recommendations set forth by the Department of Education to limit screen time and will follow instructional plans similar to what they have utilized for the last three weeks which can be found on their teacher’s eBoard. For additional, information or specific questions, please contact:
- Information can be found on the district’s web page by going to the COVID-19 section and click on the Student Resources tab: https://www.teaneckschools.org/StudentResources.aspx. Use the Google Classroom link on that page. The schedules for Elementary, Middle and High Schools can be found on this page.
Student Schedule
- Teachers will be available via Google Classroom during the instructional time blocks to support students. Each child’s teacher will contact parents/guardians with a specific access code to use. If you have not received this information, please contact your child’s teacher.
- Child Study Team Members and Related Service Providers will be available during normal school hours to support students and families. They have initiated contact (please check your email) and will continue to do so as the new schedule goes into effect April 13.
- In the department, we began access to remote learning via Google Meet for Virtual IEP Meetings and Related Services for Special Education Students and Families effective March 25, 2020. I am happy to report in response to the COVID-19 situation, the modifications to the special education regulations that came out of the State Board of Education meeting, April 2, 2020, lifted the restrictions on providing related services remotely, which we had been preparing and in some cases had proactively scheduled and conducted.
- The NOTICE AND CONSENT/OPT-OUT FOR VIRTUAL MEETING AND REMOTE LEARNING FOR RELATED SERVICES was distributed to special education families, March 24, 2020. If parents/guardians choose to deny consent, this will be shared with case managers and building administration. Case managers will inform any related service providers. Despite the opt-out, students will still receive related services instruction via packets, instructional plans, phone calls and/or email exchanges.
- The AUDIO and/or VIDEO feature will be used - Remote learning (at the discretion of the service provider) may include but not limited to “virtual” audio or video meetings/conferences, telephone calls, packets with skill based activities aligned to IEP mandates, goals and objectives. In addition, each related service provider (Speech, OT, PT, and/or Counselor) will be in touch to arrange a mutually convenient time and date within the normal school hours, followed by an electronic notice of the schedule. This process began March 25, but the schedule will be arranged upon the return from break April 13 as students, parents/guardians and teachers adjust to the new Google Classroom instruction and schedule.
- Related service providers may use Google Classroom, embed in another Google Classroom of one of your child’s teachers, or use their eBoards. This information will be provided to you.
- OT and PTs contracted to work with your children have been provided with Teaneck email addresses.
Google Classroom Features -
- The Google Classroom will allow for the following:
- New content and material
- Opportunities for conversation and dialogue
- Pre-recorded videos with explanations
- Real time feedback for students
- Links to other instructional resources
- Opportunities for engagement (peer to peer) using the chat feature.
- Special Education Student’s teachers will ensure resources are varied (e.g., audio, multiple texts) and aligned to the goals in the IEP as well as easy to follow instructions with details for students to follow independently, as needed.
- All activities are aligned to the learning objective and standards.
- All activities or assignments engage students in deep, critical thinking (e.g., evaluation, synthesis and analysis).
- Ongoing assessments are listed and in the spirit of the posted assignment.
Logistics
- We discussed that schedules have been shared by building administration and can be found on the district’s web page by going to the COVID-19 section and clicking on the Student Resources tab: https://www.teaneckschools.org/StudentResources.aspx. Use the Google Classroom link on that page.
- Again, each teacher and related service provider will share an access code for Google Classroom.
- Paraprofessionals are working on professional development training modules. Remote learning student support will be reevaluated after the first week Google Classroom has been in session. Additional information regarding paraprofessional services will be forthcoming. If you have questions regarding this paraprofessional support, please contact your case manager and/or the department of special services.
- If parents/guardians do not have internet access at home, they can come to our Chromebook Depot (parking lot of Teaneck High School – Cranford Avenue side) April 8 and 9 to request a free “hotspot”. They may also pick up a Chromebook according to the schedule distributed.
Google Meet
Other platforms for work submission may be used such as:
- Flipgrid may be utilized by elective teachers to record performances
- Related Service Providers may use eBoards to provide information
New Jersey State Assessments
On March 24, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy announced that the State of New Jersey is cancelling all statewide student assessments for the spring 2020 testing window. This includes the springtime administration of the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA), ACCESS for ELLs, and the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) assessment. The NJDOE expressed that they recognize educators, students, and families will have questions. The department is working to mitigate any unintended consequences, and we will work through multiple channels to keep stakeholders fully informed of updated guidance and other changes.
Extended School Year (ESY)
ESY applications for eligible classified students were sent out prior to our health-related school closure. By April 30, 2020, parents and guardians should return the completed ESY applications to:
Alia Sterns/ asterns@teaneckschools.org
Teaneck Department of Special Services
One Merrison Street
Teaneck, NJ 07666
Challenger Camp
By April 29, 2020, please return all completed Challenger Camp applications to:
TEANECK RECREATION DEPARTMENT
250 COLONIAL COURT
TEANECK, NJ 07666
Ms. Samantha Mascarelli
Asst. Recreation Supervisor
Teaneck Recreation Department
(201) 837-7130 ext. 7004
Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG):
- SEPAG is a group of volunteer parents and guardians of students with disabilities who work with TPS’s administration and teachers to advise the Board of Education on matters related to special education services in the district, and serve as a resource by giving information to other parents in Teaneck Township.
- We will continue monthly meetings virtually on the scheduled dates and times.
- Mr. Jennette, the parent outreach coordinator, will email all current SEPAG members and those who wanted to join based on individual feedback from the Special Education Parent/Guardian Survey. This email will go out early next week.
- We are looking to reschedule the parent session planned for March, titled - Navigating Special Education and Partnering with Your Home District with Dr. Harold Tarriff. Additional information will be forthcoming.
Parent communication
- You are encouraged to reach out with questions or concerns.
1- Contact your child’s teacher or related service provider.
2- Contact your child’s case manager or the Child Study Team Coordinator, Dr. Maura Tuite
3- Contact your school principal or the Assistant Director of Special Education, Ms. Shellian Mirander or Mr. Emilio Jennette, Federal & State Grants Coordinator Compliance & Parent Outreach Coordinator
4 - Contact the Director of Special Education and Nursing Services, me, Ms. Erica Cerilli-Levine
5- Contact Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services- Ms. Angela R. Davis
6- Contact Superintendent of Schools - Dr. Christopher Irving
Special Announcements
- The District is Closed Friday, April 10, 2020.
- A large number of items have been donated and distribution will take place at the High School. Please contact your building administrator if you are in need of any support at this time.
- The New Mental Health Initiative will continue. To participate, email your school counselor and/or your building administrator. You may also contact Ms. Keshia Golding-Cooper, Director of Guidance, kcooper@teaneckeschools.org .
- Ed Walsh Day has been postponed for this school year. It will be rescheduled for next May 2021.
Question and Answer
- Please type in your questions to the right hand side in the chat feature. I will address your questions.
Closing Remarks
- Thank you for participating in today’s Special Education Town Hall. Please be sure to visit the Special Education Google Site for up to date information. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
- Finally, please have a Happy Passover and Happy Easter! Stay safe and healthy and enjoy the time with your family.