2012 Northeast Service Cooperative Annual Plan Collaborating to meet your changing needs
Northeast Service Cooperative 2012 Annual Plan Collaborating to meet your changing needs STAFF DIRECTORY 5525 Emerald Avenue Mt. Iron MN 55768 Phone: (218) 741-0750 Fax: (218) 741-1719 STAFF Borchardt, Linda Extension ext. 2102 E-MAIL [email protected] Brinkman, Paul ext. 2103 [email protected] Cencich, Susan ext. 2121 [email protected] Cox, Melissa ext. 2109 [email protected] Eck, Tiffany ext. 2124 [email protected] Russ Davidson [email protected] Germ, Frank ext. 2112 [email protected] Grahek, R. Michael ext. 2107 [email protected] Hauck, Phyllis ext. 2106 [email protected] Honkola, Craig [email protected] Johnson, Harvey ext. 2125 [email protected] Lawrey, Adam ext. 2119 [email protected] Loeffen, Jonathon ext. 2120 [email protected] MacVey, Lyle ext. 2123 [email protected] Mellesmoen, Jeanette ext. 2117 [email protected] O’Toole, Jill ext. 2113 [email protected] Pavlek, James ext. 2114 [email protected] Peterson, Greg ext. 2108 [email protected] Pulford, Kijo ext. 2111 [email protected] Roskoski, Steve ext. 2115 [email protected] Rostvit, Tasha ext. 2105 [email protected] Simetkosky, Bill ext. 2110 [email protected] Steel, Audrey ext. 2104 [email protected] Sterk, Kathy ext. 2127 [email protected] Sterk, Lauren ext. 2122 [email protected] Weber, Joe ext. 2126 [email protected] Williamson, Bruce ext. 2116 [email protected] Business Services Risk Management The Northeast Service Cooperative partners with various providers to form pools to address the needs of schools, cities, counties, governmental agencies, and their employees. The insurance pools provide expanded employee contracts and more effective fiscal control of premiums. All insurance programs are offered in partnership with qualified and reputable providers that are financially sound and capable of delivering the services required. Schools, cities, counties, governmental units and their employees may access these programs at any time: • Dental • Medical • Worker's Compensation • Life • Property/Casualty • Home/Auto • Employee Assistance Program • Long-term Disability Contact Mike Grahek at 218-748-7607 or [email protected] Contact Steve Roskoski, Benefits Analyst at 218-748-7615 or [email protected] Other Administrative Services Tax & Aid Anticipation Pool Fiscal Host Services Contact Audrey Steel at 218-748-7604 or [email protected] or Mike Grahek at 218-748-7607 or [email protected] Environmental Health and Safety The Northeast Service Cooperative assists its members with two complimentary types of health and safety services: technical services and management assistance. Presently, technical services are available to members under a number of regional contracts between MacNeil Environmental, Incorporated (MEI) and the Northeast Service Cooperative for a variety of state and federal government health and safety mandates. Technical Services delivered to members, upon request, under the agreements between MEI and NESC include: • Environmental/Occupational Health & Safety • Bus Driver Safety Training • Indoor Air Quality Management • Drug and Alcohol Testing • Health and Safety Funding Application Assistance • Other services as needed (e.g. special requests for training, consultation) The Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning (DCFL) has authorized the Northeast Service Cooperative to host a Health, Safety and Environmental Management (HSEM) program for regional school districts. The program is designed to provide on-site regional health, safety, and environmental management assistance services to school districts. These services assist districts in identifying, prioritizing and scheduling health and safety capital projects and in the development and betterment of written programs. Particular emphasis is provided to assist districts in planning to manage, monitor and improve indoor air quality and to identify hazards in industrial arts shops and chemistry labs. The program assists districts to: • Identify and advise program element contact person • Identify and prioritize health and safety concern per Attachments 4 and 8 of DCFL Health and Safety policy letter • Plan and schedule remediation of health and safety hazards • Monitor the schools’ programs to prevent redevelopment of the hazards and identify new hazards • Follow through with identified hazards to their remediation These two programs - technical services through MEI and the management assistance facilitated through DCFL - allow Northeast Service Cooperative to provide an integrated program of assistance in environmental health and safety to its regional members. Certified Playground Safety Inspection A Certified Playground Safety Inspector can identify factors that contribute to playground accidents. Areas of inspection include design and arrangement, installation and maintenance, surfaces under the equipment and how children use the equipment. Contact Craig Honkola at 218-428-8675 or [email protected] or Audrey Steel at 218-748-7604 or [email protected] Review Newsletter The Review provides state and local information to all Northeast Service Cooperative members and is published and distributed throughout the year. It is also available on our website for online viewing. Contact Melissa Cox at [email protected] or 218-741-0750, ext. 2109 Cooperative Purchasing The Cooperative Purchasing program engages in quantity purchasing to obtain competitive pricing on supplies and equipment used by members. The service cooperative partners with companies to provide members assured quality, service, support, and competitive pricing. These partnerships offer year-round direct-ship programs, easy ordering, sales representation, support and new product introductions and seminars. The Coop Purchasing Program can obtain special pricing for any of your purchasing needs. Adobe Software Microsoft Software Filemaker Software Test Prep. Software Instant Alert Systems Copiers Custodial Supplies School Supplies Art Supplies Flooring & Roofing Vehicles Carpeting Industrial Supplies Athletic & PE Equipment Health & Wellness Supplies Computers & Peripherals Toner & Ink Jet Cartridges General Office Supplies Copy Paper & Colored Paper Building Bulbs & Filters Technology Needs Energy Conservation Interactive Whiteboards Power Tools & Equipment Green Cleaning Products eBooks Audio Visual Bulbs & Supplies Audio Visual Equipment Cabling & Networking Supplies Science Equipment & Supplies Playground Equipment Fluorescent Tube Disposal Electronics Recycling Classroom and Office Furniture Sound Amplification Systems Training for Interactive Boards Portable & Modular Buildings Web-based Applicant Tracking Educational Supplies for Special Needs Students Contact Jeanette Mellesmoen