RobertZ - Hello everybody.
Ret - Hi everyone! Loretta in OH here! :o)
Jenny - Hi Robert! Are you just starting out on this venture? Jenny
RobertZ - Jenny: I've been on the Early Childhood mailing list; this is my first time at one of these meetings.
Jenny - Well, me too, cuz this is the first one, thanks to Loret
Ret - Hi Lisa. You are in our Exceptional Needs egroup aren't you?
RobertZ - Ah, you organized this one, Ret?
Lisa in NC - Yes I am, Hi Loretta
Ret - Yes, this is our first meeting Robert.
Jenny - Yes, Ret did, she's our orignial organizer fro this whle web group. I think I lost my typing skills.
Ret - Hi Emilee! That's a familiar name.
Lisa in NC - Hi Kathryn, are you Kathryn in Raleigh?
Jenny - I agree with the wow! It takes some getting used to!
Ret - Kathryn, are you in Exceptional Needs or another area?
Jenny - Loretta, how com this one was so easy to access? I never could get onto the original ones we tried several months back?
Lisa in NC - I am great, just getting use to this site... looks like a great one
Kathryn - Hi, I'm the Kathryn in Exceptional Needs from Missouri.
Lisa in NC - ha ha what a cute name babba
RobertZ - Emilee: I'm doing very well, thanks. The weather is turning cooler here in MD, and I love it. :)
bubba nc - I am not exceptional needs but I just went through NB
Jenny - I'm fine too. Really out of 'jail' so to speak now, cuz I just finished AC on Sat. then had a whole week of 8-5 inservices on learning Opne Cpourt. Now I am free to enhjoy life. And to learn typing for some reason.... -5
Ret - Hi Bubba...what area?
Emilee - What area are you in, Bubba?
bubba nc - EC/GEN
Ret - Hi jlt....are you in Exceptional Needs?
bubba nc - I finished my AC on June 23...thank goodnes
Deb - Bubba, we have two EC/GEN in our cohort. They both taught K.
Emilee - I have a friend that just got her box for EC/Gen...any tips?
bubba nc - Deb: I teach First grade...but I was a K to First looping teacher too
Sandy - Hi! I am Sandy from Florida. I have not yet gotten the box, but I am anxious to begin.
Ret - Hi Sandy...what NBPTS area are you in?
Kathryn - I finished the AC June 24th. Now to finish my last Summer graduate class in two weeks.
Ret - Sandy...do you have any questions for the group?
Sandy - ESE - I'll be teaching VE - 3rd and 4th
Deb - Sandy, start with professional development and begin planning your family outreach. It would have been really nice to have had the opportunity to start it now instead of in January.
bubba nc - eimilee: tell her to START reading contents now....
Kathryn - Sandy, what is ESE and VE?
Lisa in NC - GET ORGANIZED
Sandy - I need to know what to do while waiting for the box if you have any suggestions
Jenny - Loretta, I can't type and see the screen anymore. I have a whole big white screen above me with nothing on it. To see messages, I have to scroll down below and then I can't see this box anymore. Why did it change? This is really strange. To types anything, I lost the whole conversation cuz I can't see it anymore?
Emilee - What do you mean by reading contents? the standards?
Lisa in NC - GET ORGANIZED, go to the summary of standards and start to read
Sandy - ESE is Exceptional Student Education. VE is a mixed bag of EH, EMH. OHI, SLD etc
seasidec - hi, i am cindy....i am in nc also
Ret - Hi Cindy. Are you in Exceptional Needs?
Ret - Jenny...I don't know what's happening to your screen!
seasidec - i just logged on and I just finished this insane process. yes i teach students with autsim
Ret - Jenny...if you have trouble, maybe you need to log off and then log on again.
seasidec - i took the assessment center question in june
Emilee - I have just noticed that bubba, jlt, and seasidec keep logging on and off...just wondering...
seasidec - please introduce yourselves
bubba nc - emilee: thats a good start....then she needs to start planning good techniques for parent communication for the year
Ret - Sandy...what does the VE stand for exactly?
Sandy - I am Sandy in Florida
Jenny - Is anyone else having trouble. I can't see the messages and this typing box at the same time anymore. Makes it almost impossible to stay in the loop.
Ret - Hi Cindy in NC.....I'm Loretta in OH....Exceptional Needs...just finished the NBPTS process
seasidec - me too!!!!!doesn't it feel good!~
Deb - Hi, I Deb in IL and I teach Learning Disabled students; Other health impaired, behavior disorder resource and I coordinate the Educable Mentally Impaired program for the District K - 8
Kathryn - In starting, remember to plan 2-way family communication for the school year
Sandy - Varying Exceptionalities
Deb - I just finished the NBPTS process also
Jenny - Ok. It also appears that I don't receive any new messages unless I send one. So I'll sign off and come on again, Loretta.
LisainNC - I went to the help button and read the directions for "frame free" that helped
seasidec - what track were you guys in?
LisainNC - says AOL users should especilally use this
Sandy - Are there any books I should be reading?
Deb - I was Mild/Moderate
Ret - I completed the Mild/Moderate track
LisainNC - I also did mild moderate
seasidec - anybody complete the severe and multiple track
Sandy - Ret,, that is what I'm going to begin.
Kathryn - Hi, I'm Kathryn in MO and I have a "learning disabilities" resource room. In the fall, I will teach 4th and 5th grade students with learning disabilities, mental retardation (mild and moderate), behavior disorders, emotional disorders, and other health impairment. I completed the mild/moderate track.
LisainNC - The process is very rewarding
Deb - Kathryn-sounds like your kept busy.
LisainNC - Kathryn, your job sounds much like mine here in NC
seasidec - what a class, kathryn
Ret - Sandy...I would brush up your reading / seek out web information on the basics: Social Skills, Collaboration with peers and parents, various disabilities in your area of certification, self-advocacy, literacy, communication, assessment
seasidec - i felt the process was also very rewarding lisa
LisainNC - how many do you have on your case load?
seasidec - where in nc are you lia
Jenny - I teach RSP, Resource , in Los Angeles, Elementary level. Also a Reading Recovery teacher.
