Out in the Schools

Yesterday I had the privilege of observing in a special education classroom at Walhalla Elementary. The teacher demonstrated differentiated instruction as she assisted an individual student during a math lesson while monitoring the independent work of her other students and providing assistance as needed. Her classroom was very well organized and visually appealing. A routine for non-instructional activities had been taught and was effective for minimizing disruptions. The teacher used a respectful tone of voice during instruction and was enthusiastic upon hearing desired responses. The school-wide positive behavior support (SWPBIS) matrix was enlarged, posted, and visible to all students in the class. It is clearly evident that PBIS is alive and well at Walhalla Elementary and this teacher makes Oconee proud!

I was also able to participate in an IEP meeting at Westminster Elementary. All necessary participants were in attendance. The teacher presented the parent a draft version of the IEP then did an outstanding job of communicating the student's strengths, weaknesses, needs, and present levels of academic and functional performance orally and in writing in the IEP. The goals were written in measurable terms and targeted the areas for which onging special education was needed. The student's classroom teacher adequately shared the impact of her student's disability in the general classroom and helped to support the ongoing need for special education servics. The case manager's tone was sincerely respectful and she led the meeting with care and confidence. This parent has another child with a disability and was very knowledgeable about the IEP process and content. A job well done to further support Oconee County as competent and caring provider of special education and related services!