at 218-748-7617 or [email protected] Educational Services Education Services continues to develop its programming and services to address the changing needs of our members. Although we continue to provide quality facilitation and training services, our workshops have developed to encompass the larger role technology plays in the way we all conduct business. Workshops/Training Conferences Teacher Development Series -Facilitating Online Learning -Para e-Link Training -Creating Online Course Content -ParaPro Assessment Preparation Administrative / Staff Workshops -Bus Driver Training -Legal Seminar -E-Map Training -Educational Planning Sessions School/Community Initiatives -Student IT Competition Events Planning, Facilitation and Research Services The Northeast Service Cooperative will continue to offer facilitation services to schools, city and county government agencies, and other non-profit groups. These services are customized to meet specific needs within an organization. A representative list includes: ٠Strategic Planning ٠Team Building / Leadership Skills ٠Action Planning / Goal Setting ٠Meeting Facilitation ٠Mediation Services ٠Program Evaluation ٠Research Services / Grant Writing NESC provides staff development planning, facilitation, grant research and writing, and program evaluation services for school districts and other NESC members in the region. For more information on Educational Services programs, please contact: Paul Brinkman at [email protected] or 218-7410750 ext. 2103 or Audrey Steel at [email protected] or 218-741-0750 ext. 2104 Grant Writing One of the objectives of the Northeast Service Cooperative’s mission is to seek out and help our members apply for funding opportunities to support their initiatives. NESC provides services under the following grants: Math Science Teacher Program (MSTP) Rural Utilities Services 2 United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service Regional Low Incidence Discretionary Regional Low Incidence Comprehensive System of Professional Development Center of Excellence for Young Children with Disabilities Distance Learning Initiatives MSC Online Learning Project developed out of a pilot project in 2004 funded through the Minnesota Department of Education with funds from Title II-D of the 2001 federal No Child Left Behind Act. We have become the Minnesota Service Cooperatives Online Learning Project. This project includes the following Regional Cooperatives: Northeast (Mt. Iron), Lakes Country (Fergus Falls), Resource Training & Solutions (St. Cloud),. These new partnerships have allowed the Project model to be replicated and online resources to be disseminated among districts, teachers and students in several other areas of the state. At the end of the academic year 11-12 this involved 22 member districts within these Service Cooperative’s areas. We also provided services for students from 17 non-member districts. MSC Online provides a regional online learning system and professional development for rural and urban school districts and students in the Minnesota areas served. The Project represents an innovative regional solution to providing high-quality, cost-effective opportunities for online teaching and learning for students in grades 7 through 12. MSC Online has become an effective collaborative resource which allows districts, educators and students to experience the benefits of online learning. The experience can be one of enrichment or advancement in the education goal, some courses for college preparation that a host district may not be able to offer, and credit recovery for those students who have had some difficulty achieving success in the traditional classroom. The project has been approved as a certified online provider by the Minnesota Department of Education for the past eight years. For more information go to: www.msconline.us. During 2010-2011, the Learning Project changed somewhat. One of the Regional Coops left the project, therefore taking some of their local districts, but we still received a number of enrollments from those districts. Student enrollment in the program has decreased a small amount, but I attribute that to a couple of things: 1) students, families and schools are becoming knowledgeable what online learning nvolves. It is not the “silver bullet” or a catch-all for a student in difficulty. 2) I believe school counselors and principals have better knowledge of online learning to advise their students how to use this educational option. We still are serving over 1100 students and a number of educators in blended or hybrid online courses. In the coming year, the Project will expand its curriculum offerings, provide beginning and advanced training for online teachers and implement quality measures for teaching and course development. The Northeast Service Cooperative will support the Project with designated staff for program direction, administrative support, technical support and training. As we move into the 2012-2013 academic year, the MSC Advisory Council has directed the project to continue a focus on a Middle Level program for students in grades 7 & 8. There was a small pilot project in 08-09, and the need was evident. With this broadening of program, our curricula offerings will also increase to meet these additional needs. The Advisory Council has suggested looking at K-5 curriculum, which our provider has accessible. This would be used mostly for accelerated or homebound students, rather than to replace face to face classroom interaction. In the past, we have served students in grades 4, 5, and 6 doing enrichment work, and to enhance their local curriculum. At this time, it is not feasible for us to pursue the K-5 curriculum area. Our curriculum is also housed on a dedicated server for MSC Online – as we are the largest geographical Moodle user in the state of Minnesota. The Northeast Service Cooperative has also provided some technical resources that will aid our teachers working with their students to provide a broader, in-depth online learning experience: the use of audio and visual capabilities allowing for synchronous communication. We are looking forward to serving our students and teachers needs as we move into the 2012-2013 Academic Year. To end 11-12 and begin 12-13 we will have a Summer Session, opening June 4 and running for 18 weeks. We already have students enrollments working on credit recovery and enrichment. Fall enrollments have begun to come in as well. Never a dull or quiet moment as MSC Online! For Online Learning information, please contact: James Pavlek at [email protected] or 218-741-0750 ext. 2114 Math and Science Teacher Partnership We are in the process of completing our application to the Minnesota Department of Education for the purpose of