LisainNC - I am in Greensboro
seasidec - i am in clayton...near raleigh
seasidec - what kind of class do you have
LisainNC - you at the coast seaside?
Emilee - I teach K-5 students with learning disabilities in columbia, south carolina. I completed the mild/moderate track. I will be looking for a preschool class for students with severe disabilities soon. I will complete my masters in 3 weeks. Sandy, did you say you were in the mild/mod track?
seasidec - nope,,,,,thats my summer residense and my dream of one day living there
LisainNC - one like Kathryn described
Kathryn - I have 16 students on my caseload. Will have more if we can't find another L.D. teacher.
Sandy - Ret, sounds like a good way to go, thanks!
Jenny - This is crazy! I must be hitting some strange button. Its the typing skills. Ill be more careful now.
LisainNC - WOW I wish I had 16! I have around 40
LisainNC - I ended my year with 52
Deb - When does everyone start back to school?
Ret - Sandy...also, did you order a copy of the standards ahead of time? You don't have your box yet..right?
seasidec - july 31
Ret - August 21
Sandy - Yes, I have just come from reg. kdgn to a class with varying exceptionalities like Kathryn and Lisain NC. We go back the 14th of August here in Ft. Myers.
Jenny - Aug 30 school restarts
Ret - I will have about 20 IEP students and 10 non-IEP students
LisainNC - If she does not have standards she could get the short version from the files to beging to read over
seasidec - i am jealous!!!
Emilee - I start back Aug 7.
Ret - Jenny...did you see my note about pressing "return"?
Sandy - I haven't yet ordered the standards. I am going to a meeting in Ormond Beach next Fri and Sat. Hoping to get more ideas. Sounds like a need the standards now.
LisainNC - where are you seaside?
Jenny - Yes, thanks I did. I think I was inadvertantly hitting shift or an arrow.
Katrhyn - Got bumped off. I have some students who are "self contained" in the fall so feel grateful for 16 students. School starts August 23rd.
Deb - Sandy, I'd also recommend getting the standards now.
seasidec - sandy, the better you know your standards, the better you will be able to plan
Ret - Sandy, if you are a member of the Exceptional Needs egroup...I would go to the Files page and download the standards notes and any other notes that you will want for your files
Jenny - I think it would have been delightful to just spend some easy time reading the standards, thinking about how they relate to my students, and reading slowly over all the materials. Really I put in 100 hours just doing that and my first entry #5.
Deb - snady, if you're not a member of the Exceptional needs egroup you should really join. i was a silent reader most of the time. It is a terrific wonderful support group.
LisainNC - If I had the time in the beginning I would have spent it getting organized, planning units of study and doing professional development entry
Ret - Any other questions about the process Sandy?
Sandy - What is the Exceptional Needs egroup?
seasidec - me too lisa, i felt like we did not have enough time to plan......i got the box dec 1, and started number 5 after christmas
Jenny - Betty, tell us who you are.
LisainNC - some have said they would rather not have as much time as the new candidates, but I would have liked it.
Sandy - Is this something that was on the NBPTS site and you had to request to join? I did that.
Ret - You can join a free support group for NBPTS candidates who are pursuing Exceptional Needs certification by going to: http://www.egroups.com/subscribe/EXCEPTIONAL-NEEDS. There are about 198 members. You receive and send e-mail messages to all in the group
seasidec - i would have like to have more time at the assessment center......any feedback on that process form you guys?
Jenny - Sandy if you haven't joined this, do so. It will save your life.
Ret - I think that the clock at the assessment center shouldn't have started until we had read the instructions, prompts, and analyzed the materials
Deb - Sandy, I joined and received the daily digest of messages. otherwise you receive each individual e-mail that is sent. The daily digest sends up to 25 messages at one time.
Sandy - OK - thanks! I have spent several hours on putting together units and reading in the area.
Lisa in NC - I would liked to have had a hard copy of the situation
Deb - Ret - I think we should have had a hard copy of the prompts.
Betty - Hi, Emilee! Guess I thought I'd add my 2 cents worth. I spent many hours studying the standards before I ever got my box. I ordered an extra standard book for $15 or so. It was time well spent.
Jenny - I discovered after my first AC exercise that I could read the reference materials (what is valued) before dismissing the directions and starting the clock. That really helped!
Emilee - Hi jm! What area are you in?
Katrhyn - The egroup on exceptionl needs helped me make it through the National Board process. I was on the daily digest and was mainly a silent "participant". Kathryn (who is dyslexic tonight)
Ret - I agree Deb...very frustrating not having a hard copy of the prompts..I'm very visual
Lisa in NC - I did not have a problem with the time at all. I finished with plenty of time to review and edit..
seasidec - i felt that reading the prompts took too much time......
Betty - I agree with Ret and Deb about the hard copy at the AC and the timer. Boy that really threw me when I realized that the timer had already started.
Lisa in NC - It did not bother me that the time included reading, but I really wanted a hard copy to refer to
Ret - If we would have had a hard copy of the prompts, analyzing would have been easier as you would have the questions in front of you at the same time
Lisa in NC - however, I knew that time had started because of advise given by many of you! THANKS
Ret - I almost had a panic attack during the first exercise when I realized I had about 30 minutes left and hadn't started the 2nd prompt yet!
Katrhyn - I spent 15-20 minutes reading the prompts and taking notes. I wish I would have had a hard copy of the prompts. I think that would have sped up this process. I only ran out of time on one exercise. (#4). Kathryn
seasidec - i agree, i took shorthand notes for each prompt.....
Lisa in NC - I think that is the MAIN suggestion we could make to Board
Jenny - Don';t foerget about the survey to respond to our experiences with AC and NBC! Right, Loretta.
Lisa in NC - oh yea
Betty - I guess I wanted to do my best but felt so rushed at the AC that I could hardly think straight.
Ret - I agree Lisa, I know they want to maintain confidentiality...but there's got to be a better way
seasidec - i panicked on the one we could prepare for...i planned too much
Jenny - I also took notes, it was time well spent before starting to answer the AC questions.
Lisa in NC - ;)
Deb - Where is the survey?
