Articles include:
PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION
SPIN is co-sponsored by the
Disability & Communication Access Board and the Special Education
Section of the Department of Education. Services include a phone
line for information referral and support, a quarterly newsletter,
an annual conference and community workshops. SPIN is guided
by an Advisory Committee made up of parents, teachers and people
with disabilities.
SPIN
919 Ala Moana Blvd.,
# 101
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
PHONE
586-8126
Neighbor Islands dial the following exchange then 6-8126: Kauai
-274-3141; Hawai'i-974-4000; Maui-984-2400; Molokai & Lanai
- 1-800-468-4644
FAX
586-8129
E-MAIL
accesshi@aloha.net
WEB
www.spinhawaii.org
EBS:
HITTING THE TARGET
Over the course of the Felix
Consent Decree we have seen some significant improvements in
the delivery of behavioral health services to children and teens.
The first step was improving our ability to identify children
with mental health needs. Then to meet the needs of this growing
population, we had to expand and improve the array of services
we could offer to them and their families. Once many of those
services were in place, the focus shifted to making sure that
these services really helped-that kids and teens improved because
of the therapy or service provided.
This latest step-making the system of care accountable-is using
a growing body of scientific evidence about what kinds of interventions
are most likely to work for kids with a specific diagnosis. Evidence-based
services or interventions (EBS) are those that have been scientifically
proven to have a positive effect in the treatment of a particular
disorder, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
or depression.
When looking at the evidence, researchers study both the efficacy
of the therapy or drug, as well as its fectiveness. Efficacy
refers to how well the intervention works in strictly controlled
studies. Effectiveness refers to how well it works in the "real
world." Effectiveness takes into account a number of factors,
like how the child and family view the intervention, how often
it is used and how much it costs.
Stimulant medications (like Ritalin), for example, have been
shown to have high efficacy in treating the symptoms of ADHD.
But if parents don't want to use the medication, or if it is
given in an improper amount, then it won't be effective.
Hawaii is becoming a leader in making evidence-based services
a priority in children's mental health. In our next issue, we'll
share information on what is working for kids.
NO
CHILD LEFT BEHIND
By mid-September, most of our
readers will have gotten letters from their child's school explaining
the School Choice and Supplemental Services pieces of the No
Child Left Behind Act (the latest version of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act). This article is intended to review
what your school will be sharing , and to highlight how these
provisions apply to students with disabilities. No Child Left
Behind (NCLB) is not specific to special education. It is intended
to improve the quality of education for all students, and especially
those students who have been struggling in low-performing schools.
NCLB Public School Choice
If your child is in one of the 85 public schools identified as
"needing improvement" or "corrective action"
you may be able to transfer your child to another public school
that is performing well. The law requires the Department of Education
to offer the option of tranferring to any parent whose child
attends one of the targeted 85 schools. However, there are not
expected to be many available spaces at most performing schools
(due to the fact that many parents obtained geographic exceptions
last Spring for this school year).
Parents who wish to transfer
their child to another school can obtain a list of spaces available
at performing schools from their school principal after September
11th. You must submit a NCLB Interest Form to your child's school
between September 11- 30. After September 30th performing schools
will count up the requests to transfer to their school. Should
the demand for space exceed the supply, priority students (see
definitions) will be accepted first. If any openings remain after
these students have been accommodated, schools will hold a "Chance
Selection Date" on October 4th.
You will be notified by the
principal of the school of your choice no later than October
15th whether your child will be accepted. Before a student with
an IEP or 504 plan transfers to another school, there must be
an informal review by the home school to be certain that the
requested school has the appropriate program and services to
meet plan requirements. And while some transportation will be
provided through NCLB, students who have transportation as a
related service in their IEP will no longer receive curb to curb
service.
DEFINITIONS:
*Priority Students are students
who receive free or reduced price lunch and score the lowest
grades on their report cards in math and reading/English.
*Elementary & Secondary
Education Act (ESEA) is the principal law affecting K-12 Education.
