Tamassee-Salem Observation

Here we go...

I have been talking about wanting to start a blog and now is the time to just do it! As you will notice in a few earlier entries, I experimented but never advertised my blog publicly because I knew it would be a huge commitment of time. Nevertheless, I am willing to make that commitment because I believe it is important to embrace technology and become fluent in its capabilites. Dr. Lucas, Superintendent of the School District of Oconee County, has inspired me with his blog http://lucassdocblog.blogspot.com/. I look forward to reading his enlightening and musing entries. Although my blog is exceedingly rudimentary at this point, I hope to learn more tricks of the trade right away.

I would like to start my first "public" blog entry by commenting on a visit to Tamassee-Salem Elementary School (pictured above). I just love this school. As soon as you walk through the door, you can sense an inviting school culture characterized by genuine care for students. While observing in a special education classroom, I was impressed with how the teacher had established very clear expectations and routines. It was evident that every student knew what they were supposed to be doing. Some were working in a small group with the teacher, some were working in a small group with an instructional aide, some were working independently on assigned tasks, and another was working on the computer. The common denominator...every student was working! At one point, two students transitioned back to this classroom from mainstreaming and didn't miss a beat reentering the highly structured learning environment the teacher had established. They went right to work expediently and respectfully without requiring any cues from the teacher. It was obvious they knew the routines and expectations. Great job!

If any of you would like to share your blogging tips with this "newbie" blogger I would be most appreciative. I also welcome your comments. Thanks!

We're in the Final Stretch!

This time of year is always the most challenging for special education teachers as Annual Review IEP meetings, Transition meetings, and testing are underway. Hang in there! You are appreciated more than words can say. We are making plans for our District-Wide Special Education Inservice in August and hope it will be a treat for everyone. We thank you for taking the time to complete the Needs Assessment Survey. We will do our best to meet your needs for professional development and support. I would also like for us to review our Vision Statement for Special Services to determine if it needs revisions. Now that we have a vision, we need to develop short and sweet Mission Statements. If you would like to participate on a committee to facilitate this process please contact me and we'll get you signed-up. We're in the final stretch. Thanks for all you are doing to pick up the pace and finish strong.

Vision

Our vision.....Steadfast and united, the SDOC Special Services Department aims to advance beyond the ordinary, stretch expectations, and raise aspirations. All children in our school district will be cared for unconditionally and valued equally. Free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment will meet each child’s unique needs thus, transforming lives and communities. Inspired by dedicated administration, teachers, and support staff, along with parents and the community, we strive to collaborate positively in order for every student to reach their full potential. Each student will be encouraged intellectually, morally, physically, socially, and emotionally. It is our vision that providing high quality instructors, a continuum of services, and needed resources will educate, inspire, and challenge our students and produce life-long learners and leaders of character. Every student can succeed with appropriate support!