Lisa in NC - I felt the whole assessment was much easier than the portfolio experience
Deb - Lisa - me too
Ret - Yes...member of the Exceptional Needs group....don't forget to send me your survey input regarding the NBPTS process...I'll forward results to NBPTS
Lisa in NC - It was long though! I wish it had been spread over a couple of days.
seasidec - i was also put off by how long it took for us to get started,.we were there an hour and fifteen minutes before we were processed and seated.....i got there ready to rock n roll and had to wait
Lisa in NC - got tired sitting there.... stiff and hands hurt
Ret - I will re-send the survey to the group every few days.
Betty - I think what really bothered me is that I felt misled by the descriptions that we were given by NB regarding some of the prompts.
Emilee - Don't you all think that the time alotted us for the AC would have been completely fair if we were able to start the time after reading the prompt material? I don't think that even having to spend some of my time to read the info. hurt me...I had enough time to say what I wanted. (perhaps I didn't say enough)
Ret - I felt that the AC was easier too...just too rushed
Lisa in NC - yes
Sandy - I don't see my name up there, but I'm still here reading and thinking.
Lisa in NC - I felt rushed at first but then had time to go back... I am like Emilee, I hope I said enough
seasidec - the content was much easier....but too rushed
Betty - The AC was easier I felt it should have related more to our portfolios
Deb - Ret - would you repost the survey info or email me privately
seasidec - i see u sandy
Deb - sandy, You're name is listed on my screen.
Lisa in NC - I would like to be reminded of how everything is weighted
Ret - I think I may have tried to say too much
seasidec - for those of you that are finished......what are your goals this year
Kathryn - I did think the assessment was easier than the portfolio (and I'm not a good test taker usually). I do think I could have added more to my responses if I had not been so rushed at the AC.
Lisa in NC - I feel great about the entire process, NO REGRETS
seasidec - me too lisa
Sandy - Am I the only newby in the group? Have all of you finished and are just waiting til Nov?
Emilee - I do not have any regrets either. Isn't that a fabulous feeling?
Deb - Sandy, don't let all the comments about the assessment center get you down. we just need to vent a little. By the time you have your AC you'll be feeling better
seasidec - i did what i could do, and i hope that was good enough, if not, i will try again
Jenny - I think so Sandy
Lisa in NC - EVEN if I have to bank, I have leanred much
Ret - Deb...I'll repost the survey as soon as we end tonight. Basically, it's just...1)What was positive about the process? 2) What could be improved? 3) Any other comments? You can send it to me personally Ret@axom.com
seasidec - it was a great learning process for me
Deb - I agree, even if I have to bank I will continue to strive for NBC
Deb - Thanks Ret
Lisa in NC - it has made me a better teacher
Deb - I have learned sooooo much about my teaching through the process.
Lisa in NC - I am glad I am not the only one that happened to :)
Sandy - What are the $ incentives in your states - good?
Ret - Sandy...I think you are the only newbie...don't let us take over...if you have questions or concerns...throw them out. We're here for you.
Lisa in NC - I am blank again
Deb - and how to improve my teaching
Jenny - Betty, log off and on again and be careful about hitting extra buttons with you right pinkie. Thats what kept happining to me.
Ret - Ohio pays $2500 a year for 10 years
Deb - I don't have any real $ incentives in IL
Lisa in NC - HEY when your screen goes blank, click your arrow button that takes you back to the previous screen and you will be right back here :O
Ret - This year...I hope to pass NBPTS and mentor other Exceptional Needs candidates at our local college
Deb - Sandy, Are you doing this alone or are you in a support group or university cohort?
Lisa in NC - NC pays 12% salary increase
Betty - Thanks for the help.
Jenny - Calif teachrs get 10,000 as a one time bonus. Now the gov. wants to up that to another 10,000 if you teach 4 years in a low functioning school.
Sandy - We have been so overwhelmed with meeting state assessment standards here. My school went from an F to a C. The school I am going to made A both years. FL pays 3500/yr and the district matches that.
Ret - Lisa....is that 12% a year..every year?
Lisa in NC - yes
Kathryn - Betty, I found out that the "back key" also gets me back to the chat room when the screen goes blank.
Lisa in NC - for 10
Ret - Sandy....how many years does FL pay 3500?
Lisa in NC - NC also paid the 2000 entry fee
seasidec - not to mention our raises and bonus for masters degree lisa!!!!!!i am psyched about the possibilites of pay increases
Sandy - I have a support group. 17 teachers in our district rec'd. cert last year and they are mentoring, plus my group has 1 other person in EN and 3 others.
Kathryn - Missouri does not reward National Board teachers yet. May pass legislation to do so this year.
Emilee - In SC, the governor is giving a state raise of $7500 each year. Some of the districts in our state are also giving incentive raises. My district (Richland #1) is giving a $5500 raise per year. That's a fabulous total of $13000/year for the life of the certificate.
Sandy - FL pays the 10 years you are certified.
Ret - Sandy...so FL teachers get 7,000 a year more?
Deb - Oh, I'm depressed - should I move???
Lisa in NC - WOW
Sandy - Yes, Ret, and automatically renews state certification for those years also.
Ret - Whoa Emilee....I think I'm moving to SC!!
Lisa in NC - we just got a 6.5% increase in NC
Betty - Well, my district is offering a $5,000 yearly bonus for 10 years and the state is offering $7,500 (SC) each year
Emilee - BUT, you have to remember that SC is also about 45th on the national pay scale.
Sandy - Check out FL salaries and think again - although there is no state income tax yet.
Ret - Let me play the "devil's advocate
Jenny - Los Angeles, district pays a 15% salary increase if you give an extra 98 hours of unpaid work per year. At present only 1/2 of that goes on the retirement schededule. We're working to change that.
Ret - Sorry...I hit return too soon...do you think that the states should put all this money into 1 test?? Kind of like the kids' state proficiency tests isn't it?
Emilee - Betty, where do you teach?
Lisa in NC - WOW, it is amazing how diffrent
seasidec - well, ret.....i think we should strike while the iron is hot. i don't think it will last
Betty - I teach in Richland Two at Pontiac Elementary
Emilee - SC does apply all of the money to retirement...extra bonus, huh?
Ret - I've heard of Richland Two
Betty - Yes, all of this applies to retirement. I checked that out.