developing a statewide Teacher Center infrastructure focusing on the improvement of mathematics and science instruction and learning. We have decided to combine the two curriculum areas and focus on math and science teachers in grades 3 – 5. Our grant application will focus on the Crosscutting Concepts of Patterns, Scale, Proportion and Quantity, and Systems and system models from the K – 12 Science Education Framework, the MN Science Standards, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Process Standards, and the MN Mathematics Standards. MDE plans to award this round of grants at the beginning of August 2012. The Northeast Minnesota Teacher Center will use quality professional development and technical assistance to assist teachers in: Learning about effective pedagogical approaches to implement Minnesota’s content standards; Mastering the use of multiple instructional approaches to differentiate instruction as well as engage students; and Improving skills to diagnose student learning needs using assessment of student performance. NESC’s partners in this endeavor are Hibbing Community College and the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Academic Enrichment Programs The Academic Enrichment Programs coordinated by the Northeast Service Cooperative continue to grow as a result of increased interest in the stability and success of our regional academic programs. During the year, more than 18,000 students in our region participated in academic programs including Minnesota Student Inventors Congress, Student Art Contest, Water is Life and Knowledge Bowl. Academic Enrichment Program Participation NESC 2011-2012 Knowledge Bowl (KB) Interdisciplinary academic competitions for students in grades 6-12. Teams of students compete in both written and oral contests that challenge students’ recall, problem solving and critical thinking skills. Top Senior High Teams advance to a State competition. Elementary KB – Grade 5-6 Schools: 15 Teams: 39 Students 312 Junior High KB – Grades 7-8 Schools: 21 Teams: 48 Students: 336 Junior Varsity KB – Grades 9-10 Schools: 20 Teams: 47 Students: 329 Senior High KB – Grades 10-12 Schools: 32 Teams: 126 Students: 756 Total KB Student Participation: Teams: 260 Students: 1,733 Minnesota Student Inventors Congress (MSIC) Regional Inventor’s Fair for students in grades 4-12. Each student or two-student team has the opportunity to display an invention and have their work judged on creativity, originality and the invention process. The top 25 inventions are invited to a non-competitive State Inventors Congress. Schools: 13 Students: 310 at Regional Event; missing district data for students participating at the district level Spelling Bee (SB) Regional spelling competition for students in grades 5-8. The top four winners advance to the Multi-Regional State Spelling Bee. Districts: 13 Students: 30 at Region Bee; Missing district data for students participating at the district level Future Cities Competition (FCC) FCC is a student competition for grades 7 & 8 designed to promote interest in math, science and engineering. Student teams design and build a “future city” using computer software and recycled materials, while working with a volunteer engineer. Teams are able to participate in a state event and have a chance to advance to a national competition as part of National Engineers Week. Schools: Students: 1 5 Student Art Contest Each year, we select a theme and students in K-12 are invited to enter the contest to win a place for their artwork in the annual Northeast Service Cooperative Calendar, which is distributed to all NESC members. All artwork received is also displayed throughout the year for the public to enjoy at the NESC regional offices in Mt. Iron. Schools: Students: 3 152 Water is Life Art Contest & Scholarship Program NESC is pleased to partner with the Freshwater Society for this free and exciting contest designed to increase awareness of water management issues. $500, $300 and $200 prizes will be awarded to the three top state competition winners in each contest. All remaining finalists will be awarded a certificate of participation. Total Student Participation in NESC Academic Enrichment Programs for 2011-2012: 2,230 Total Regional School Student Participation is unavailable due to missing district data for students participating at the district level Information Technology Information Technology (IT) is a broad term that includes all aspects of managing and processing information and related technologies. The IT department at the Northeast Service Cooperative (NESC) is responsible for designing, developing, supporting and managing computer hardware, computer software, and information networks, including the Internet. The field of Information Technology is ever changing and continually improving and upgrading, which is the same for the IT services provided at NESC. This department believes in evolving to meet the growing and changing needs of our members. Provided is an overview of the technology services available at NESC and contact information for the department. Contact: Lyle MacVey at 218-748-7623 or [email protected] or Linda Borchardt at 218-7487602 or [email protected] or Bill Simetkosky at 218-748-7610 or [email protected] or Greg Peterson at 218-748-7608 or [email protected] or Tiffany Anderson at 218-748-7625 or [email protected] or Melissa Cox at 218-748-7609 or [email protected]. Customized Customer Support Program Available by special arrangement, the Northeast Service Cooperative IT department is able to provide on-site customer support to our network members. The program requires a multi-year contract, with a minimum support level of 3 hours per day covering a 12 month period. Please send inquiries to Bill Simetkosky, [email protected]. Minnesota Telecommunications Northeast Service Cooperative has operated a telecommunications network providing internet access to our member school districts and regional libraries since 2000. Achieving CLEC (Competitive local exchange carrier) status in 2006, Northeast Service Cooperative has lowered the cost of internet services to our members and has allowed us to provide additional telecommunications services in the form of telephone service. Internet bandwidth previously delivered by T1 transport services purchased by local carriers, has been replaced with fiber connectivity where available. The increase in available bandwidth has allowed our member school districts to expand curriculum offerings to students. In its next phase of telecommunication service development, Northeast Service Cooperative will be able to provide fiber connectivity for broadband access to a wide range of customers in northeast Minnesota. (Please see Northeast Middle Mile Fiber Project) Network Operations Center (NOC) Email support requests to: [email protected] or call 1-866-306-3926. