Download pdf - AGENDA - Placer County Office of Education Meetings SEAC... · agenda. Comments will be limited to three (3) ... 4.2 Behavior Advantage - Aaron Stabel will present on his Behavior

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Gayle Garbolino-Mojica, County Superintendent of Schools

Barbara Morton, Executive Director, SELPA

Special Education Administrators Committee (SEAC)

Location Date/Time

Placer County Office of Education April 17, 2015

PCOE Main – Burns Room 8:30am – 12:00pm

360 Nevada Street, Auburn, CA

AGENDA

1. Call to Order and Establish Quorum

2. Public Comment – This is the time in which anyone in the audience may address the Committee on any item that is not on the

agenda. Comments will be limited to three (3) minutes unless the Committee agrees to extend the time beyond three (3) minutes. The

Committee has the discretion to restrict public comments to those matters it deems relevant to its subject matter jurisdiction.

3. Action Items:

3.1 Approval of Minutes - Approval of Minutes from the March 20, 2015 Special Education

Administrators Committee (SEAC) meeting is requested.

4. Discussion Items:

4.1 Compliance Update - Recent updates/notification including “Discipline Discrepancy” and Data

Identified Non-Compliance (DINC) Prong II will be discussed.

4.2 Behavior Advantage - Aaron Stabel will present on his Behavior Advantage Program for

member discussion.

4.3 Allocation Plan Update – Updates from other governance committee meetings and the

difference between the Local Plan and state-level determinations will be discussed.

5. Information Items: 5.1 Staff Development Update – An update of staff development activities and plans for 2015-2016

will be presented.

5.2 Special Education Information System (SEIS)/California Special Education Management

Information System (CASEMIS) Update – Changes to State SELPA IEP forms, data to determine

funding and other updates will be provided.

5.3 Legislative Priorities – The legislative items that will be presented on Legislative Sharing Day

are provided for member review.

5.4 Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Update – An update on recent and upcoming CAC

activities will be shared.

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SEAC Agenda

April 17, 2015

Page 2

5.5 Comments from Committee Members – Members can share any important information and/or

reports with other members.

5.6 Executive Director Report – Updates on committee meetings and other current SELPA


Accommodating Those Individuals with Special Needs In Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Placer County SELPA encourages those with disabilities to participate fully in the public meeting

process. If you have a special need in order to allow you to attend or participate in our public meetings., please contact our office at (530)886-5873, well in advance of

the regular meeting you wish to attend, so that we may make every reasonable effort to accommodate you, including aids or services. Documents distributed for

public session items, less than 72 hours prior to the meeting, are available for public inspection at the Placer County Office of Education, 360 Nevada Street,

Auburn, CA.

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PLACER COUNTY

SPECIAL EDUCATION LOCAL PLAN AREA

SPECIAL EDUCATION ADMINISTRATORS COMMITTEE

AGENDA ITEM NO. 3.1

MEETING DATE: 4-17-15

SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes.

AGENDA ITEM SUBMITTED FOR: SUBMITTED BY:

Public Hearing Barbara Morton

Reports/Presentations

X ACTION PRESENTING TO COUNCIL:

Information Barbara Morton

............................................................................................................................................................

Request for Action: Approval of the March 20, 2015 SEAC meeting minutes is requested.

............................................................................................................................................................

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY: The minutes are attached for review.

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PLACER COUNTY SELPA

Gayle Garbolino-Mojica, County Superintendent of Schools

Barbara Morton, Executive Director SELPA

PLACER COUNTY SPECIAL EDUCATION LOCAL PLAN AREA

Special Education Administrators Committee (SEAC)

Minutes for March 20, 2015

1.0 Call to Order

After a quorum was established, the meeting of the Special Education Administrators Committee

(SEAC) was called to order by Barbara Morton, SELPA Executive Director, at 8:30 am in the

Placer County Office of Education, Burns Conference Room.

Members Present:

Phil Williams - Placer County Office of Education (PCOE)

Holly Van Doren-Ackerman Charter School District

Jennifer Lewandowski-Auburn Union School District

Lynn Barbaria – Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District

Karen Everett-Foresthill Union School District

Ramona Rogers -Horizon/Partnerships for Student-Centered Learning (PaSCL) Charter Schools

Jean Crouse- Loomis Union School District

Sue Latham-Newcastle Elementary School District

Debbie Morris-Roseville City School District

Craig Garabedian-Roseville Joint Union High School District

Anthony Farenga-Tahoe Truckee Unified School District

Susan Watkins-Western Placer Unified School District (WPUSD)

Others Present: Jillian King-SELPA Support Coordinator

Sonia Moscatelli-SELPA Program Specialist

Kristi Gregersen-SELPA Program Specialist

Ann Vollaro – SELPA Program Specialist

Laura Blackburn – SELPA Program Specialist

Melanie Purdy-SELPA Administrative Secretary

Susan Watts – PCOE

Theresa Prestedge – PCOE

Anna Langen – CAC Representative

Members Absent:

Lisa Graham – Alta Dutch Flat School District

Open Position– Colfax Elementary School District

Kristi Ellison-Eureka Union School District

Marsha Weis-Niegmann-Placer Hills Union School District

Elena Dalfavero-Placer Union High School District

Patti Stevens-Rocklin Unified School District

2.0 Public Comment

There was no public comment.

