medford new teachers manual_040714
TRANSCRIPT
MEDFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
NEW TEACHER’S MANUAL
“EXCELLENCE THROUGH RESPONSIBILITY AND RESPECT”CREATED BY KATHLEEN O’DONOGHUE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 1School Contact information 2-5Administrator and Curriculum Director Information 6Teacher Absences 7Crisis Response Team Protocol 8-9Discipline 10Who to Contact and When 11-12Technology Information 13Usernames and Passwords 14iPass – Log in/Daily Attendance 18-15Professional Development 19Licensure 20Salary Increment Information 21Educational Acronyms 22-23Classroom Grants & Funding 24
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Medford Public School System. This New Teacher Manual is meant to give you a basic introduction to your school and the district. It contains information and tips about who to contact for assistance, how to get user names and passwords, and some general information.
It does not take the place of the Staff Handbook or Teacher’s Contract. It is only meant to supplement the information you received when you were hired.
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ANDREWS CONTACT INFORMATION
ANDREWS MIDDLE SCHOOL MAIN OFFICE (781) 393-2228
FAX (781) 393-8128
MR. PAUL D’ALLEVA, PRINCIPAL (781) 603-9010
MS. MIRIAM MAROTTA, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (617) 605-1845
GUIDANCE
MTA UNION REPRESENTATIVES KATHI O’DONOGHUE
BROOKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION
BROOKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MAIN OFFICE (781) 393-2166
FAX (781) 393-2174
MR., PRINCIPAL (781) 393-2166
MS. SUZANNE GALUSI (781) 393-2166
MTA UNION REPRESENTATIVES
COLUMBUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION
COLUMBUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MAIN OFFICE (781) 393-2177
FAX (781) 393-2187
MS. KATHLEEN KAY, PRINCIPAL (781) 393-2177
MS. NANCY SHERMAN-HUDSON, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (781) 393-2177
MTA UNION REPRESENTATIVES
CURTIS-TUFTS HIGH SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION
CURTIS-TUFTS MAIN OFFICE (781) 393-2343
FAX (781) 393-0699
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MR. ANTHONY VOLPE, DIRECTOR (781) 393-2343
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT (781) 393-2343
MTA UNION REPRESENTATIVES
MCGLYNN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION
MCGLYNN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MAIN OFFICE (781) 393-2333
FAX (781) 393-5462
MRS. DIANE GUARINO, PRINCIPAL (781) 393-2333
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
MCGLYNN MIDDLE SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION
MCGLYNN MIDDLE SCHOOL MAIN OFFICE (781) 393-2333
FAX (781) 393-5462
MR. JACOB EDWARDS, PRINCIPAL (781) 393-2333
MR. RON SCALA, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (781) 393-2333
GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT (781) 393-2333
MTA UNION REPRESENTATIVES
ROBERTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION
ROBERTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MAIN OFFICE (781) 393-2155
FAX (781) 393-0699
MR. KIRK JOHNSON, PRINCIPAL (781) 393-2155
MRS. SUZANNE GALUSI, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (781) 393-2155
MTA UNION REPRESENTATIVES
MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION
MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL MAIN OFFICE (781) 393-2345
FAX (781) 391-3450
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DR. PERELLA, HEADMASTER (781) 393-2301
MS. GAIL TRAINOR, SUBMASTER GRADES 9 & 11 (781) 393-2285
MR. NICK TUCCI, SUBMASTER GRADE 10 & 12 (781) 393-2245
MS. AMELIA WESTMARK, DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE (781) 393-2319
MTA UNION REPRESENTATIVES LIZ DANEAU AND ANDY MILNE
MEDFORD VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL HS CONTACT INFORMATION
MVTHS MAIN OFFICE (781) 393-2260
FAX (781) 393-2293
MS. HEIDI RICCIO, DIRECTOR (781) 393-2207
MS. JILL SAWYER, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (781) 393-2254
MS. ALICE BETH FITZPATRICK, GUIDANCE COUNSELOR (781) 393-2555
, SPED-ETL (781) 393-2253
MS. JENNA TARABELSI, CAREER COUNSELOR (781) 393-2260
MTA UNION REPRESENTATIVES JOHN BROWN
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Administration and Curriculum Directors Contact Information
Roy Belson Superintendent (781) 393-2442
Beverly Nelson Deputy Superintendent (781) 393-2364
Diane Caldwell Assistant Superintendent (781) 393-2310
Leslie Trotta English Language Learning (781) 393-2341
Rich Trotta Fine Arts (781) 393-2279
Rita DiCarlo Foreign Language (781) 393-2375
Toni Vento Health and Phys. Education (781) 393-2218
Nicole Chiesa Humanities (781) 393-9016
Carolyn Joy Mathematics (781) 393-2214 & 2215
Rocco Cieri Science (781) 393-2214
Kathy Medaglio Special Education (781) 393-2229
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Teacher Absences
Call (781) 395-1380
Leave your name, school, phone number, and inform them whether it is a sick or personal day.