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call Routing: The NOC phone is answered by one of the IT staff on duty unless excessive call volume necessitates that a call be routed through the voice mail system. Callers will have the option to hold for an available technician, or leave a message, or call back. Technical Support: We have on board experienced technical staff that’s available to answer and troubleshoot your call problems. Specific information related to support can be accessed on the Northeast Service Cooperative website at www.nesc.k12.mn.us. Network Monitoring Critical systems will be monitored 24x7 by our Solarwinds network management system. Manage precise tracking of your internal incidents / troubles using our enterprise level Kayako Live Response Support System. -Online Web-based Help Desk application -24x7 Advanced Network monitoring -24x7 Critical systems monitoring -Web-based Monitoring reports Support requests can be sent to: [email protected] Multimedia Support Services Distance Learning / ITV / Streaming (Multicast) Services NESC’s Multimedia Support Services help bring a focused and managed plan together to help you meet both short and long term goals in improving reliability and usability of these services. Traditional Distance Learning and ITV are only part of providing valuable multimedia services. Streaming (Multicast) support is essential, requiring properly configured networks to ensure network performance and quality delivery. Fully operational ITV equipment and support are critical for teaching staff and students. A summary of what you can expect: Help Desk Support for local ITV related issues; Telephone, Remote, and On-site Troubleshooting Services Help Desk Support Toll-free help desk number provides unlimited support from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. for any connection questions you have, e.g. audio or video problems, equipment operation, dropped connections or test scheduling. Telephone, Remote, and On-site Troubleshooting Services Technicians are available, toll-free from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., to identify problems and work with you or your technical coordinator, straight through to resolution over the phone. Many issues can be resolved over the phone or remotely from the Network Operations Center. Technicians will also identify if an on-site visit is required during the process of troubleshooting your problem. FirstClass Communication Services NESC currently offers and supports the award winning FirstClass Communications Platform. Email has become a mission critical service and is no longer considered an option. FirstClass goes beyond offering just email and provides interactive learning tools that can be integrated into the classroom. To get the most out of your investment, both internally and with other sites using FirstClass, NESC has put together a program to support you in running your FirstClass server and in setting up gateway connections with other sites running FirstClass. The NESC FirstClass offering has the following features: Telephone and remote FirstClass server support; Remote support for minor Telephone and remote FirstClass server support Over the phone or through the FirstClass client, many problems with the FirstClass server can be identified and solved. Technical support from NESC is available from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. to work with your district personal to identify the problem and solution. Should an onsite visit be required, this can also be arranged under our on-site services program. Remote support for minor software upgrades Part of keeping any server working and secure is evaluating and applying maintenance patches. We will alert you when new patches are available from the vendor. We can help you assess if the patch needs to be applied and what impact it might have given your current configuration. We will also be available to work with you to plan deployment. FirstClass IS configuration support From securing Internet services to setup of multiple web sites to shutting down mail relaying, we will provide expertise. We can set up filters to block known troublesome sites. We can also configure your IS to prevent unwanted mail relaying so your server doesn’t get added to a realtime black hole list. Northeast Minnesota Middle Mile Fiber Project The Northeast Service Cooperative has designed a broadband infrastructure project, called the Middle Mile Fiber Project, to make dark fiber, wavelength services available to the public sector and to private sector technology service providers in unserved and underserved rural areas of Northeast Minnesota. The Northeast Middle Mile Fiber Project will make broadband services viable for a vast geographic region, creating an initial backbone that will serve approximately 221 sites along 915 miles of fiber within eight counties including St. Louis, Lake, Cook, Koochiching, Carlton, Pine, Itasca, and Aitkin. A number of anchor institutions will participate in the project including state and municipal agencies, public school districts, higher education, health care and public libraries. The Northeast Service Cooperative received notification in March of a successful grant application for $43.5 million in federal funding through the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (RUS) for this project. More than 415 miles have been constructed in 2011. Construction on the project will continue in 2012. This will enable participating districts to have access to services that will be possible with broadband. Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grant—2009 Northeast Service Cooperative was awarded two Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants through the USDA – RUS department. The 2008 grant, in the amount of $448,000, has been completed, with the final report submitted earlier in 2012. The 2009 grant, which is in the amount of $133,000, will go through November of 2012. Each grant is a three –year grant. The 2009 grant is designed to increase the distance learning opportunities for participating school districts, which include: Carlton School District, International Falls School District, Lake Superior School District, Littlefork/Big Falls School District, Wrenshall School District and Willow River School District. The grant enables expansion and leverage of existing video technology funded in 2008. Also, it would expand the use of CompassLearning Odyssey as a curriculum resource tool for learning across the region. Region 3 Low Incidence Project The purpose of the Region 3 Low Incidence Project is to provide free appropriate public education (FAPE) and equitable services for learners with low incidence disabilities throughout Northeast Minnesota. The State Low Incidence Projects seek to minimize the impact of regional differences and staffing patterns in the low incidence (LI) disability areas. The purpose and vision for the Projects are the same statewide. Every LI Project is unique. Each Region operates in a format which best supports building local capacity within their school districts in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Region 3 needs are identified annually through surveys, planning meetings, interviews and other input from students, parents, regular and special education teachers and administrators, related service providers and community agencies. Target Population 2012/2013 Table 1: Minnesota’s Classification of High and Low Disability Areas High Incidence Disabilities Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) Speech/Language Impairments (S/LI) Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (EBD) Developmental Cognitive Disabilities: Mild-Moderate (DCD-MM) Developmental Delay (birth to seven) (DD) Other Health Disabilities (OHD) Low Incidence Disabilities Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Developmental Cognitive Disabilities: Severe-Profound (DCD-SP) Deaf/Hard of Hearing (D/HH) Physical Impairments (PI) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Blind/Visually Impaired (B/VI) Severely Multiply Impaired (SMI) DeafBlind (DB) Goals Ensure equitable and quality educational services to learners with LI disabilities throughout our Region. Build local capacity to best serve students with LI disabilities in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Collaborate with Region 3 districts, in coordination with the MN Dept. of Education, to address the State Performance Plan and the initiatives as follows: Improving graduation rates of the percentage of youth with IEPs Decreasing dropout rates using Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Improve participation and performance on Statewide Assessments Decrease the rate of suspensions and expulsions Provide Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) Preschool thru graduation Improve preschool outcomes Facilitating parent involvement Implementing research-based secondary transition focused rubrics and IEP transition goal development Maintain and increase the early identification of learners with LI disabilities to ensure educators with licensure in the LI areas are, as appropriate, involved in evaluations, educational recommendations and development of educational plans. These educators provide information/training to parents and IEP teams regarding the implications of the child’s specific LI disability on overall development. Assure access to educational services regardless of geographic area. Provide support and training in evidence based practices for all educational teams, including parents, of students identified with a LI disability. Region 3 Low Incidence Project Grantee: Northeast Service Cooperative (NESC) 5525 Emerald Avenue Mt. Iron, MN 55768 NESC Executive Director: Paul Brinkman (218) 748-7603 [email protected] Region 3 Low Incidence Facilitator (RLIF) : Phyllis Hauck (218) 748-7606 [email protected] Region 3 Administrative Assistant: Tasha Honkola (218) 748-7605 [email protected] Special Education Director Educational Units: Duluth ISD #709 Grand Rapids ISD #318 Hibbing ISD #701 Northern Lakes Special Education Cooperative Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative Northland Special Education Cooperative The Region 3 LI Project serves learners in…… 40 School Districts within 7 Counties: Barnum Public School District Carlton Public School District Cloquet Public School District Cromwell-Wright Public School District Duluth Public School District East Range Academy of Tech & Science Esko Public School District Grand Rapids Public School District Greenway Public School District Harbor City International Charter Hibbing Public School District International Falls Public School District Lake Superior Public School District Mesabi East Public School District Moose Lake Public School District Nashwauk-Keewatin Public School District Northern Lights Community School Oshki Ogimaag Charter School St. Louis County Public School District Willow River Public School District …Covering 18,682 square miles INTERAGENCY PARTNERSHIPS: University of MN/Duluth Hibbing Fairview Audiology Clinic Mesabi Audiology Clinic Courage Center/Duluth Essentia Health Systems & Audiology Clinics Polinsky Rehabilitation Facility MN State Services for the Blind/Visually Impaired Scottish Rite for Childhood Language Disorders/Duluth Birch Grove Community School Chisholm Public School District Cook County Public School District Deer River Public School District Duluth Public Schools Academy (Edison) Ely Public School District Eveleth-Gilbert Public School District Great Expectations Floodwood Public School District Hermantown Public School District Hill City Public School District Lake Superior High School McGregor Public School District Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy Mountain Iron-Buhl Public School District Nett Lake Public School District North Shore Community School Proctor Public School District Virginia Public School District Wrenshall Public School District MN Department of Health – EHDI Initiatives MN Hands and Voices MN CEC Division of Blind/Visually Impaired PACER ARC MN Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services MN Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency Region 3 is a very large geographic area with vast distances between school districts. In this remote area of the state, it is often difficult to attract, retain or replace teachers with specialized expertise and licensure/certification in the low incidence areas. The Region 3 Low Incidence Facilitator (RLIF) and the Special Education Directors annually review LI disability area child count and specific district student needs to determine the best scenario to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for their students with LI disabilities in their Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). It has been determined, in Region 3, the most cost effective format to meet these students' educational needs, is a combination of LEA educational staff (with support from the LI Grant thru subawards) along with Regional LI service provided by a contracted Educational Audiologist, Orientation and Mobility Specialist and teacher licensed in Blind/Visually Impaired. Mentoring for all of Region 3’s Educational Interpreters is available thru the Low Incidence Project in addition to support for LEA educational staff to obtain additional licensure in the low incidence