Many of you had an introduction to the GOLD online assessment system at one of our department meetings last year. The GOLD online can be used for children birth to age 6. Many of the AEAs are using GOLD online for "high probability" birth to 3 children and are using AEPSi online assessment to track progress for "25% delayed" children.
Since technolgy is one of our department priorities this year, please consider using GOLD, AEPSI or both systems as part of your technology plans. Think about it and let me know at Friday's department meeting if you are interested in moving that direction.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Home Visits
Jeff Herzberg has requested the opportunity to join department staff on a typical daily schedule. If you are interested in allowing him to "job shadow" you on this eye opening experience, please let me know ASAP and we'll get some details confirmed.
I had the chance to follow Kelly Olson for a 1/2 day and learn more about the joys and challenges her job presents. I also went with Chyrs Velky to 2 home visits last week and used the flip video camera to capture a young 2 year old using the PECs system as well as collected data for another child on the words/word approximations heard. Thank you for the experience. Please let me know if you'd like me to go with you!
I had the chance to follow Kelly Olson for a 1/2 day and learn more about the joys and challenges her job presents. I also went with Chyrs Velky to 2 home visits last week and used the flip video camera to capture a young 2 year old using the PECs system as well as collected data for another child on the words/word approximations heard. Thank you for the experience. Please let me know if you'd like me to go with you!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Gold objectives
Donna, my secretary, was asked to complete a word document with all of the GOLD assessment objectives and levels. You will be able to copy and paste the information into the EER report, as appropriate.
Most of our preschool programs are using the GOLD assessment and should have that information available for you to use in decision-making during the eligibility process.
Each office should have the spiral bound GOLD assessment booklet with the color band levels and the objectives. I have an extra entire GOLD kit in my office, with individual student books in case anyone needs a copy - just ask.
Most of our preschool programs are using the GOLD assessment and should have that information available for you to use in decision-making during the eligibility process.
Each office should have the spiral bound GOLD assessment booklet with the color band levels and the objectives. I have an extra entire GOLD kit in my office, with individual student books in case anyone needs a copy - just ask.
EER workshop
I think we all appreciated the EER workshop held on Friday with Gary Peterson. The discussions were good and the examples given by those that have attempted "the beast" were well done. Gary is willing to meet with us again at our Nov. 2 department meeting; please share any suggestions as to what would be most helpful in that next discussion. We will need to limit our time that day so that we can cover other important topics as well.
The notes are attached for your viewing.
The notes are attached for your viewing.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Technology
Looks like our technology needs and interest are more similar than different! Flip video cameras have been checked out to Andrea and Deb and Chrys. It is likely that flip video cameras are also available in your office, check with the secretary or one can be loaned from Ed Zimmerle in the Pocahontas office. Let me know if you need one and can't get your hands on one.
Most everyone is interested in the I-Pod or the I-Pad, and in particular at the Dragon Dictation application. I'm waiting patiently for the order to come in. You may want to ask your ZC if an I pod or I pad can be ordered through the zone budget to assist you in saving time with documentation. (This was Jerry's suggestion and I will send a "heads up to ZC's that you may be asking.)
Most everyone is interested in the I-Pod or the I-Pad, and in particular at the Dragon Dictation application. I'm waiting patiently for the order to come in. You may want to ask your ZC if an I pod or I pad can be ordered through the zone budget to assist you in saving time with documentation. (This was Jerry's suggestion and I will send a "heads up to ZC's that you may be asking.)
EER update
Most of you have had a chance to indicate if you can come to Pocahontas on Friday, Oct. 14 for a morning workshop session on the new EER. Many are planning to attend; I'd encourage you to bring along your laptop, a current EER, your questions, and your good thinking!
For those that can't join us that day, information will be shared with the department at our Nov. 2 department meeting.
For those that can't join us that day, information will be shared with the department at our Nov. 2 department meeting.
Office visits
A staff member suggested that I set up some office visits to meet with individuals or small groups as a way to allow time for teachers to "be heard" and "to feel like they are listened to" rather than at department meetings. Office visits are a good way to address individual questions, to do some brainstorming on specific problems, attend IFSP or IEP meetings, and join you for home visits, if requested. Or perhaps you just want to meet over lunch - you can determine how to best use our time together.