The No Child Left Behind Act is the latest reauthorization of
this law that dates back to 1965.
*Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)
is the minimum level of progress toward academic standards set
by the State that schools must achieve each year.
*Schools Needing Improvement
are schools that have not met AYP for two consecutive years.
*Schools Needing Corrective
Action are those that have been identified as needing improvement
for three consecutive years.
TIME TABLE FOR SCHOOL CHOICE
Sept. 11-30 Parents turn in
NCLB Choice
applications to their home school
Oct. 4 "Chance Selection
Date" for schools who receive more requests than it has
spaces
Oct. 15 Principal of receiving
school notifies the parent regarding the student's acceptance
Oct. 28 1st Day for NCLB Choice
Students at the new school
SCHOOL CHOICE & SUPPLEMENTAL
SERVICES
NCLB Supplemental Services
Supplemental services are intended to provide extra academic
help to low income students who remain at a school needing improvement
or corrective action. Supplemental services occur outside of
the regular school day and may include tutoring, after school
programs, remedial classes or summer school. The focus is on
reading, language arts and/or mathematics. Priority will be given
to students who have the lowest grades in mathematics or language
arts and who receive free or reduced-price lunch.
If your child receives NCLB
supplemental services, your home school will work with you and
the provider that is selected to develop a plan for improvement
that supports the goals of your child's MP/IEP. However, these
services are not considered part of your child's MP or IEP.
Remember: These options for
NCLB School Choice and Supplemental Services are tied to schools
that are underperforming. If your school improves to the point
where it is making Adequate Yearly Progress, these options may
not be available.
This issue of the SPIN News
is focusing on the school choice and supplemental services pieces
of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This important law also
covers other requirements aimed at improving America's schools,
including:
® Requiring annual report cards to show how well schools
are performing
® Strengthening teacher quality
® Providing annual statewide assessments for students in
grades 3-8
®Promoting teaching methods that have proven to work, especially
in the areas of reading and teaching English to immigrant students
®Giving schools more flexibility in how federal funds are
used.
Bus transportation will be
provided as long as space is available. If the new school is
outside of the current bus service area, parents may receive
mileage reimbursement.
THINGS FOR PARENTS TO CONSIDER*
1) Will moving to a new school
improve my child's achievement in reading and math?
2) How will the move affect my child's social and emotional well-being?
(for example, leaving friends, entering a new and unfamiliar
school)
3) How long or far will my child have to travel to attend a new
school?
4) How will a move affect my child's after-school activities?
5) How does my child feel about moving to a new school?
6) Have you visited the new school with your child to see what
they have to help him/her achieve better in reading and math?
7) Would my child do better receiving supplemental education
services (such as tutoring) from his current school to improve
his reading and/or math?
8) Does the school we are considering have a similar school calendar,
so my child won't lose instructional time or access to school
activities?
9) If my child is receiving counseling at school or from a mental
health provider, will a possible change in personnel affect his/her
progress?
10) Will arrangements for my child's before- and after-school
care be affected?
*Developed by the Hawaii Parental
Information Resource Center (HPIRC),the Hawaii State PTSA and
SPIN
ACRONYMS
Hungry for 'ALPHABET' Soup?
Try a hearty serving of ACRONYMS
An acronym is a shortcut for a string of words that go together.
It is usually formed by taking the first letters of the words
and capitalizing them. SPIN (Special Parent Information Network)
is an acronym too. Here are some common acronyms that you may
wish to add to your menu.