areas. Region 3 Special Education Directors Educational Unit Director of Special Education Duluth District #709 Laura Frederickson (218) 336-8741 [email protected] Grand Rapids District #318 Josh Robinson (218) 327-5705 [email protected] Nathan Lutzka (218) 262-0420 [email protected] Jennifer Worshek (218) 245-3110 [email protected] Cathy Tryggestad (218) 879-1283 [email protected] Reggie Engbritson (218) 741-5284 [email protected] Hibbing District #701 Northern Lakes Special Education Cooperative Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative Northland Special Education Cooperative Phone Number E-Mail Address Value-added Initiatives and Essential System Supports Effective Services for Students, Families and Educators by the Regional Low Incidence Project Professional Development Activities Addressing Specific Regional Districts’ Needs. All professional development follows research based practices for adult learners with ongoing follow up/interaction with the facilitators and participants throughout the year. These activities include Communities of Practice interacting face to face, using distance technology, sharing on a common wiki site and alternative sites and evening meetings. Building Capacity in Districts thru Support for District Educators Pursuing Licensure in Low Incidence Areas – particularly ASD, and Paraprofessionals requiring the Para Pro Test. In addition to all LI areas, there is now an emphasis on supporting district identified educators interested in pursuing the upcoming licensure in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Region 3 ASD Educators’ Leadership Study Group to Support Evidenced Based Practices and Effective Evaluation Procedures and Interpretation. Immediate Access to Braille for All Learners, Birth thru Graduation, who utilize Braille to Access the Regular Education Curricula in the Region. A Region 3 Certified Braillist, using distance technology, provides immediate access to educational materials in Braille format and tactile graphics. Region 3 School Districts in need are provided the technological supports, equipment and training for their staff for use of the onsite Braille embossers loaned from the Region 3 LI Project. Region 3 Low Incidence Networks. In addition to each of the Low Incidence areas, Region 3 also supports Educational Interpreter/Transliterator, OT/PT, DAPE, and Assistive Technology Networks and related Leadership Teams. Representation on State Low Incidence Networks and Workgroups. District and regional participants share evidence based information obtained at these meetings/trainings with the Region 3 LI Networks. In addition, participation on the State OHD and ADHD Leadership Teams provides regional educators with the most current information to share with their districts. Region 3 Low Incidence Lending Libraries. Each of the Region 3 Networks has a disability specific Lending Library in addition to the AT Lending Library. These continue to be a very cost effective means for the districts to trial curricula, materials and AT equipment prior to purchase. Ongoing interagency cooperation with the Arrowhead Public Library System provides no cost transportation of equipment & materials to and from districts and the Region 3 LI Lending Libraries, based at the Northeast Service Cooperative. Distance Learning Technology. A variety of distance technology is available for district staff to access state and regional trainings, workshops, networks and research based specific teaching techniques. Use of Technology, and Related Training for: - Students with Low Incidence Disabilities to Access Regular Education Curricula, and - Educators to Enhance Consultation and Evaluation of Students with Low Incidence Disabilities. Administrative Professional Development Support Regarding Current Special Education Issues and Trends. Parent Participation and Involvement Learning Activities. Parents of students with low incidence disabilities attend all regional professional development activities at no cost. After work hour learning activities and meetings have proven successful and highly valued. Early Childhood ‘Center of Excellence for Young Children with Disabilities’ State Initiative Thru interagency collaboration, this initiative supports learning opportunities that incorporate follow-up, mentoring and coaching provided to EC practitioners, utilizing evidence based practices that enhance effective adult learning. Formula 421 – Regional Low Incidence Discretionary Supports Lending Libraries in each Low Incidence Area, in addition to Lending Libraries for Assistive Technology, Interpreters/Transliterators, OT/PT and DAPE. Supports Professional Development activities and Network meetings specific to the Low Incidence areas in the Region along with attendance at State Conferences, State Networks and Workgroups by regional representatives. Supports indirect services in Educational Audiology, Orientation & Mobility, DeafBlind and Blind/Visually Impaired services in remote areas of the Region. Supports Parents thru meetings and learning activities based on identified needs. Supports Collaboration of Low Incidence service providers with regular education teachers. Support Collaboration with Community and State Agencies and regional service providers. Supports Districts’ Low Incidence indirect services thru sub-awards. Formula 432 - CSPD Grant - Regional Low Incidence Comprehensive System of Professional Development Supports regional professional development opportunities of identified need areas at minimal, or no cost, to districts, Region 3 Low Incidence Child Count interagency partners, parents, and community. At least one third address low incidence areas of professional development. Supports attendance to State LI Conferences for Districts’ Low Incidence personnel. Collaborates and supports the MN State Personnel Development Grant Coordinators at MDE in providing professional development addressing Transition, Alternative Assessment, Specific Learning Disabilities, and other statewide initiatives. Interpreter Training and Mentoring Provides ongoing support to Districts’ Educational Interpreters and Cued Speech Transliterators in pursuing certification, ongoing mentorship opportunities and professional development. Center of Excellence for Young Children with Disabilities Provides a high quality, comprehensive coordinated system of ongoing professional development for cross sector early childhood professionals. This includes regional support, technical assistance and training and highly trained cadre members. Supports an EC Lending Library of related materials and resources. Supports one part time Professional Development Facilitator. Supports Region representatives’ attendance at the ASD State Network meetings