Emilee - Betty...I have some good news for you.
Jenny - Ret that is a good question. But this is really 10 tests...No, I 'll have to think about that one.
Betty - You've probably been in touch with Fran W.
Sandy - In FL we pay $230 of the 2300 and the state reimburses us $150 for supplies for NBPTS. We have to sign a promissory note that we will pay back the $ if we do not finish - not if we don't certify. Also we must teach in FL the following years (and why wouldn't we for the $).
Lisa in NC - It is not even a test to me... but showing you are quality and worthy
Emilee - They just increased it to $6000...I guess Richland #1 will go up to $6500 soon??!! I hope.
Betty - Alright, I give what's the good news.
Lisa in NC - it seperates those of us who are NBPT material and those who are not
Ret - In about 1 or 2 years...all of the students in 4th grade in Ohio must pass the 4th grade reading proficiency test or they will not pass....another example of putting all your "eggs in one basket"??
Betty - Well my district bases this on bringing us up to I think it's the southeastern average
Jenny - Hi Am. History! Are you just starting this process?
Ret - Hi AmHistoryTeacher...please introduce yourself!
Lisa in NC - IN NC all students must pass the End of Grade Test to pass to the next grade
Lisa in NC - including LD/EM kids
Deb - Welcome AmHistoryTeacher, Have you completed the process or are you beginning the process?
AmHistoryTeacher - Hi! No, I am working on my MA EDLD but have considered it and wondered what others thought
Ret - Lisa...including LD/EM kids? Mine are mostly exempt
Betty - Lisa, what does EM stand for?
Jenny - Ret, I am very frightened of the amount of decisions that are resting on only one test. Nationwide, I guess, and certainly in California! The SAT 9 tst is so above where the children are at this time, so inferential that they don't even know that they know the skill being assessed. Its asked about in such a 'foreign' manner.in such a foreign waynwide
Lisa in NC - mild/moderate mentally disabled
Emilee - I agree with Lisa. This money is like incentive pay. If we deserve it, we get it. I personally don't see anything wrong with that. When we give standardized tests it is more of a one-shot deal...not a year-long process.
AmHistoryTeacher - my name is Paul Henry and I taught for 6 yrs in the public system
AmHistoryTeacher - I am going to teach at a private school in Memphis next year
Lisa in NC - I have to cut out of here early folks..... sorry this has been great! THANks for setting this up Loretta..... same time next week?
Kathryn - Paul, What is MA EDLD?
Jenny - In Los An g we are very much discouraged from excluding LD kids from the state testing!
Ret - AmHistoryTeacher...the NBPTS process will help you to deeply analyze how you teach, why you do what you do, and should you be doing it that way or perhaps change your ways!
AmHistoryTeacher - sorry - master of arts in ed. leadership
Jenny - Bye, Lisa. Next week then!
Sandy - My Florida students will have to take the state exams also.
Ret - Same time next week Lisa...thanks for coming!
AmHistoryTeacher - are you guys talking about nat'l board cert?
Jenny - We are able to give our llld kids the test at the grade level below their actual grade level. That helps many of the RSP kids.
Sandy - I'm outa here going to find something to eat. Talk to you next week. Thanks for your input all!
Ret - I have been STRONGLY advised to exempt most if not all of my kids...even when I have kids that have passed 4 out of 5 proficiency tests. Administration is afraid that it will reflect badly on the district if they don't do well. :o(
Kathryn - Paul, I agree with Ret. The NBPTS is an excellent professional development and personal growth activity. I have grown and changed from the process!
Deb - saee you next week
Jenny - Am His., we are talking about NBPTS, but also about the pressures of having kids and teachers etc evaluated on progress on one type of standardaized test. State testing.
Ret - Sorry Paul...we got off track...do you have another question about National Boards?
AmHistoryTeacher - my friend that went through it said it was a lot of fluff; comments?
Ret - Bye Deb
Deb - Ret - we are strongly advised to have all of our IEP students take state testing if at all possible
Emilee - In SC, we are gung-ho into standards-based instruction for all students (as appropriate) and we are pushing a 98% PACT (sc standardized test) testing rate for all students. The students are also required to pass the test to proceed to the next grade. HOWEVER, for special ed. students, they are taking the PACT, but their IEP's are not only assessing their progress on that, but everything else too! I also think that that is fair.
Ret - Oops...you didn't leave did you Deb
Jenny - Fluff!!!! I think it is supremely underestimated by those who have not actually been through it!
Emilee - bye deb
Kathryn - Paul, I agree with Ret. The NBPTS is an excellent professional development and personal growth activity. I have grown and changed from the process!
seasidec - fluff? that is the hardest fluff i have ever encountered......even in grad school
Deb - Ret - I started to leave then I saw your comment about testing
Kathryn - Keep getting bumped. I did think the assessment was easier than the portfolio ( and I'm not a good test taker usually). I do think I could have added more to my responses if I had not been so rushed at the AC.
AmHistoryTeacher - no, this was said by two people who have gone through it and are waiting for the results
Ret - All of my kids take state testing...but most of their scores are exempt from being included with the school's scores. (They don't count)
Jenny - AmHis - I will be interested in their scores....
Deb - Our scores will count this year. Last year was a baseline year
AmHistoryTeacher - I would loved to have gone through it personally but next year will be my last year inthe classroom so I may have waited too long
Ret - Let's face it Paul...even in Grad School....you get out of something---what you put into it.
joy - I came in late and have been trying to follow comments.
AmHistoryTeacher - they are both fabulous teachers
Deb - Hi Joy, introduce yourself please.
AmHistoryTeacher - you are so right ret
Jenny - Our teachers are not thrilled that the LD kids scores might bring out total scores dow. But IDEA is strong about it and out district is terrified of being out of compliance.
joy - From what I heard, the National Board Certification process is an ORDEAL
Emilee - what are were they in, Paul?
seasidec - well said ret! and i know i put alot into this process
Emilee - area
AmHistoryTeacher - emilee - ?
AmHistoryTeacher - oh
AmHistoryTeacher - gifted and science
Deb - Joy, I teach primary LD students, Behavior disordered resource students
joy - I'm a high school LD teacher in Ohio
Ret - Hi Joy...I've been here all along and am still trying to follow comments! :o)
joy - Anyone else here from Ohio?