3.0 Action/Discussion Items:

3.1 Approval of Minutes

Lynn Barbaria moved to approve the February 20, 2015 minutes and Jean Crouse seconded the

motion. It was carried unanimously by Aye votes of members present: Phil Williams, Holly Van

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Doren, Jennifer Lewandowski, Karen Everett, Sue Latham, Debbie Morris, Craig Garabedian,

Anthony Farenga and Susan Watkins.

3.2 Assistive Technology (AT) Follow Up

PCOE and SELPA staff asked for feedback regarding the AT Program model change for high

incidence students requiring AT supports. The Accessible Curriculum for All (ACA) project was

presented and the following districts responded:

o Loomis Union School District (LUSD) is including AT tools in their technology plan as a

way of beginning to fund some equipment. LUSD is also increasing the number of Chrome

Books the district purchases, and educating teachers at each site on Google accounts.

LUSD has identified staff for the role of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) coaches and

will be ready to begin in the fall. Some of the referrals that are currently being made to the

AT program will be addressed by mentoring district staff to begin the shift to the new

model.

o Auburn Union School District (AUSD) is assigning their Curriculum Coordinator as their

UDL coach and will also be ready to begin in the fall. They are also adding

Chrome Books for their middle school students. Their English Learner (EL) population are

using Google documents and the translation applications.

o Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District (DCJESD) already has staff serving in the role

of AT specialists. They will have access to the training and resources if they choose to

participate.

o Roseville City School District (RCSD) and Western Placer Unified School District

(WPUSD) would like to set up individual meetings with project staff to begin planning.

Larger districts that may not be ready to move district-wide initially, may want to consider selecting

a few sites and training UDL coaches for those sites as a starting point.

ACA project staff have met with PCOE Educational Services and will plan for a joint presentation

at the county-wide Curriculum and Instruction meeting by the end of this year. An overview of the

project will also be provided at the April 28 Regional Coordinator/Manager/Program Specialist

meeting. ACA project staff are available to meet with LEA staff if that would help move forward

the discussions. Contact Theresa Prestedge of PCOE to make those arrangements.

AT Program staff have been assigned to the project part time this spring in order to develop the AT

toolkit, website and curriculum for training and supporting UDL coaches that will begin with the

initial group in the fall. As a reminder, this new model will have no impact on students who are

referred with LI disabilities (e.g. students with orthopedic impairments or AAC needs). Those

referrals and the supports of the AT Program will continue as a Tier 3 support. AT Program staff

that are supporting these students may use the same Student-Environment-Tasks-Technology

(SETT) teaming process that will be used as the Tier 2 AT consideration process in the ACA

program, but this should not be perceived as replacing the AT/AAC assessment that is needed for

these more specialized and intense-need students. In regard to students who at the end of this

transition will be served by site UDL coaches (e.g. high incidence students), and are currently being

referred or assessed by the AT Program or are receiving ongoing services by the AT Program, it is

suggested conversations are initiated with the team, especially the parents, about this change.

3.3 SEAC Schedule

Members discussed the option of meeting bimonthly in the 2015-2016 school year but decided they

would like to continue meeting once a month.

3.4 Non-Public School (NPS) and Agency (NPA) Update

Every year the Master Contract is reviewed by an attorney and SELPA is seeking input on changes

that should be considered. One item that may need to be included in next year’s Master Contract is

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in regard to who is responsible for the purchase of iPads/tablets. The Master Contract states that

NPSs are responsible for purchasing all equipment but if the student has an LI disability, the device

may be purchased through LI funds. If LEAs are purchasing iPads/tablets for all of their students

on comprehensive campuses, the LEA would find it difficult to require the NPS be responsible for

making these purchases. The other item that may need to be added to the Master Contract is who is

responsible to provide Diastat training and administration at the NPS. Members were asked to

provide SELPA with feedback on other additions to the Master Contract.

On May 13 and 14, SELPA will be performing a review of Sierra Foothills Academy (SFA).

SELPA informed SFA that in addition to an observation and review of selected student files,

SELPA will be asking to review invoices for Placer County students, service logs, behavior

emergency/incident reports, documentation of staff training, staff lists (credentials/licenses),

parent/staff handbooks and lesson plans. SELPA asked for feedback if there are any other items

that should be reviewed.

A Master Contract Clarification Document which summarizes some important sections of the

Master Contract was included and will be available for members.

