Download - Case Facilitators
Case Facilitators
A Best Practice Model for:
EvaluationDue Process Coordination
Overview
The ProblemThe Rationale for ChangeThe ChallengeThe ResultsThe Model TodayFinal Thoughts
THE PROBLEM…
Special Education staff overwhelmed by various roles:•Evaluator •Teacher/caregiver•Case Manager •Specialist
The Problem…
BehavioristTherapistConciliatorMediatorState Accountability Team teaching
The Problem:Time Study showed:
Less than 2/3 of service providers’ time during the school day spent in direct instruction.
19% of service providers' time during the school day spent in administering assessments, writing evaluation reports, attending child study meetings and consultation
Special Education Evaluations take between 20-40 hours each
Rationale for Change:
Need to develop a system that maximized direct instructional time at no extra cost to the school district
To develop a system that increased Due Process Compliance
Provide consistency across the districtImprove quality of special education due
process procedures
The Challenge
Set up a model with existing staff at no additional cost
Higher caseloads for case managers
Case managers willingness to change roles
Good communication systems
Setting up the System….
Find key people to become facilitatorsExcellent “people skills”FlexibleComfortable with changeWell organizedSpecial education experience
Good writing skillsBeing able to summarize
information in a “parent friendly” manner
Extensive knowledge of special education laws, requirements and community resources
Team leadership skills
Setting up the System….
Barriers Can Be…
Time for frequent meetings for training and development of model
Distinguishing the roles and responsibilities between a case facilitator and case manager
Acceptance of new processes
Results
Program ChangesAlbert Lea started with 5 case facilitators in
1986. Currently, Albert Lea has 8.5 Waseca Area Schools started in 2004 with 3
CF’s, currently has 6 CF’sSt. Peter started in 2008 with 1 secondary
CF, currently has 3.5 CF’sFaribault started in 2009 with 3 CF’s and 5
Due Process clericals
RESULTS…
Increased consistency in identification of students with disabilities
Responsibilities for documentation and evaluation delegated to staff who are not providing direct instruction
Increased time for preparation of materials and direct instruction by teachers
RESULTS…
Frees up time for building administration to complete other duties when CF is the admin. designee
Allows sped director a “snap shot” of special education happenings or concerns
CF’s put out fires before they become explosions
RESULTS…
New changes did not disrupt the whole system
Implementing change can be difficult when learning the new roles; however, over time, the model is highly valued
Developed “experts” in profession who are also leaders
Single contact for special education in buildings
RESULTS…
Improved communication from district level to building level which provides consistency throughout the district
Identifying trends across the districtIncreased district and state-wide test
scoresDue process training streamlined
Where are we Today?
Case Facilitator Model concepts have evolved to meet the needs of the individual districtsVarying staffVarying responsibilitiesVarying contract language
MDE monitoring and compliance states a qualitative difference is noted in districts that have a CF model
The Essence of the CF Model
Due Process ExcellenceConsistency, Training,
FlexibilityBuilding LeadershipTeam Building
The Essence of the CF Model
Interagency CollaborationComprehensive EvaluationIncreased instructional time –
case managersCase management workload is
more balanced
Consultation/ Coordination
Ensures pre-referral interventions occur
Building contactProblem solvingConsults with outside agencies
Consultation/ Coordination
Facilitates building level meetings
TrainingDistribution of due process
formsMonitoring and compliance
Contacts:
Tami Alphs- [email protected] Gorman- [email protected] Ladwig [email protected] Priebe- [email protected] Rotchadl- [email protected] Engberg- [email protected]