Bruce Schroeder welcomed everyone to the first consortium meeting of the new school year and said it was a great time to reconnect.
UPDATES:
ULRC: Randy Shelble shared "Yogisms" with the Consortium. One of the greatest minds in baseball is Yogi Berra, who played for NY Yankees during their golden years. From his book, I Really Didn't Say Everything I Said, Randy and Bruce shared "yogisms" and related them to Consortium. (Yogisms are available on ULRC web site, www.ulrc.org/consortium/YOGI/).
Bruce went through the folder calling attention to the Calendar, consortium dates, and various conference flyers. Initial Mentor Training was held in September. (Bruce announced that Davalee had a baby on Sept. 5. Both are doing well.) Second year mentors heard Marilyn Crocker and got facilitation training. He mentioned the article included in the folder (on coaching) along with a study guide. This article was provided to mentors this month.
Tracy Stewart introduced the current issue of the Utah Special Educator. Changes were made this year but the focus is on the six principles of IDEA. September's issue is Principle 1: Appropriate Evaluation. There is a new section called Educator's Idea Exchange. She also mentioned the 13th International Precision Teaching Conference on March 11-13 at the Provo Marriott in Provo and requested volunteers for the PT planning Committee.
Jerry Christensen talked about technology developments that the ULRC has been working on this summer and showed the ULRC web page with some of the ways we are using the web (www.ulrc.org). He showed the Consortium section and the password protected Mentor section.
PARENT CENTER: Jennie Gibson mentioned that they were the only parent center in country to be included in CSPD meetings. She announced their Parent Conference, "Family Matters" will be on March 19-20 at the Provo Marriott in Provo. More information will be coming soon. She handed out, in draft form, "Special Education Basic Information for Parents." This form can be easily adapted to work for any district. Let Parent Center know if you want a master copy. Call UPC for more information. The purpose of this form is to get word out to parents so they have the information they need. UPC is available to do training to parents through the districts.
USOE:
Ken Reavis said that Dale Sheld is USOE's "yogi" since he said, when asked if we had this meeting, "Yes we do, don't we?"
Dale Sheld announced the LDAU 1998 State Conference on November 6-7 at the Provo Marriott in Provo. He also talked about the partnership for training of interpreters. Contact Dale for information.
Deb Andrews announced that Peggy Clayton left and was replaced with Natalie Allen. Best Institute started its second year of track 3. The BEST Conference will be Oct 22-23 at Provo Marriott. If you need information on this conference, contact the State Office via their web site (www.usoe.k12.ut.us.sars/BEST/).
Dr. Gary Clark is here for 9 months to work with Ken Hennefer and Donna Suter and will be working on transition issues. He shared information on transition requirements and transition assessment He can be contacted at the State Office at 538-7641.
Brenda Broadbent discussed the regional peschool conferences that are under way. Uintah Basin area already had theirs in August. Those scheduled are: Oct. 15-16 in St. George Oct 29-30 in Provo and Logan, Nov 5-6 in Moab and Jan 14-15 at Salt Lake. Brenda feels that the regional conferences are reaching more people.
Tim McConnell gave out latest revised copy of Utah Agenda for Cheryl Hostetter. Inclusion Conference will be on Nov. 13-14 at Snowbird. More information and registration form are on USOE web site (www.usoe.k12.ut.us.sars/INCLUSION/inclusion.html). In addition to conference, there is a half day Pre-Conference "Tech" Session on Inclusion on Wed. Nov. 11.
Marilyn Likins announced the Para Educator Conference on Nov. 13-14 at Snowbird. There will be scholarships given to para/teacher teams.
INSTITUTES OF HIGHER EDCUATION:
U of U: Jack Mayhew will be the Consortium representative. Jeanette Misaka and Ann Williams retired this past summer. He also introduced Rose Batallia and Peter Ingel who will be working with him.
BYU: Richard Young was introduced as their school representative.
USU: Rhonda Menlove will be taking Jane Pemberton's place as their representative.
STATE IMPROVEMENT GRANT: Bruce Schroeder gave information on the status of the state improvement plan and the grant they are working on. Mike Hardman and Alan Hofmiester have been working on the grant. Grant would be $600,000 per year for five years with 75% going to CSPD. Bruce shared the state policies: 1) "We will always honor the principle of fairness to all students." 2) "We will not accept failure as final for any student
Tim McConnell introduced Mark Stevens from the National Abilities Center. Mark talked about the opportunities available for people with disabilities to participate in recreational activities. He has personal experience with trying to find ways to have access to sports and recreational activities because of his spinal cord injury. Park City is the headquarters because of the available access to recreational activities. Last year they had 1500 people go through their training programs. Activities include swimming, horseback riding, rock climbing, bike riding, skiing, etc. Participants have an opportunity to participate in Para Olympics right after the regular Olympics (2002). They are looking for Utah athletes to participate in these games. Mark is available to come to schools and present this program to students.
Introductions: - Ellen Stantus from Davis District, Laura Macomber and John Ballard from Nebo District, Karen Medlin from Jordan and Kathy Howard from State Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Donna Suter introduced Blaine Peterson from Utah State Office of Rehabilitation. They have been under the State Board of Education and have cooperative agreements with all school districts. There is currently a committee studying the feasibility of moving this division from the State Board of Education to the Department of Workforce Services. The crucial concern is if customers would be better served with this move. The USOR has been successfully operating under State Board of Education for 77 years. The USOR mission is to assist eligible individuals with disabilities to prepare for and obtain employment and increase their independence. Study states that USOR has to be linked with Department Workforce Services, but that may be accomplished without moving from current situation. The study will be completed next summer and the recommendations will go to the legislature.
Closing Thoughts: Bruce shared ying/yang symbol and tied it in to Preserve/Change...preserve core and purpose, but change cultural & operating practices and specific goals & strategies.
Meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.