If you know in advance you will be out, leave a folder with work for the students and class rosters. The folder should include:
IPASS log-in information for attendance copy of your schedule lesson plans, class roster list of medical concerns seating plans for students
If it is a personal day you must submit a Request for Personal Day form in advance to the principal for approval. This is available in the main office.
Retain a signed copy for your own records
Professional Days require one of the attached forms and a phone call indicating you will be out.
Professional staff hired before July 1, 2001 receive 3 Personal Days and 18 sick days
Staff hired after July 1, 2001 receive 2 Personal Days and 15 sick days.
Bereavement days are also allowed please review the contract for guidelines
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Crisis Response Team Protocol
The Andrews Crisis Response Team is comprised of the Principal, Vice Principal, school psychologist, school nurse, and staff members who are trained and certified in the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Non-violent Crisis Intervention Program. The role of the Crisis Response Team is to de-escalate an individual and ensure the care, welfare, safety, and security of all those involved in the situation.
CPI documents the following as possible behavioral warning signs that may indicate stress or discontent. The list is certainly not exhaustive and your individual student may exhibit other behaviors when escalated and upset.
Significant changes in someone’s normal behavior or routines Sudden changes in expression, physical activity or posture Dramatic increase or change in voice, volume or tone Expressions that communicate extreme anger or distress Communications of despair and hopelessness Body posture that is intimidating or threatening Verbal or physical threats
If you notice any of these signs in a student and efforts to de-escalate or redirect the behavior are not working and you suspect the student is close to a loss of rationality where they may be in imminent danger of harming themselves or others call the office immediately and inform Alice that you need the Crisis Response Team. She will contact the individuals and support will arrive as quickly as possible.
It is important that you call the Crisis Response Team prior to the need for any type of physical re-direction of the student. Only staff members who are CERTIFIED in the Non-violent Crisis Intervention Program are authorized to provide any type of physical redirection or restraint.
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When Called to Intervene:
A. First Responder assesses the situation and gives direction to other staff related to:
1. What to do with other students present2. Directions to contact ________for additional staff support 3. Assign roles to other staff present
B. Response to a crisis situation should always be done in a TEAM APPROACH. First Responders should also Identify staff members who will be part of their Crisis Response Team. This team can include both CPI and non-CPI certified staff; however, only staff with current CPI certification can assist with any type of physical restraint.
PLEASE SEE YOUR SCHOOL’S ADMINISTRATION TO OBTAIN THE NAMES OF THE APPROPRIATE PEOPLE TO
COMPLETE THE FLOW CHART
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Discipline
It is advisable to reach out the student’s parents with a phone call
Log the date/time you called the parent along with a description of the conversation.
Students who have violated the Student Handbook or require a disciplinary action should be recorded based on the policies of your school. Some schools use a written form and others have you complete a discipline referral online using iPass. Please check with your school for the correct policy.