Deb - Okay, company came and I really have to leave this time. See you next week.
Ret - Joy...I teach LD / DH in Ohio
Jenny - I would be very curious about the amount of time each of us estimated they put into this process. As I said, I was at 100 hours just reading through the material and completing #5 up to the very final draft. I think the Board misleads us with the 200 hours info.
Ret - Bye Deb
Jenny - Joy - where are you in Ohio?
joy - There has been a lot of pressure lately for my students to be "exempt but testing" on the proficiency tests
Ret - I lost track of the time I spent on it...
AmHistoryTeacher - yes. they both said it took longer than they were told and they were glad that they did not have kids at home anymore
Emilee - What area were your friends in, Paul?
seasidec - jenny, my estimate personally is about 400
Ret - I've encountered the same pressure Joy
Jenny - Yes, Ret, after that I couldn't spare the time to keep counting the hours!!!!
AmHistoryTeacher - and our district gave help in word only - no real workshop or anything
seasidec - i really lost track acuatually
AmHistoryTeacher - gifted and science
joy - Jenny, I'm in Vinton County----one of the poor counties that has received a lot of attention about school funding
Betty - Amount of time spent would be very hard to determine. This process consumed my life for more than 7 months
Ret - AmHis....Our district had minimal support as well...but fortunately for me..I had 190 candidates in my egroup to support me.
seasidec - my district gave us three paidsleave and my principal gave me one paid day to work on it
AmHistoryTeacher - wow
joy - Jenny, where are you in Ohio?
Ret - Joy...where is Vinton County? I'm in the geographic center of Ohio.
seasidec - they also supplied paper materials, a support group and read my papers
Kathryn - My district gave me minimal support. However, I was given two professional days (with pay) to work on my portfolio since the state paid for my sub.
joy - Vinton County is in southcentral Ohio. It's extremely rural. We have one high school for the entire county
Jenny - I don't know Vinton County. I know the Wooster - Cleveland - Canton areea. Used to spend my summers in Wooster. I'm from Dearborn, MI originally
seasidec - screen is blanl
AmHistoryTeacher - where are you? my friends were told that the county office would support them all the way but they had 1 meeting and the rest were cancelled
AmHistoryTeacher - they had to use personal days of their own if they wanted time off
Ret - Hi Emilee..are you the same emilee that was "orange" a minute ago?
Jenny - I used more sick days this year than in my entire career!
Kathryn - Missouri is the state that reinbursed for subs for the 2 days last year. I don't know about next year.
Ret - Our local college gave me 2 personal days with paid sub...I was the only teacher in our County to pursue certification this year.
AmHistoryTeacher - Mississippi did nothing - or at least, our county did nothing - but boy do they take the credit for the ones who pass!
Jenny - Hi smith. Who are you?
Ret - Welcome smith...please introduce yourself
Kathryn - seasidec, I keep having the same problem. Back key nor arrow keys helped last time. Don't remember how I got back on.
Betty - Sick days, I didn't take any days off. Just couldn't . I thought I would but I was doing so much in the classroom to carry out my projects for entries 1-4 that I had to be there.
smith - I am a OLD history teacher from OHIO.
Jenny - That is what made this sooo difficult,
Ret - Hey....3 of us from Ohio!
joy - As far as I know (could be wrong, but...) our school district does nothing for teachers pursuring NBC, except say Congratulations
Betty - Emilee, I think the problem I had with a blank screen was caused by my internet provider but I could and probably am wrong
joy - Hello Smith. What part of Ohio?
Jenny - . You had to be there, but you wanted to be home typing. I think that's why I finished so close to the wire. Also was very very difficult for me to juggle so many important entries all at once.
bette/tx - Ret were in ohio?
smith - Hey Ret, where from?
seasidec - nbpts
Ret - In our district, the principal goes with you to get your certificate from the governor, they put your name in the paper (with article) and they take you out to dinner.
bette/tx - smith you in ohio too?
Betty - Boy, Ret, you're going to have a great Nov.
smith - I'm from the Columbus area. Need to be more specific...?
Ret - I am in the geographic center of Ohio...in Centerburg
bette/tx - ret and smith my husband is from Ashland area
bette/tx - ret what is centerbug near?
Ret - Columbus is 45 minutes from me
emilee - Paul, did you ever say what area your friends (with the fluff) pursued?
joy - Smith, I'm down here in Vinton County, where they pay us in venison and turkey. Just kidding, sort of.
Ret - Ashland is about 35-40 minutes from me
AmHistoryTeacher - yes but you kept leaving - gifted and science
Ret - Hmmm...venison....not bad!
emilee - Betty....see Jenny just got booted
bette/tx - Ret he grew up on a farm in that area town was about 30 mintues away closer to sanvahana area
smith - I'm 45 miles the other way from Columbus....Chillicothe. Home of the outdoor drama Tecumseh.
bette/tx - kathryn most of us get that it is the room server not your server
seasidec - don't laugh at that venison pay.....we actually had a cadidate for school board that wanted to give teachers free lunch in the cafeteria instead of a raise
bette/tx - hello jenny..in the town of La or the state?
Ret - Not familiar with sanvahana
joy - Smith, at what school do you teach?
Ret - Smith....I'm going to see Tecumseh this summer! Can't wait.
bette/tx - ret farming area around ashland area..also lived near perrrysville too ........
Jenny in LA - Los Angeles
bette/tx - we also have family in mansfield creston and dresden
joy - Smith, I've seen Tecumseh about 6 times
Ret - bette/tx....I know the area
bette/tx - jenny okay thought the state of La...
smith - Joy, My daughter es to cllege with a girl fom Vinton co. ... Her name is Hayes.
Jenny in LA - Iknow Mansfield! I love Ohio. It smells great!
Kathryn - Emilee, Yes I am on netscape right now. I think it was Microscoft Internet Explorer that booted me off. Should I try Internet Explorer next week?
seasidec - used to live in Lousianna
bette/tx - jenny sister in law lives there and also one in wooster..home to the Rubbermaid outlet store
AmHistoryTeacher - what are the winters likein OH?
seasidec - bette/tx....loved it done there
bette/tx - seasidec were in La?