A legal opinion was shared that stated a doctor will have to evaluate a student for Occupational

Therapy (OT) and Physical therapy (PT) in order to bill MediCal.

3.5 Frequency of Services

One of the compliance items that California Department of Education (CDE) staff is focused on is

service frequency. Specific concerns are with stating annual or monthly services when the service

is delivered weekly. CDE staff is concerned about implementation over the entire school year and

whether students may miss services due to staff schedules. SELPA staff recommends that LEAs be

very specific in comment boxes. The amount of time must be appropriate for the specific service

and must be clearly stated on the Individual Education Plan (IEP) in a manner that can be

understood by parents and staff. An example of how CDE would prefer the service be written was

included.

3.6 Special Education Task Force

The Special Education Task Force has released its report. The report recommends one unified,

coherent system of supports for all students. The specific areas of focus are early learning,

evidence-based practices, assessment and accountability, educator preparation and professional

learning, finance and family/student engagement.

4.0 Information Items:

4.1 Staff Development Update

Patty Schetter from Autism & Behavior Training Associates (ABTA) does not feel there is a need

to continue with the Autism Institute since the date has passed for staff to acquire the Autism

Added Authorization. Patty has suggested to SELPAs that have California Autism Professional

Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) members, as we do, that they adopt a Professional

Learning Community (PLC) model. A “PLC for Autism Rationale” proposal from Patty was

included. SELPA is seeking feedback on which LEA staff are interested in being members of the

coaching model and would like this feedback at the next SEAC meeting.

SELPA is working on the needs assessment for the 2015-2016 school year and has asked members

for feedback to start the process. It will be sent to members next week.

TTUSD staff would like to attend trainings via video conference so SELPA will make

arrangements and work with TTUSD staff to implement this.

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4.2 Charter School Update

CORE Charter School has been denied membership in El Dorado County Charter SELPA and is

seeking membership in Desert Mountain SELPA. Horizon Charter School (HCS) has made

improvements according to CDE but still demonstrates systemic noncompliance so sanctions are

still in effect.

4.3 Mental Health Update

A letter from several legislators requesting an audit of mental health funding in schools was

included for member review. The opinion letter from Jonathan Read of Fagen, Friedman and

Fulfrost was also included. Mr. Read’s legal opinion reiterates the legal advice from several years

ago. Absent updated legislation and with the strong likelihood of an audit he strongly cautions

against using those funds for behavior intervention or crisis counseling.

4.4 Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Update

Anna Langen, the CAC representative from Rocklin Unified School District reminded members

that May 15th is the joint meeting with CAC and SEAC. She also asked members to communicate

to parents that on April 16th there will be a Birds and Bees training from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Members

were asked if they would like to host this training. If so, please contact the SELPA office.

Legislative Sharing Day is April 29th, and members were asked to contact the SELPA if they would

like to attend.

4.5 Comments from Committee Members

PCOE received a Maintenance of Understanding (MOU) from Placer County regarding

prescriptions for epipens which requires clarification. Updates will be provided when available.

The WPUSD director asked for input on the most current chart to use for articulation acquisition.

Suggestions were made and SELPA will research this further for WPUSD staff.

California Alternative Assessment (CAA) will be administered though no scores will be reported

this year. All examiners must be certified and there is a tutorial video available on CDE’s website.

4.6 Executive Director Report

Aaron Stabel will attend the April SEAC meeting to present on Behavior Advantage per members’

request.

There are two new representatives on the Executive Committee of the Council of Superintendents

(ECCOS) starting July 1, 2015. Shannon Jacinto from Foresthill will replace Gary Yee and Derk

Garcia from Roseville City School District will replace Linda Rooney.

Patterns of Strength and Weaknesses (PSW) is still on the back burner, but LEAs staff are

encouraged to consider this training in particular for African American and ELL students. SELPA

will contact Ventura County to give an overview of the process they used to adopt PSW.

5.0 Adjournment

5.1 The meeting was adjourned at 10:10am. The next SEAC meeting is scheduled for Friday,

April 17, 2015.

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PLACER COUNTY



AGENDA ITEM NO. 4.1


SUBJECT: Compliance Update.




X DISCUSSION PRESENTING TO COUNCIL:

Information Jillian King

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY: Notifications for “Discipline Discrepancy” between the

California Special Education Management System (CASEMIS) and California Longitudinal Pupil

Achievement Data System (CALPADS) were received across the SELPA. Members will discuss

next steps to address this, including new systems to prevent it in the future. The DINC Prong II

and follow up April 20th CASEMIS reports will also be discussed.

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PLACER COUNTY



AGENDA ITEM NO. 4.2


SUBJECT: Behavior Advantage.





Information Aaron Stabel

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY: Members expressed interest in learning more about

Behavior Advantage which was designed by Aaron Stabel. Aaron will present on specifics of this

program for further discussion and potential next steps.

