2009 PSSA Scores Now Available

PSSA scores have been made available on the Pennsylvania Department of Education's web site. Most school district information is posted.

The PA Dept. of Ed. has also released information that for the first time this year there will be an alternate Grade 4 Math PSSA test available for students in need of that accommodation through their IEP! Hopefully an alternate Reading test is not far behind..........................

The testing window for this school year is April 2010 with make-ups being scheduled for the first week in May.

Radnor's First K-12 Down Syndrome Graduate

I do a lot of work with the siblings of children who learn differently so that they can truly appreciate and understand what their brother/sister is going through. We talk about "celebrating differences", "reaching for the sky", and being their siblings "charismatic adult."

The article link below tells of the pride and love for the first K-12 Down Syndrome graduate of the Radnor School District by his older sister and was first published in the Main Line Times last week. Enjoy. (Kevin and his sister Colgan are pictured above along with his brother Joe)

http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/shared-content/search/?search=go&l=25&d1=180+days+ago&d2=today&s=relevance&q=colgan+leaming%27

Financial Planning for Individuals with Disabilities

I received a very interesting phone call last week and I wanted to share the details with all of you. I was contacted by a representative of the First Financial Group in Bala Cynwyd with an offer to have speaker Bruce Sham come out to do a presentation on financial planning, etc. for individuals with differences. I viewed Bruce's Bio (which I can email you if you are interested) and watched the movie clip below of how Bruce started the Disability Awareness Night at Citizens Bank Park for the Phillies.

I know a lot of you run parent/community organizations and are often looking for speakers. Thought this might be an interesting topic to investigate.

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/sports/video/Game_Changers__Batting_for_the_Disabled_Philadelphia.html

Parental Concerns / IEP Addition

The Pennsylvania Department of Education revised the IEP this school year and among other changes a section titled, "Parental Concerns For Enhancing The Education of The Student" was added to Section II Present Levels of Performance. This was proposed as a warehouse for parental "complaints" and disagreements with the IEP even though the plan was accepted and being implemented. The state felt this would move meetings along and serve as a silent mediator. Early feedback from colleagues and clients was mixed. Many saw this addition as more paperwork which lacked "teeth."

Fast forward to May 29th and in at least one client that I am working with it has become a useful tool for data collection purposes. In this particular case it was noted in this new section that the parent felt the student still needed PCA support and that the district felt it was no longer needed. PCA support was removed, the student engaged in dangerous behavior, it was classified as a manifestation determination,and because of this new IEP section available to parents the school district holds responsibility (along with the student) for this transgression.

Many clients have expressed to me that they feel "awkward" submitting this information to their team and that it can impact their relationship with school. Clearly it may not be wise to split hairs in this section but larger issues loom. I'm all about building bridges but if you disagree strongly about something and don't have $40k to fight it in due process I would suggest considering utilizing this new feature. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the due process circuit over the next few years as well.

A Reminder About Judging A Book by Its Cover From Susan Boyle

I'm sure by now many of you have watched the video of Susan Boyle on YouTube or TV from the UK's American Idol spin off, Britains Got Talent. Susan walked onto the stage for the first time to sing for the judges and audience. Sarcasm from Idol's famous judge Simon Cowell and snickers from the audience erupted as they watched this nervous, 48 year old from West Lothian take the stage. Her appearance was quite different from the young, stylish, lean contestants that typically appear on the show. When Susan told the judges she would be singing "I Dreamed A Dream" from Les Miserables....eyes began to roll throughout the music hall. Despite the negative reactions Susan trudged on and began singing. Her rendition was breathtaking and brought tears to the eyes of many observers. She stole the show with a remarkable performance and reminded the world of the old adage, "Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover."

Susan's story was inspiring on many levels but for me it reminded me of the importance of giving all kids a chance to display their talents and work towards achievement regardless of their outside persona. By the time I get involved with students at my school they have been through countless interventions, experienced failure on a daily basis, and have become angry with the constant reminders of inadequacy. I see at least 2-3 Susan Boyle's every year. Kids who have been cast off by staff, parents, and their peers because of their academic/behavioral "look." This quickly transforms into lower expectations and social isolation. As you all know having a learning difference, AD/HD, or even Asperger's Syndrome has nothing to do with intelligence or social prowess yet we cast off these kids like Simon Cowell and the audience did to Susan Boyle.

All kids may not have the opportunity to prove everyone wrong like Susan did which is why our role as charismatic adults is so important. In my experience kids are guilty of judging others based on appearance but adults are more so. Many young children and adolescents develop their perceptions from the adults in their lives. It becomes just as important for us as adults to remember Susan Boyle as it is for our children and students.

Susan Boyle will fade over time and many of us will forget the video but the message must remain in our forethoughts and help us guide our children and students. Children and adolescents LOVE storytelling and their are many stories to highlight this message. Stories like Michael Jordan being cut from his high school basketball team in North Carolina, Jewel Kilcher living in her van before becoming a famous musician, and the little 5 year old girl on my T-Ball team who was born with one hand and has amazed with her catching and hitting appeal to kids and teach in a way we can not.

Empathy is a 21st century skill that has been highlighted in many of the non-fiction books on the New York Times Bestseller list including "A Whole New Mind" by former Bill Clinton advisor Daniel Pink. Empathy and resiliency go hand in hand. We learn from each other and experience success through one another. We no longer need to create fictional stories to teach kids empathy and resilience. Stories like Susan Boyle are everywhere......ready to be used to motivate, teach, and increase awareness.

NY Times Article on College Bound AD/HD Students

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/education/edlife/guidance-t.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

Informative article that may help guide transition planning.

Upcoming Lectures

I will be presenting two lectures in the next few weeks for parents, teachers and educational professionals. Please come out and say hello.

Tuesday April 21st at Kesher Synagogue in West Chester on Pottstown Pike/Route 100.
Chester County CHADD Organization
Topic-"Strategies for the AD/HD Learner" 7:00-9:00 PM.

Thursday May 7th at Lionville Middle School in Downingtown, PA
Downingtown School District Parent Organization
Topic: "Developing Strength Based IEP's" 7:00-9:00 PM

Hope to see you there.