AmHistoryTeacher - sea - where in La?
seasidec - yep,,,,,,in new orleans
Ret - Mansfield...I love to go to Malabar Farm where Bogart got married.
bette/tx - seasidec were are you now?
joy - Uh-huh, does she participate in sports? Which college?
smith - 6 times... I live here and have only been once.
seasidec - north carolina
bette/tx - ret that is near were my mother in law use to live..nice area
bette/tx - seasidec..nice place new orleans went on my honeymoon there
Ret - Weather in Ohio....wait a minute..it will change. We used to have wonderful, cold, snowy winters. Now..you never know. We only had 1 or 2 snow days last year.
seasidec - where in texas are u
seasidec - well, we got your winter ret.....25 inches of snow
bette/tx - seasidec...college station..home to Texas A&M and the george bush library
Jenny in LA - Does someone have a sister in law in Dearborn? in Wooster?
bette/tx - ret hubby told me as a kid it snowed all the time...but weather has changed
joy - Smith, do you teach in Chillicothe?
bette/tx - jenny i have one in Wooster..
Ret - Where are you from seasidec? I LOVE snow. I may have to move up north if global warming continues.
kates - do i see some fellow buckeyes here today?
seasidec - yes......i visited austin, dallas, and houston.......never college station, but i like it there
Jenny in LA - Hi kates. Where are you from and have yo completed this process or just beginning?
smith - Ohio weather is unpreditable... We had 40 days last summer over 90...is year only one.
Kathryn - Kates, hi! Can you introduce yourself?
seasidec - ret, i am in north carolina.....and i hate SNOW
joy - Ok, Kates, where are You from in Ohio?
Ret - At least 3 Buckeyes in the room!
Jenny in LA - I haven't been in Wooster since l969!
bette/tx - smith we were there last summer with those hot temp...and went to Cedar point
smith - Joy, yes I do. 8th grade history
kates - Kates - dayton area - resource grades 3-5
bette/tx - ret i am half a one since my hubby is from ohio..
smith - Viva Cedar Point!
joy - Smith---at Mt. Logan or Smith Middle School?
bette/tx - smith we rode every roller coaster aleast onece or more
seasidec - ret,,,we had to make up 13 days last year due to inclimiate weater.....
Ret - Kates....my sister lives in Springfield...I'm going to the Airforce Museum next Monday
smith - Smith Middle school....How do you know about that ?
bette/tx - seasidec we have nto had to make up weather here in yrs.
Jenny in LA - My family used to make excursions from Deaarborn down to Cedar Point! I still have family in Aurora.
bette/tx - seasidec what do you teach?
kates - ret - USAFM is great. have you been before?
Ret - Stop seasidec...you're making me jealous...all that snow!
seasidec - we had 25 inches of snow, a hurricane with major flooding and nbpts box!!!!!!!!please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bette/tx - jenny we went to cedar point first time since hubby went since high school in 1967
kates - spent today fossil hunting at Ceasar's Creek. Wonderful site!
seasidec - i teach self contained k-2 , autism
joy - I'm trying to figure out if I know you. How long have you been teaching at Smith? I live just about 7 miles outside Chillicothe!
Ret - Kate..I've never been to the USAFM...looking forward to it.
bette/tx - seasidec i did go to colorado this yr for spring break and saw the first snow of my life
Jenny in LA - Loretta, this a fun thing. It may not be all MBPTS, but again, tis such a great bunch of folks we all just love to get to know one another.
seasidec - please ret!!!!!!!!one day is long enough . its pretty to watch, but i like to watch it melt.....
bette/tx - seasidec i have a child with developmental delays now doctors are saying it might be PDD she will be in 4 gradea
smith - I have been at Smith the longest of anybody Is that aq clue ?
kates - ret - upi will really enjoy it . It's one of the highlights of Dayton
Betty - seasidec, bless your heart. That's a tough job!
seasidec - bette, when you go somewhere to see it, u can leave it.......when it falls on u, u are stuck with it until it melts
Ret - Jenny...hey..if we can all do a chatroom...we probably aced the assessment center exercises!
seasidec - really,,,,,, i don't usually see kids that old with a diagnosis of pdd
bette/tx - seasidec i went with church youth group
joy - Kates, I've been to Ceasar's Creek. I've heard that they have a section of beach that is for Topless sunning...woo woo!
Jenny in LA - Bette, how have you felt about the services for your child? Is she included? in an inclusion room?
bette/tx - seasidec we have no diganosis so new doctors she does have some of the things with PDD ..no name to her disorder thou.
Jenny in LA - Yes, ret. it is fun but taxing on the attention factor! A nightmare for a Gemini, but I am loving it
kates - joy - missed that :-) don't think you will find me there!
Ret - Seasidec....we have an annual contest at school to see who can guess when the first snow day will be. The winner gets a t-shirt that says, "There's no day like a snowday!"
joy - Smith, no, I guess I don't know you. But I'm sure we know some of the same people. What did you think about all the re-assigning they did (read about it in tonight's newspaper)
bette/tx - jenny somewhat but inclusion did not work so in 2 nd grade she did resource half a day and then in third grade developed OCD systems beacause of the stress of regualar room more like an anxiety disorder
smith - Joy, I may know you too. Do you teach in Ross County?
Jenny in LA - Yes, Bette, i can understand that possibility of the stress. Sometimes a separate room and really proper teaching is the best. But many parents are just on an inclusion bandwagon even if it might not be the best for the child, I have seen.
bette/tx*** - ret we get no snow here..maybe ice once in a while
smith - The reassignin is a smoke screen for changes the super wanted to make anyway
joy - Smith, no, I did some subbing in Ross Co. several years ago, also did some half-time LD at both Smith and Mt. Logan. Pitiful pay for that
bette/tx*** - jenny she does so much better in resource ..then in regular classroom..stress way..now she is on medication justed started it.my oldest has panic disorder and OCD
Jenny in LA - Hey Barb is it you from MI?
smith - I agree.
joy - I teach in Vinton Co now.