Please be sure to include all required information
Include a brief description of the violation
Remember that this form WILL be seen by the student’s parents
Always be sure to keep a record of your form or print out your online referral.
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Who to Contact and When
Student asks his/her teacher(s) when he/she:
Doesn’t understand a concept
Seeks help after school
Finds the class too easy/hard
Wants to discuss a grade
Was absent and needs to make up a test, quiz, or homework
Parent contacts teacher(s) directly when:
Their student has already spoken to teacher, but issue persists
Has a specific question regarding grade/grading policy
Wants to check in regarding progress
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Student sees guidance counselor when he/she:
Is in the midst of a crisis or is feeling overwhelmed
Needs help talking to his/her friends or teachers
Needs working papers (8th-12th grade)
Has course selection questions (8th-12th grade)
Parent contacts guidance counselor when:
They wish to schedule parent/teacher conference
Their student is struggling socially or emotionally
Their student is struggling academically in more than once class and issue has been discussed with teacher already
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Student sees Evaluation Team Leader (ETL) when:
They have paperwork to return regarding their IEP
Parent contacts Evaluation Team Leader (ETL) when:
They have specific questions relating to their student’s IEP
They wish to schedule an IEP meeting
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Student sees Assistant Principal when he/she:
Is late to school
Has a discipline issue
Parent contacts Assistant Principal when:
They have concerns regarding student’s attendance
Have concerns regarding student’s discipline issue
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Student sees Principal or Assistant Principal when he/she:
Has a bullying or harassment issue
Witnesses bullying (online reporting form)
Parent contacts Principal or Assistant Principal when:
They believe their student is a target of bullying or harassment
An issue with a particular teacher persists after parent/teacher conference
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TECHNOLOGY INFORMATIONIf you are having a problem with computer equipment, passwords, email, the network or the Internet, your first step should be to enter a ticket into the MPS helpdesk at:
http://cfweb.smartedu.net/medford/tss/ To enter a problem, click on Reporter and enter password reporter.
This website and directions for entering a ticket can also be accessed under the MPS Technology Department webpage. Once the help desk ticket has been received, it will be sent to the appropriate person who will then help resolve your problem.
Medford Public Schools Webpage: http://www.medfordpublicschools.org/
Please go to the Technology Department webpage to access any information related to technology: http://www.medfordpublicschools.org/departments-programs/media-technology/
Richard Trotta, Director of Media/Technology/Fine Arts [email protected]
Charlotte Grant, Secretary [email protected]
Molly Laden, [email protected]
Cassandra Hale, Technology Specialist – Email [email protected]
Allison Goldsberry, District Webmaster [email protected]
Frank Dalessio, Technology Specialist [email protected](HS, Voc, CT, Andrews)
Josh Glionna, Technology Specialist [email protected](Elementary Schools, McGlynn MS)
Jack Dempsey High School Digital Media Instructor [email protected]
Lisa Dunphy, High School Media Literacy Instructor [email protected]
Allan Arena, Network Administrator [email protected]
Cindy Shaw, Data Specialist [email protected]
Karen DiDomenico, McGlynn Middle School Instructor [email protected]
Antonette Fusco, Brooks Technology Instructor [email protected]
Catherine Minogue, Columbus Technology Instructor [email protected]
Allison Caron, McGlynn Elementary Technology Instructor [email protected]
Kelly Malloy, Roberts Technology Instructor [email protected]
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USERNAMES AND PASSWORDS
In the Medford Public School District, you will be assigned several different usernames and passwords.