Department of Education
AT Assistive Technology
BOE Board of Education
CAS Complex Area Superintendent
CBI Community Based Instruction
DES District Education Specialist
DTT Discrete Trial Training
EA Educational Assistant
EPSDT Early & Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment
ESY Extended School Year
FAPE Free Appropriate Public Education
FBA Functional Behavior Assessment
FERPA Family Education Rights & Privacy Act of 1974
GED General Educational
IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEP Individualized Education Program
ISPED Integrated Special Education System (SpEd Database)
MP Modification Plan
PBS Positive Behavior Supports
PLEP Present Levels of Educational Performance
RISE Retraining in Special Education
RT Resource Teacher
SEAC Special Education Advisory Council
SEVR Special Education Vocational Rehabilitation Program
SSC Student Services Coordinator
SST Student Support Team
TDD/TTY Telecommunication Device for the Deaf/Text Teletype
Department of Health
CAMHD Child & Adolescent
Mental Health Division
CASSP Child & Adolescent Service System Program
CCC Community Children's Council
CIL Center for Independent Living
CSHNB Children with Special Health Needs Branch
CSP Coordinated Service Plan
DCAB Disability & Communication Access Board
DDD Developmental Disabilities Division
DSM/IV Diagnostic Statistical Manual (Fourth Edition)
FGC Family Guidance Center
IFSP Individualized Family Support Plan
ISP Individualized Service Plan
MTP/MP Master Treatment Plan
PICL Partnerships in Community Living
QUEST Quality Care, Universal Access, Efficient Utilization,
Stabilize Cost, Transformation (DHS Medical Insurance)
SCHIP State Children's Health Insurance Program
SSI Supplemental Security Income
WIC Women, Infants & Children (Nutritional Program)
PO'OHALA
INFORMATION PROGRAM
The Po'ohala Council, a project
of the Developmental Disabilities Council, has created a new
information program that will provide basic information on services
available to support adults with developmental disabilities.
Trained volunteers will be able to assist families and individuals
to identify service needs, so they can make better decisions
with core information about financial support, employment training,
medical and dental care, housing, transportation, legal services,
technology and recreation, as well as their rights and responsibilities.
The speakers, using a unique visual aid, are available to go
to groups of families and other interested persons and give their
one-hour presentations as part of the regular meeting. A small
amount of money (stipend) is available for family members, consumers,
and volunteer advocates.
To arrange for a speaker for your group, call the Developmental
Disabilities Council Office at 808-586-8100 or e-mail: poohalaproject@netscape.net.
The Developmental Disabilities Council and the Po'ohala Council
offices are located at 919 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 113, Honolulu,
96814.
TALK
STORY FESTIVAL 2002
The Department of Parks and
Recreation will be presenting Hawaii's largest storytelling
celebration on October 18, 19, and 20, 2002 at McCoy Pavilion
located at Ala Moana Park. from 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. The Talk
Story is family-friendly, accessible and free.
This year's festival features Makia Malo, of Kalaupapa, who is
blind and Ed Chevy, a performer who is deaf. For more information
about this unique presentation, contact Jeff Gere at 692-5751
or e-mail: jgere@co.honolulu.hi.us.
CAMA
AAC WORKSHOP
The Communication Aid Manufacturers
Association (CAMA) is sponsoring an assistive technology and
augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) workshop on October
7, 2002 at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort (formerly the Hawaiian
Regent Hotel). The workshop is designed to help participants
learn about the latest in assistive technology innovations.
Pre-registration is $35 for families of direct consumers and
full-time students and $65 for professionals. On-site registration
is $90 for professionals.
Complete information and on-line registration is available at
www.aacproducts.org, or contact Chris Murin, Workshop Coordinator,
at 1-800-441-2262.
FAMILY
LEADERSHIP ACADEMIES
Easter Seals of Hawaii and Hawaii Families As Allies are conducting
2-day leadership academies for parents of children and adolescents
with special needs. Topics to be covered include an overview
of Felix, IDEA, 504, developing negotiation and communication
skills, the impact of emotional/behavioral disorders and coping
strategies, and more.
9/28-29 Easter Seals Hawaii 10/26-27 Hilo DOE Annex 12/7-8 Easter
Seals Hawaii
For more information contact Nicole at 536-1015 or Yvonne at
487-0514, and in Hilo call Carmen at 933-0640.