Ret - Remember that total inclusion is not for every child....the school needs to maintain various types of services to meet needs.
bette/tx*** - seasidec i got the boot to another room with a person :) but then when i looked i did not see them
Barb219 - yes, how did you know?
Jenny in LA - Bette you have your hands full. How are you doing with it all?
smith - Do you remember the ISS teacher at Smith?
bette/tx*** - ret but schools are always finging ways to cut special services..they wanted to give her only 30 mintues as day of resource and we asked regular teacher what she thought and she said no way..
bette/tx*** - jenny lots of doctors, medication and couseling
joy - Smith, no, who was it? You?
Jenny in LA - Barb, I guessed cuz you were the only Barb on our web, that I know. Welcome! How is John?
Ret - bette/tx....What do you want?
seasidec - bette, it sounds like u are a great parent as well as a teacher
bette/tx*** - Ret we had the feeling our district wanted her out of resource and wa said no one and we are going to more doctors this summer ofr more answers..
joy - When I did half-time LD at Smith, they had us out in the Tin Can
Barb219 - Fine. We both work teaching throughout the summer. How are you doing?
bette/tx*** - ret i want the best for my child...
seasidec - and i agree with jenny, inclusion is not for everyone
smith - No. What years were you there?
bette/tx*** - Ret and right now it is finding out with doctors what she needs
Ret - What would that ideal best situation be? (in your opinion)
seasidec - are you pursuing nbpts
bette/tx*** - seasidec..yes i agree inclusion is not for ever child..but some schools feel it is
smith - I teach in the tin can now. air conditioned now.
kates - joy - love the the phrase "tin can" :-)
Jenny in LA - Hi Aixoise and welcome! Are you just atarting out on NBC?
seasidec - i wish you were one of my parents!
bette/tx*** - Ret not sure the doctor said that if the medication and couseling helps that maybe by the 6 grade she could go in to regular classroom with modification and be happy with herself making C and B...and it have to be her decision
Ret - Aixoise....tonight is a general session to get to know everyone. Anyone is welcome to ask questions or post comments about NBPTS process and we will offer support.
Barb219 - Hi emilee. I recognize you from the egroup
joy - Smith, let me try to figure it out. I was at Smith around the 1989-90 school year, and at Mt. Logan for two years after that.
bette/tx*** - seasidec who me??
Jenny in LA - Aixoise, we are presently mostly discussion inclusion. But there is not a formal topic for this evening.
bette/tx*** - ret jee sorry i am off the subject
Barb219 - Jenny, are you leading the chat?
seasidec - yep,,,,,u sound like a great parent......wondeful advocate and knowledgeable
joy - Smith, a couple of the boys I had at Smith have been to prison already!
bette/tx*** - seasidec my certificate is early childhood and i think that helps..
Jenny in LA - No, Loretta is our guide.
Ret - bette/tx...no problem...we're all off the subject...because there is no subject tonight! Enjoying the conversation!
bette/tx*** - thansk seasidec..sometimes it is hard being a parent...
smith - I've been there for 28 1/2 years. I know that I remember you. Isn't this a coincidence?
Aixoise - Sorry to be abbreviation impaired but what is NBPTS and NBC please?
Jenny in LA - Hi Marlu. Can you tell us about you.
seasidec - best of luck to u.......
marlu - sure
Barb219 - Greetings Loretta. Us NBPTS from MI will always be thankful to you!!
smith - A couple? Is that all?
bette/tx*** - seasidec...i want the best for her she is great on computers so now in resource room teacher is going to do more teaching with the computer..just finished computer day camp
Emilee - Hi Aixoise, Barb, marlu, roz...I just keep getting booted...It is getting disgusting
marlu - i just graduated from LSU in Secondary Math Ed
Ret - Aixoise...what grade do you teach?
joy - Seems like no one would remember us (the other part-time LD teacher out there too). We were really isolated and not given much support.
Barb219 - Emilee, maybe you are only allowed to type our "standards"
Aixoise - Ret: not currently teaching....certified for Middle and high school foreign languages
Jenny in LA - Aixoise most of us first met as an egroup set up by Loretta to help us through the process of become National Board Certified teachers (NBC). NBPTS is national Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Emilee - huh?
Emilee - hey pbv
bette/tx*** - hello pbv
Ret - Hi Barb! I love Michigan...especially Mackinac Island (although I'm a 2x OSU alumni---I'm not into the football scene)
Jenny in LA - Hi pbv. Tell us aobut you.
Barb219 - Jenny, you were always the back-up "support"
seasidec - question......when do u guys expect to hear results
Aixoise - Ahhh...okay, thanks Jenny, I've been out of the educational loop for a few years....lost the lingo
bette/tx*** - aixoise doing anything then?
pbv - I teach third grade on Long Island.
joy - How difficult and time-consuming is it to become NBC?
smith - there then ?
Barb219 - Hi Ret!
Jenny in LA - Thanks Barb. I'm amazed if I helped anyone. I was so lost so often!
bette/tx*** - seasidec how many students do you usually have in class?
Aixoise - Bette: was working in translation until I could go get my Masters but then my little miracle came along and now I'm with her full-time
seasidec - i have 8, by law.......
bette/tx*** - aixoise that is good you can be with her..i worked partime for nearly 9yrs till this past yr
seasidec - ideally, i would like a group of 5
Aixoise - I found this great site in the hopes of getting some advice on how to best get back into the education scene...
pbv - I know I came in kind of late. Can anyone tell me what you are discussing tonight?
Ret - Seasidec...we will know close to Thanksgiving if we "passed"
Jenny in LA - Seasidec - results expected in NOV! Yikes, as Jan would say!
bette/tx*** - seasidec.not sure what our law states but there are two resource classes with each a teacher and an aide about 6 in each class..n
Barb219 - I thought I would check this out to see what is happening.
seasidec - thansk ret, i was hoping before the holidays...
Ret - pbv...no topic tonight....feel free to ask questions about the NBPTS process...just a "get to know one another" chat
joy - Smith, are you going to retire at 30 years?
seasidec - bette, my class is self-contained and i have two full time assistants
smith - Was maccarter the principal then or laughlin?
bette/tx*** - seasidec how big of a district are you?
joy - Smith, it was MacCarter then.
kates - sounds like most of you are teaching MH?