Help Desk http://cfweb.smartedu.net/medford/tss/ CLICK ON REPORTER ENTER PASSWORD reporter
Network, Email and iPass For network, email, and iPass, please enter a help desk ticket (SEE THE ABOVE DIRECTIONS) Only those teachers needing access to iPass will be given a username and password
Professional Development All teachers will need a username and password in order to sign up for Professional
Development Days and other PD opportunities http://www.medfordpublicschools.org/for-teachers/professional-development/ Contact Michele Bissell at [email protected]
Naviance A program used by the Guidance Department to help students in the college decision making
process. Teachers may need access in order to enter college recommendations Contact the Guidance Department secretary at 781-393-2319 Only those teachers needing access will be given a username and password
Easy IEP Easy IEP allows teachers to enter special education information for students who are on an IEP. Contact the Office of Pupil Services at 781-393-2229 Only those teachers needing access will be given a username and password
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Logging onto the Staff Accounts and Entering Daily Attendance
My username: ________________________________________My password: Please keep this confidential – do not write it down and leave it where anyone can find it.
1. The web address for the iPass Student Information System is:https://ipass.medford.k12.ma.us (for school and home)
2. The screen below should appear. (Figure 1)
3. Enter in your default user name User ids are not case sensitive Your username is your entire last name and the first letter of your first
name (example: John Smith = smithj) There are some exceptions to this rule. If there is more than one
person with the same last name and first letter, it may be the first 2 letters of your first name. (example: John Smith = smithjo)
If your last name is hyphenated or contains an apostrophe, the symbols are dropped. (example: John O’Sullivan = osullivanj)
If your last name is hyphenated only the first part of your last name is used and the first letter of your first name. (example: John Smith-Jones = smithj)
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Figure 1.
Everyone is given a default password. Users will automatically be forced to change their passwords before continuing. You must first enter the default password, and then enter the new password twice to verify it.
Passwords are case sensitive They must be at least 8 characters in length They must contain a series of letters and numbers One character must be uppercase One character must be a special symbol - !@#$%^&*() You should make up something that will be difficult for others to guess. Do not give your password to anyone
4. Once you have logged on correctly you will come to the home page. The main screen will display a calendar, the current school to which
you are connected and the available folders on the left hand side. (see Figure 2 & 3)
There are 2 different ways to view iPass (original and expanded). You can find these settings under the My Data, My Preferences folder.
Figure 2. Expandable menu
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Figure 3. Original Menu
5. To enter Daily Attendance, click on the iTeacher icon or on the + sign next to the iTeacher folder on the left.
6. A screen similar to Figure 4 should appear.
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Figure 4.
7. To enter the attendance, locate any student on the list that is absent, and click on the attendance code to change the status from Present to Absent. When you are finished entering all the absent students, click Submit. If you do not click Submit, the information will not be updated If everyone is present, click Submit Log out when you are finished
Notes:
You only need to enter Present or Absent, the main office or submaster offices will take care of tardy and dismissed students.
If you are a guidance counselor or specialist, your folder options will appear different. You may only have access to view students. Please contact me if you think you need additional access.
Please be careful not to leave your computer logged into the iPass system. The information in the system is very sensitive. You do not want anyone else using your account to change information.
All teachers are expected to enter their attendance daily unless your computer is not working or you have not been assigned a computer. If you are unable to enter your attendance, please send it to the main office or submaster office at your school.
There is a log out default. If you do not use your account for 15 or more minutes, you will be logged out automatically.
IPass can be accessed in school and outside of school using the same web address (https://ipass.medford.k12.ma.us).
If you see a red circle with a line going through it when you try to click on information, your pop-up blocker is probably preventing you from accessing the information. Temporarily turn off your pop-up blocker or press the CTRL button at the same time you press the Submit icon to temporarily disable the blocker.
If you forget your password and you try to log in 3 or more tries, your account will be changed to an inactive status. You can reset your password by clicking on the Forgot Password icon on the login screen.
There is a help button located at the top of the iPass screen; it contains a link to documentation, video tutorials and PowerPoint presentations. If you need information, try clicking on Help.
If you want to change the look of your menu from original to expanded, you can find the options under My Data, My Preferences. Once your make your changes and click Submit, you must log out and log back in for the changes to take effect.