thru in person and distance technology. The information is shared with the Region 3 ASD Network in person and distance technology within the Region. Supports Region 3 ASD Leadership Team members in increasing Districts’ capacity to provide appropriate initial and re-evaluations of students along with evidence based practices. Supports districts’ licensed teachers, thru training and ongoing professional development, in preparing for the upcoming Region 3 Identified Needs 2012/2013 The Region 3 Low Incidence Project utilized a variety of methods to assist in identifying priorities for the coming 2011/2012 school year. In addition, these methods allow for continuing monitoring and collection of data regarding the current year Regional Plan’s progress and effectiveness of professional development activities. This year long method of data collection includes: Ongoing input from State and Regional Disability Consultants Disability Specific Network Meetings – State and Regional Regional Director Meetings State LI Specialists Feedback State Network Meeting surveys Professional Development Evaluations Monthly Low Incidence Leadership Forums Parent Feedback at Regional Parent Learning Activities and Events Regional Electronic Survey - 278 individual responses were received. The Electronic Survey was developed and sent by all RLIFs to the Regions around the State in the Spring of 2012. It includes questions aligned with the State Performance Plan Indicators to assist in ensuring the Regional Projects are addressing the State Performance Plan in addition to meeting specific Regional needs. In order to ensure input from as many stakeholders as possible, the electronic surveys were sent to all Superintendents, Principals, Special Ed. Directors and Coordinators, LI Network members, Region 3 Representatives on the State LI Networks and Workgroups, ECSE and Special Education Teachers, Paraprofessionals, Educational Interpreters/Transliterators, Related Service Providers, Regular Education Teachers, Outside agencies, Community Agencies, Advocacy Groups and Parents in the Region. For those persons without access to an electronic format, individual interviews and hard copy format are shared and results collated. This survey approach allows for comments regarding all disability areas, regardless of the specific ‘perspective’ originally chosen. Region 3 Low Incidence Survey Participants by Educational Unit (Other included: Head Start, Medical Communities, Online Academy, Childcare, Advocate, Agencies) Region 3 Low Incidence Survey Participants by Job Title (Other and All Other Reponses included: Pacer Parent Mentor, Cued Speech Transliterators, Head Start Administration and Teachers, School Readiness Teachers, Licensed School and Clinical Psychologists, Grandparents, a Certified Braillist, DAPE Teachers, OT Assistants, Licensed Social Worker, Maternal Child Health RN, QMRP, and an In-School Suspension Supervisor) Region 3 Low Incidence Survey Identified Needs (Other included: Mental Health Training, School Nurse FYI for disability areas, Inclusive settings, coaching/mentoring, Teaming with General Ed. Teachers, Interagency Collaboration, DAPE, School Nurses working with Medical Community, Assistive Technology, AT Communication Devices specific to SLP and Transition for students with ASD) Additional Data of Professional Development Needs: Through a compilation of Evaluations of Professional Development provided during the previous 2011/2012 school year, Lending Library material questionnaires and additional questions on the 2011/2012 Electronic Needs Survey the following areas were also identified: Universal Design for Learning Assistive Technology - Communication devices, iPads, Flip Cameras - Accessing the Regular Education Curricula – ebooks, iPads, SmartBoards Early Childhood Professional Development - COSF, Due Process - Communication devices, - Listening & Language Development with Children with Hearing Loss - Family Guided Routines Based Intervention - Distance Learning DVDs/CDs regarding Development, Cochlear Implants, And Effects of Vision Loss on Development -Social/Emotional Development of Young Children Regular Education and Special Education Teams - Math Standards - Working with Paraprofessionals - Inclusion - Executive Functioning Parent Education - Dinner and Dialogue Series on Selected Topics defined on Survey - Parent Information Specific to their Child’s Low Incidence Disability Disability Specific Professional Development - Appropriate Evaluation and Interpretation of Evaluation Results - Accessing Regular Education Curricula - Syndromes, Recreational Drug Use and the Effect on the Fetus Region 3 Identified Strengths: Ongoing variety of training opportunities Topics of trainings decided upon by the LI teachers Literacy understanding for little ones Access to Assistive Technology Support for Autism teachers Partnership trainings for LI teachers with EC Parent input Parent trainings at night Math standards support for special ed. teachers thru LI Project Teaming of regular ed. and special ed. teachers for trainings Collaborative network meetings Teaming with related service providers Lending Libraries!! Braille access and equipment! to a small district for student Using ITV and phone conferences to get together with other teachers Wikis – how to use them Filling of open teacher positions in districts More teaming in buildings Collaboration between disability areas and districts Audiologist time has been contracted with and educational teams have an opportunity to meet and attend training. Parent, regular education teacher, and paraprofessional communication and training. Good number of workshops provided, with a variety of disability areas Collaborative efforts with outside agencies Braille needs for teacher worksheets and assignments through Region 3 Braillist Region 3 AT and Vision Library Areas in math and reading are understood to disabled students due to the available tools and staff willing to patiently teach them. Increase of information provided for parents on transition to adult services. Developed a good cadre of qualified interpreters and support for them Region 3 Ongoing Areas of Focus: Professional Development Addressing Specific Regional Districts’ Needs. All professional development follows research based practices for adult learners with ongoing follow up/interaction with the facilitators and participants throughout the year. These activities include Communities of Practice interacting face to face, using distance technology, sharing on a common wiki site and alternative sites and evening meetings. Building Capacity in Districts thru Support for District Educators Pursuing Licensure in Low Incidence Areas. In addition to all LI areas, there is now an emphasis