THE
OCEAN OF POTENTIALITY SUMMER CAMP
The Ocean of Potentiality,
Science & Technology Camp once again provided a successful
camping experience for 35 youth this
past summer. Thanks to the many volunteers and supporters, including
Navy and Marine personnel, campers with disabilities were able
to actively participate in in-depth and hands-on activities.
Campers explored the concepts and tools of measuring and observing
weather, learned about family values and the Hawaiian culture,
tested their ideas about wind with kites, bubbles and wind vanes,
and much more.
Mentoring and taking responsibility were also an important aspect
of the camp. Junior counselors (past campers who have been promoted)
formed a special support component for both campers and counselors.
They learned that everyone is called to give back some of what
they have received.
More camps are being planned for next year. Volunteers are needed!
If you are interested in participating as a camper or a volunteer,
please contact the Sea of Dreams Foundation at (808) 695-5877.
4th
Annual BUDDY WALK
The Buddy Walk celebrates October "National Down Syndrome
Awareness Month" and is sponsored by the National Down Syndrome
Society, Hawaii Down Syndrome Congress, schools and organizations.
The walk will be held on October 20, 2003 and begin at the Kakaako
Waterfront Park. Registration is from 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
and the walk starts at 11:00 a.m.
Brickwood Galuteria will be emceeing this fun-filled day. Bring
a dish to share and your own drinks and enjoy display booths
from local agencies, character appearances, Bocce Ball and other
fun games for the kids. If you can help, please call Cheryl at
672-6444.
The day's festivities will also include the presentation of awards
to individuals/organizations who have done outstanding work in
helping children with disabilities. Deadline for nominations
is October 1st. If your child has a talent they would like to
share at the Buddy Walk, contact Connie at 949-1999 or e-mail:
hawaiidownsyndrome.com.
Catholic
Charities Family Services
Na 'Ohana Pulama Program
Families of Light and Nourishment
There are many children in
Hawaii who for one reason or another, cannot live with their
parents. They may be having problems at school, at home and/or
in the community. These youth need someone to help them back
on the right track. They need support and guidance in a home
setting.
If you have room in your home and your heart you can become an
"Ohana Pulama, a "family of light and nourishment".
For more information on foster parenting call 535-0101.
CAMHD
WEB
View the most current information
about Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division (CAMHD) training.
The website contains the training schedule for '02-'03, registration
form, and guidelines for training:
www.state.hi.us/doh/felix/dev.html
MARK
YOUR CALENDAR
Exceptional Family Member Program
Workshops- For locations and times call 655-2303.
9/4 Disability Awareness
9/16 Making Choices
9/18 How to be Your Best Advocate
9/19 Securing Support
9/23 Understanding Vocational Rehab Services
9/26 Section 504
9/30 Americans with Disabilities Act
9/30 IDEA & Chapter 56 - call LDAH at 536-9684
***
AWARE Workshops - For locations and times call 536-9684
9/10, 10/2, Development of the IEP
10/8, 10/09
9/17 Development of the IEP-Part 2
9/24 Chapter 56
10/1, 10/3, Understanding Evaluations
10/10
10/7 IDEA/Chapter 56
10/19 IDEA (Kauai)
***
9/21 Annual Foster Parent Care Conference
Sheraton Waikiki
Call 263-0920, toll-free 877-775-4400
9/21 Sibshop Movie Night
Easter Seals Hawaii
Contact Nicole at 526-1015
9/23 Pediatric Brain Injury
Family Support Meeting
Contact Helen at 277-0101
9/27 Island Skill Gathering Open House (assistive technology
demo, displays & more)
Call Wally at 732-4622
10/4 Leadership Symposium & Annual Early Childhood Conference
10/5 Contact Kathy at 942-4708 or haeyc@aloha.net
10/12 Beyond the Blues Festival-
'A Celebration of Life'
Mental Health Association at 521-1846.
10/26 "Fostering Motivation, Hope & Resilience in Children
with Learning Difficulties"
Call 538-7007 or info@hibida.org
4/12 2003 SPIN Conference
(UH Campus Center)