All teachers have the ability to access a drop down menu to view additional student information. If you do not have this drop down menu, go into My Data, My Preferences and change the Top Menu Preference to Horizontal Fixed Menu.
Password changes can also be made under My Data, Change Password From the iTeacher folder, you can print out class lists and view student information. You
will also be using iTeacher to enter your progress reports and report cards.
If you need additional assistance, please contact me at:Cindy Shaw781-393-2121
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DIRECTIONS FOR USING THE MEDFORD PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE
GO TO THE MEDFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS HOME PAGE AT WWW.MEDFORDPUBLICSCHOOLS.ORG.
YOU WILL FIND THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT LINK UNDER STAFF LINKS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE WEBPAGE.
SELECT CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR DISTRICT SPONSORED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS/COURSES.
CLICK LOGIN. YOUR USER NAME IS THE FIRST LETTER OF YOUR FIRST NAME AND YOUR FULL LAST NAME (THE SAME AS YOUR MEDFORD EMAIL). THE DEFAULT PASSWORD FOR FIRST TIME USERS IS MEDFORDPD.
YOU WILL BE PROMPTED TO ENTER A NEW PASSWORD THE FIRST TIME YOU LOG IN. TO VIEW COURSES CLICK OFFERINGS GO TO DROP DOWN MENU. THE MAJORITY OF
OUR COURSES WILL BE UNDER DISTRICT SPONSORED WORKSHOPS/SEMINARS OR STUDY GROUPS.
YOU CAN CHECK THE OTHER TOPICS IN THE DROP DOWN MENU PERIODICALLY. CLICK ON A COURSE YOU ARE INTERESTED IN AND REGISTER FOR THAT COURSE. YOU SHOULD RECEIVE AN EMAIL CONFIRMATION WITHIN 24 HOURS.
ONCE YOU HAVE BEGUN TAKING AND COMPLETING COURSES/WORKSHOPS YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ACCESS YOUR OWN OFFICIAL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE.
CLICK ON THE RECORDS LINK AND ALL COMPLETED COURSE WORK WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO PRINT FOR YOUR RECORDS.
PLEASE CALL DIANE CALDWELL OR MICHELE BISSELL AT 781-393-2310 OR EMAIL AT [email protected]
[email protected] IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED ASSISTANCE.
Teaching Licensure
Preliminary License
Valid for 5 years of employment
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For people who have not completed Approved Educator Preparation Program
Requires:
A Bachelor's Degree Passing Score(s) on MTEL Additional Coursework for Some Licenses
Temporary License
Valid for 1 calendar year For experienced teachers from another state
Requires:
3 Years teaching under Valid Out-of-State License Possession of a valid educator license/certificate from another state/jurisdiction that is
comparable to at least an Initial license in Massachusetts Met the terms of our interstate agreements
Professional License
Valid for 5 calendar years
Requires:
3 Years of Employment Under an Initial License Completion of a Teacher Induction Program One of the Options for the Professional License
Re-licensure
Primary License: 150 PDPs (no longer 120) Each Additional License: 30 PDPs/an Invalid status requires 150 PDPs Continuing Professional Development required to renew Professional licenses every 5 calendar
years
Please visit the DESE website for applications and additional information. http://www.doe.mass.edu/Educators/e_license.html?section=k12
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Guideline for Salary Increments
This form must be submitted:• prior to taking a course or other college credit activity• all signed forms must be resubmitted when applying for a salary increment usingPDPs
It is important to remember that:• An approval form should be submitted when 10 or more PDPs on specific topic have been accumulated• Approval for all non- district sponsored workshops should be obtained prior to taking the workshop• All college courses and activities must be at the graduate level• There is a maximum of 45 PDP’s that count for any one activity• All professional development activities- must be consistent with your professional growth plan- must align with the goals and objectives of Medford Public Schools- cannot duplicate prior activities accepted as Salary Increment Credits- must be considered as adding to the professional skill and knowledge base of the individual applying for the increment (mentoring, student teacher supervisor not eligible)• some PDP activities may not be accepted as Salary Increment Credits- example PDPs acquired on a required district professional development day, mentoring a student teacher
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has determined that PDPs are valid for a period of 5 years from the time they are earned; therefore, in order for PDPs to count towards any one incremental step they must be accrued within a 5 year period prior to the request for salaryIncremental raise.