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PLACER COUNTY



AGENDA ITEM NO. 4.3


SUBJECT: Allocation Plan Update.





Information Barbara Morton

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY: Both the Executive Committee of the Council of

Superintendents (ECCOS) and the Program/Business Review Committee (PBRC) have begun

discussion on potential changes to the Allocation Plan. A number of spreadsheets have been

reviewed and the option of an ADA-only model was requested by one district. Subsequent PBRC

discussion focused on factors that members felt should also be considered if an ADA-only model

is adopted. Those factors include whether there is still agreement on the tenets included in the

Philosophy Plan, Independent Study, preschool, the Severely Handicapped (SH) definition, small

district base rates and geographic location. The discussion resulted in a request for more data

which will be reviewed at the May PBRC meeting. ECCOS also discussed an ADA-only model

and their discussion will be shared with members. ECCOS members also asked that SEAC discuss

the Philosophy Statement which is included for reference. SEAC members requested clarification

on the data used to generate SH funding under the Allocation Plan compared to the data used to

generate LI funding at the state level. A document outlining the differences is included for

clarification.

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FINAL Allocation Plan Placer County SELPA April 9, 2008 Revised September 2009 Revised December 2012 Revised February 2014

POLICY 3001

PLACER COUNTY SPECIAL EDUCATION LOCAL PLAN AREA (SELPA)

DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDS

PROCEDURES: Philosophy

What do we believe?

Special needs students must be served appropriately.

No matter who provides the service, special needs students belong to all of us.

Good communication between members of the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) is in the best interest of everyone.

Working together improves relationships and produces better outcomes than working against each other.

What do we know?

Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is a mandate.

Costs and enrollments will continue to increase.

Maintenance of Effort (MOE) is required by Federal statute.

As a regional provider, Placer County Office of Education (PCOE) programs are designed to serve students with the most severe disabilities from all districts.

The State of California funds SELPAs based on total Average Daily Attendance which includes both special and general education students across the SELPA.

Some Local Education Agencies (LEAs) in the Placer County SELPA have declining enrollment while others are increasing which may cancel out differences at the SELPA level in terms of growth for special education funding.

Special education students generate Revenue Limit funds in the same way as general education students, when enrolled in Special Day Classes, which contributes to unrestricted monies in the General Fund.

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Special education excess costs are paid out of General Fund (unrestricted) monies which is also known as the Local General Fund Contribution (LGFC).

Excess costs required to operate PCOE regional programs are assessed to districts.

Independent Study must be considered carefully in any model taking into account service levels and any relevant differences from classroom-based programs.

Lack of access to appropriate special education services is often very expensive as well as legally non-compliant.

The current SELPA funding and bill back model is complicated and frustrating.

There is no perfect model.

What did we want?

The ability for all LEAs to build their budgets on a reliable and relatively stable allocation model.

Mitigation of unexpected large expenses such as access to a Special Needs Pool.

Incentives to control increased expenses for all LEAs such as Response to Intervention (RtI) and other pre-referral options.

A transparent model.

Provision for startup costs for new programs and services by use of current figures and quarterly collection of census data.

A structure that mitigates the negative impact on districts that take back programs, classes, and services.

An equitable model for funding and assessments to LEAs.

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PLACER COUNTY



AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.1


SUBJECT: Staff Development Update.




Action/Discussion PRESENTING TO COUNCIL:

X INFORMATION Jillian King

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY: The needs assessment results and requests for Diagnostic

Center trainings will be reviewed in order to plan for the 2015-2016 school year. There will also

be follow up in regard to the proposed change to a Professional Learning Community (PLC) for

training on the topic of autism.

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PLACER COUNTY



AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.2


SUBJECT: SEIS/CASEMIS Update.






BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY: Members are requested to provide feedback on the State

SELPA IEP forms as well as suggestions for any changes to SEIS.

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PLACER COUNTY



AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.3


SUBJECT: Legislative Priorities.





X INFORMATION Barbara Morton

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY: Annually the State SELPA organization and the Coalition

for Adequate Funding for Disabled Children host a Legislative Sharing Day. CAC members are

invited to participate along with SELPA staff and LEA special education directors. Each year

Legislative Priorities are generated which are used as talking points in meeting with legislators.

The 2015 Legislative Priorities are attached for reference.

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PLACER COUNTY



AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.4


SUBJECT: CAC Update.






BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY: An update on recent and upcoming CAC activities will be

shared.

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PLACER COUNTY



AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.5


SUBJECT: Comments from Committee Members.






BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY: Members can share any important information and/or

reports with other members.

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PLACER COUNTY



AGENDA ITEM NO. 5.6


SUBJECT: Executive Director Report.






BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY: Updates on committee meetings and other current SELPA