on supporting district identified educators interested in pursuing the upcoming licensure in the area of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Region 3 ASD Educators’ Leadership Study Group to Support Evidenced Based Practices and Effective Evaluation and Interpretation. Immediate Access to Braille for All Learners, Birth thru Graduation, who utilize Braille to Access the Regular Education Curricula in the Region. A Region 3 Certified Braillist, using distance technology, provides immediate access to educational materials in Braille format and tactile graphics. Region 3 School Districts in need are provided the technological supports, equipment and training for their staff for use of the onsite Braille embossers loaned from the Region 3 LI Project. Region 3 Low Incidence Networks. In addition to each of the Low Incidence areas, Region 3 also supports Educational Interpreter/Transliterator, OT/PT, DAPE, TBI and Assistive Technology Networks and related Leadership Teams. Representation on State Low Incidence Networks and Workgroups. District and regional participants share evidence based information obtained at these meetings/trainings with the Region 3 LI Networks. In addition, participation on the State OHD and ADHD Leadership Teams provides regional educators with the most current information to share with their districts. Region 3 Low Incidence Lending Libraries. Each of the Region 3 Networks has a disability specific Lending Library in addition to the AT Lending Library. These continue to be a very cost effective means for the districts to trial curricula, materials and AT equipment prior to purchase. Ongoing interagency cooperation with the Arrowhead Public Library System provides no cost transportation of equipment & materials to and from districts and the Region 3 LI Lending Libraries, based at the Northeast Service Cooperative. Distance Learning Technology. A variety of distance technology is available for district staff to access state and regional trainings, workshops, networks and research based specific teaching techniques. Use of Technology, and Related Training for: Students with Low Incidence Disabilities to Access Regular Education Curricula, and Educators to Enhance Consultation and Evaluation of Students with Low Incidence Disabilities. Administrative Professional Development Support Regarding Current Special Education Issues and Trends. Parent Participation and Involvement in Learning Activities. Parents of students with low incidence disabilities attend all regional professional development activities at no cost. After work hour learning activities and meetings have proven successful and highly valued. Emerging Areas of Focus: Support for Region 3 Participant of MDE’s Literacy Camp Initiative to share information with District Low Incidence Service Provider Teams Support for the District Teams Working in the Evidence Based Practices Autism Spectrum Disorder and Coaching Project Sites in Region 3 Scaling Up and RTI Initiatives in the Region Increased Focus for Low Incidence Educators in Understanding Specific Initiatives in Early Childhood and Teaming with Early Childhood Professionals. Support for the Redeveloping Regional EHDI (Early Hearing and Detection Intervention) Teams Support for MDE initiatives including: Assistance for Teams in addressing Transition Compliance concerns and Interagency Collaboration addressing the Transition Years Region 3 Needs Identified in Alliance with the State Performance Plan Indicators: #1 Improve graduation rates Evidence Based Scaling Up Initiatives – Literacy and Autism Spectrum Disorder Listening Development of Young Children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing Universal Design for Learning Access to Regular Education Curricula thru Assistive Technology #2 Decrease dropout rates Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) #3 Improve participation and performance of students on statewide assessments Math and Reading Standards – Teaming of LI educators and regular ed. staff Assistive Technology – Lending Libraries and increase familiarity of LI educators with AT Coaching and Mentoring of educators new to the LI area fields of teaching #4 Decrease the rate of suspensions and expulsions Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) Increased awareness of the Low Incidence Educators addressing the social and emotional needs in the Early Childhood cross agency initiatives. #5 Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment LRE Professional development addressing: Universal Design for Learning Assistive Technology for access to the regular education curricula Parent Learning Activities specific to needs of low incidence learners Teaming of LI educators with regular ed. teachers and staff Coaching and mentoring addressing teaming with paraprofessionals Low Vision Clinics for appropriate access for students with visual impairments Inclusion within the regular education classroom for students with LI disabilities, including severe multiply impaired (SMI) Support for Region 3’s participant in MDE Literacy Camp ongoing initiative #6 Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in preschool Professional development addressing: Inclusion strategies Parent involvement Increased understanding and utilization of specific techniques by Low Incidence Educators addressed and supported thru the Early Childhood Center of Excellence #7 Improve Preschool Outcomes Professional Development addressing: Increased teaming strategies for Low Incidence and Early Childhood Early Childhood Educators and outside provider agencies (Head Start, Learning Readiness, Childcare Providers) regarding Family Guided Routines Based Intervention, working with children and their families who have Cultural and Linguistically Diverse Needs, and the social/emotional needs of children with low incidence disabilities. #8 Parent Involvement Parent Learning Activities addressing Transition – Part C to Part B and Secondary, Lending Library resources, behavioral interventions and overall emotional needs of learners with low incidence disabilities, attendance at Regional Professional Development, ongoing learning events at easier accessible times – nights, weekends. #13 Secondary Transition and #14 Post School Outcomes. Support for MDE initiatives regarding Interagency Collaboration addressing Transition need and LI Educators increased understanding of transition plan facilitation and development. Lending Library resources available to all LI Educators, Parents and Related Outside Agency Personnel. Collaboration with Low Incidence specific Outside Agencies – State Services for the Blind, PACER and local Community Resource Agencies with the Region.
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