Activities which have been approved will be converted as follows:15 PDPS = 1.5 CEU = 1 Salary Increment Credit
1 college credit (graduate) = 1.5 CEU = 1 Salary Increment Credit
To initiate the approval process, you must submit the completed form to your buildingprincipal. The principal will forward it to the subject Curriculum Director. The subjectCurriculum Director will send it to the superintendent’s office for final approval. Thesigned form will be returned to you to hold until you are ready to apply for the increment.
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Educational Acronyms
ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder
ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
AP: Advanced Placement
BIP: Behavior Intervention Plan
DCF: Department of Children and Families (formerly DSS)
DESE: Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (formerly DOE)
EI: Early Intervention
ELA: English Language Arts. Part of the Common Core curriculum in the NC Standard Course of Study, ELA refers to reading, literature, reading, writing and speaking and listening.
ELL: English Language Learner. Student whose first language is one other than English and who needs language assistance to participate fully in the regular curriculum.
ESL: English as a Second Language. A program model that delivers specialized instruction to students who are learning English as a new language.
ESY:- Extended School Year
ETC: Evaluation Team Chair
ETF: Evaluation Team Facilitator
ETL: Evaluation Team Leader
FERPA: Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
IEP: Individualized Education Program. The IEP is a written statement for a student with a disability that is developed, at least annually, by a team of professionals knowledgeable about the student and the parent. The plan describes the strengths of the child and the concerns of the parents for enhancing the education of their child, and when, where, and how often services will be provided. The IEP is required by federal law for all exceptional children and must include specific information about how the student will be served and what goals he or she should be meeting.
McKinney-Vento: Homeless Assistance Act
NJHS: National Junior Honor Society
OT: Occupational Therapy
PLC: Professional Learning Communities. PLCs are defined by collaborative inquiry, shared decision-making and joint planning of instruction among teachers. Teachers are provided structured
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time to work together in planning instruction, observing each other's classrooms, and sharing feedback.
PST: Problem Solving Team
SLD: Specific Learning Disability
SLP: Speech-Language Pathology
SMART Goal: Specific Measureable Attainable Reasonable Timely goal refers to a different criterion for judging objectives
RTI: Response to Intervention method of academic intervention used in the United States to provide early, systematic assistance to children who are having difficulty learning.
Title I: Title I is the largest federal education funding program for schools. Its aim is to help students who are behind academically or at risk of falling behind. School funding is based on the number of low-income children, generally those eligible for the free and reduced price lunch program. Title I used to be known as Chapter I.
504: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights statute which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. A 504 plan is an individual education plan for a special-needs student.
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Classroom Grants and Funding
http://www.ehow.com/info_7887664_grants-teachers.html
Yellow School Bus:
http://www.massculturalcouncil.org/programs/bigyellow.asp
Target Grants
https://corporate.target.com/corporate-responsibility/grants/field-trip-grants
Technology Grants
http://www.grants4teachers.com/Getting_Classroom_Grants.php
http://aaeteachers.org/index.php/classroom-grant-application
http://www.fundforteachers.org/funding-opportunities/grants-technology.php
http://www.digitalwish.com/dw/digitalwish/grant_awards
Donors Choose:
http://www.donorschoose.org/
Please be sure to save your receipts for any class room materials, supplies, cleaning products, decorations, and ancillary materials you purchased to
dedicate to your classroom. You may declare these expenses on your taxes-please consult your accountant regarding the amount you may deduct.
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