General Education

We would like to have more information on the" planning center" model? ANSWER 

What information could the youth provide during an individual planning meeting that will be helpful for the team to consider? ANSWER

Do you have any examples of the role of a family service coordinator or liaison in schools or with schools? Answer

Our community is very interested in starting a new program for community learning experiences. We have information regarding some excellent models but will need funding to get the program started. What are some resources regarding possible funding? ANSWER

Many teachers involved in my child's program do not know about Section 504 or what is included in a plan. Where can I find more information about 504 for my child's service providers and myself?  ANSWER

Are there any laws or regulations that support the development of community- based systems of care in school-based programs? Answer

What strategies and resources help parents or families effectively navigate and advocate for more effective services from the educational system? Answer 

How have communities used clinicians for providing services in schools?ANSWER

Web Site: The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth)

NCWD/Youth is pleased to announce the launch of its new Web site: www.ncwd-youth.info. NCWD/Youth is one of two technical assistance centers funded by the U.S. Department of Labor to assist the workforce development community address issues affecting the employment of people with disabilities. The site contains useful information and resources for youth with disabilities and their families, service providers and other frontline workers, administrators, policymakers, and employers. The content is developed by NCWD/Youth partners, who have expertise in disability, education, employment, and workforce development issues. You'll be able to access materials, such as their Information Brief entitled "How Young People Can Benefit From One-Stop Centers," links, resources, answers to your questions, and much more.

Visit the Web site frequently for ideas as to how multiple stakeholders contribute to supporting youth with disabilities to access high-quality services in integrated settings that maximize their employment and independent living opportunities.

Article: "Bullying survey prompts schools to make changes" by Karen Rouse, Denver Post Staff Writer, February 25, 2002

This article reports on a school safety survey that was conducted by several Colorado schools in Cherry Creek School District. This article outlines the results of that survey and steps that schools have taken in response. The survey found that children felt most safe around teachers and most vulnerable walking to and from school.

The Colorado School Climate survey, developed by a team of Cherry Creek School District psychologists in 2000, polled teachers, parents and students that same year in grades three through twelve about bullying and their responses to it. The district is currently conducting the same survey for a second time. It was distributed this month to 11,000 elementary school students and their parents, 9,000 secondary students and their parents, and 5,000 staff members. Results are expected by fall.

In the 2000 survey, the district found several patterns. Among them, they saw that as students got older, they were less likely to feel that the school tried to make them feel included. It also found that as students got older, they were more likely to report doing "nothing" when they observed someone being bullied. Although it's not required, several district administrators and staff said that they used the survey to help develop safer schools, which has been a goal of the district for about five years.

Some significant findings of the 2000 study of Cherry Creek District Schools include: · Forty percent of elementary students, forty-nine percent of middle school students and forty-two percent of high school students reported being bullied at least once a week over a monthlong period. · Parents and staff generally feel more positive about school than students do. · Parents and teachers believe that their children or students are most likely to tell them about personal experiences with bullying and harassment, while students reported they are more likely to tell a friend. · Thirty-seven percent of elementary students, thirty percent of middle school students and twenty percent of high school students reported feeling at least "kind of unsafe" in at least one school location over the past month.

Have A Question?

Contact the Technical Assistance Education Resource Specialist, Sandy Keenan, at skeenan@air.org