So, I'm reserving some possible October dates that might work for us.
Mon. Oct 17 (pm), Tues. Oct 18 (pm), Oct 21,(am) Oct. 27 (am/pm). Please let me know asap if you want me to come! I can also check with Gale's schedule, if you'd like or need her involvement as well.
So, I'm reserving some possible October dates that might work for us.
Mon. Oct 17 (pm), Tues. Oct 18 (pm), Oct 21,(am) Oct. 27 (am/pm). Please let me know asap if you want me to come! I can also check with Gale's schedule, if you'd like or need her involvement as well.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Technology updates
I'd like to review our technology plans as you didn't get to spend much time asking questions due to our limited time at the dept. meeting.
1. I've attached the summary of the "technology topics" and have listed dept. peers that are a "3" or "4." Consider these gals as "coaches" in your new learning.
2. I've attached the websites so that you have the electronic link. Those taking the technology for CREDIT, please note that the rubric criterion 1 states: Quarterly review/reflection of video library EC site. The first reflection is due 11.4.11 (dept. mtg).
3. As you decide on a project/plan for learning 2 new forms of technology, those taking the work for CREDIT, please submit one of the planning forms given at the 9.26.11 dept meeting or submit the "individual professional development plan that is shared with ZC." The plan is due 11.4.11 also. rubric criterion 2
1. I've attached the summary of the "technology topics" and have listed dept. peers that are a "3" or "4." Consider these gals as "coaches" in your new learning.
2. I've attached the websites so that you have the electronic link. Those taking the technology for CREDIT, please note that the rubric criterion 1 states: Quarterly review/reflection of video library EC site. The first reflection is due 11.4.11 (dept. mtg).
3. As you decide on a project/plan for learning 2 new forms of technology, those taking the work for CREDIT, please submit one of the planning forms given at the 9.26.11 dept meeting or submit the "individual professional development plan that is shared with ZC." The plan is due 11.4.11 also. rubric criterion 2
EER updates
I have asked Gary Peterson to come to our Nov. 4 department meeting and we will spend some time learning more about the EER.
We did have a good discussion about the EER at our Early Childhood State Network meeting on Thursday. Becky Coffelt and I were both in attendance. A few take away messages: 1) Use the Eligibility Documentation Rubric, (1-3 quality rating) to self critique the information you are writing to answer each question. 2) Child Find is the AEAs responsibility - after consent is signed, we will need to assist in providing the interventions and collecting the data. 3) It's tough to get progress data, if we don't have sufficient data at the end of the 60 days, we must say, "not eligible, gather additional data, and get a new consent, if needed. I have a few samples that I will share from our presentation!
We did have a good discussion about the EER at our Early Childhood State Network meeting on Thursday. Becky Coffelt and I were both in attendance. A few take away messages: 1) Use the Eligibility Documentation Rubric, (1-3 quality rating) to self critique the information you are writing to answer each question. 2) Child Find is the AEAs responsibility - after consent is signed, we will need to assist in providing the interventions and collecting the data. 3) It's tough to get progress data, if we don't have sufficient data at the end of the 60 days, we must say, "not eligible, gather additional data, and get a new consent, if needed. I have a few samples that I will share from our presentation!
Be A Problem Solver
If you haven't read Friday news -9.30.11 PLEASE make sure and at least take time to read 2 items, "First 5 Basic Mistakes: Stress of Organizational Change" and "Finding Balance in your Life." After reading, I hope you take time to reflect on what you can personally do to make work manageable.
I've attached my reflections on the 9.26 department meeting. I want to apologize for my part in "opening the flood gates" with "are you listening" on the agenda. We can not and will not allow our conversations to go in a negative direction again during department meeting time. Our time together is to valuable and our role is to support one another in a positive manner.
I've attached my reflections on the 9.26 department meeting. I want to apologize for my part in "opening the flood gates" with "are you listening" on the agenda. We can not and will not allow our conversations to go in a negative direction again during department meeting time. Our time together is to valuable and our role is to support one another in a positive manner.
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