Jenny in LA - Joy it is very time consuming, more than you want to imagein. But tremendously rewarding and enlightening.
Aixoise - Em: yeah....
pbv - What is NBPTS?
bette/tx*** - kates MH?
Emilee - i teach students with LD
seasidec - my county is a middle size county, about 50, 000 sutdents
joy - I also teach LD. High school level
Jenny in LA - National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Most of us met through an egoup that hlped eacdh other through certification process.
Ret - Kates....I teach LD / DH....but I taught MH for 10 years (This will be my 19th year in teaching)
Aixoise - Are there any foreign language teachers here tonight?
smith - I can't turn down the new deal that strs has , but I may just stay a couple years. I still enjoy it.
bette/tx*** - seasidec that is big our district is about 6,ooo students
pbv - Do any of you teach inclusion classes?
seasidec - i may be way off, bette, but we have approximately 1100 students at my school alone
Ret - If you want to send a private message to someone in the group, click on "Send to" and scroll down to their name.
bette/tx*** - seasidec her school has about 500 students in elenmetnary
Jenny in LA - Isn't it wonderful to have the time again to sit and chat like this without having an anxiety attack about not working on NBC!!
seasidec - and we have 9 special ed classes at my school alone
Aixoise - Are there any chats specific to areas of expertise?
seasidec - yes jenny yes!!!!!!!!
bette/tx*** - pbv and early childhood teacher but a mother of a child with developmental delays and speech delays
joy - Smith, has Mrs. Stanton retired?
bette/tx*** - seasidec only two classes at this school..we have a total of 5 elementary schools
bette/tx*** - seasidic but your district is alot bigger than ours
Jenny in LA - This time together is flying faster than AC!
seasidec - we are large county but semi-rural and suburban, we are approximately 20 minutes from raleigh the captial. that county is the second largest in the state and theyhave alot more services than we do
seasidec - nothing moves that fast jenny!
Jenny in LA - Is there anyone with an NBC question - just so we don't overlook anyone's concern on that front....
Betty - Jenny, that is not possible. I am convinced the timer was on fast forward at the AC
Betty - Are we sure to receive our scores in November?
smith - inclusion starts next year... total inclusion!
Ret - We will receive scores in November unless NBPTS gets behind due to large numbers of applicants. There are 1000 Exceptional Needs candidates...the 2nd largest group.
Jenny in LA - What is total inclusion? No pullout and no separate classes?
seasidec - did anyone in here work on the severe and multiple track
joy - Inclusion for all "labels", DH? MH?
Ret - Total inclusion---students receive all services in the regular classroom
joy - Smith, how many spec. ed. teachers will be involved in meeting their needs?
Jenny in LA - Yes, ret, but for all labels:
smith - yes... all" labels
Ret - I do think it is for all labels
seasidec - is that a mandatory decision or made on an individual basis
Betty - Total inclusion doesn't meet the needs of all students. I don't understand this initiative which doesn't allow for indivdual needs.
Ret - Total inclusion cannot be mandatory....according to law...schools MUST have available the full spectrum of services.
Ret - Oh my...have we really been on here for 2 hours??
seasidec - i agree ret........some schools seem to make up their own laws
Emilee - I beg to differ, Betty. Inclusion that is done properly will meet the needs of all students.
Jenny in LA - Its almost 8 o'clock her in Los Angeles. Gotta go make dinner! This was great. Loved meeting and chatting with you all. Hope to see everyone next Friday.
Ret - If parents knew the law, they could demand that their child receive other services.
smith - We only have two for everybody we have. Inclusion is in in Ohio.... we may not know the ramifications yet, but i is state law.
Betty - No it doesn't, not if you limit the possibilities.
seasidec - i don't agree with that emilee
Ret - I think that inclusion to some degree is state law...but not total inclusion...which would go against federal law
seasidec - for students with more severe disabilite, i feel sometimes it is more restrictive to be made to fit into other's schedules,interestes etc........
Betty - I believe in inclusion to the greatest extent possible, but that should always be based on individual needs.
Ret - There are some goals that can be accomplished in the inclusive setting and for some children...they may need more intensive instruction....I think it's an individual decision as to what a child really needs.
Emilee - YES! I completely understand. I am not an advocate for TOTAL inclusion of all students just for inclusion's sake.
seasidec - me too betty......but to each their own.....its too late for me to debate policy......good night all,,,,,i have enjoyed talking with all of u!
smith - I have had deaf, blind and other wise handicapped students in my class, before total inclusion.
smith - So inclusion is in here... students who can't even sit up
Ret - I think that there are many ways to accomplish goals for MH students within the classroom using peers.
Emilee - My last professor said it perfectly when he said that the least restrictive environment to him was not the extent to which students were "served" in the general ed environment, but the degree in which they were able to be served an appropriate education
smith - Ret, I agree.
seasidec - emilee, that is a nice theory, but have u practiced that?
seasidec - in your teaching
Emilee - Just a minute ago, I said that because a lot of people still think that inclusion is just dumping them off...
seasidec - i am sorry, i missed that line......i was logged off for a few minutes
Emilee - right now, i don't think the system will allow us to do all the things that are appropriate. BUT, we are working on them. I have a lot planned for my faculty next year. They are living in the dark ages.
smith - I taught for years without having one student that was not " normal ". since then all of my students have been normal too.
Ret - I think with inclusion you have be really creative and observant so that you can use naturally occuring events within the classroom to help meet children's needs.
seasidec - what system are u in? and what are some of your plans? I am interested
Emilee - Me too, ret.
Ret - Emilee...are all of your students totally included?
seasidec - so do i ret.....and naturally occurring events occurr in alot of places
Emilee - I teach in Richland One at Hyatt Park Elementary School in Cola SC
seasidec - what grade and exceptionality
Betty - It helps to have support from your administrator but in any event we should be advocates for our students and teachers for our colleages
Emilee - My students are not included at all. I just started there last year. The principal moved my class in from a portable because it "didn't look good."
Ret - Emilee, I am interested in how you set up your total inclusion. Did you say you teach LD?
Emilee - I have asked that the sp ed teachers have an inservice at the beg. of school.
Ret - Sorry Emilee...I misunderstood.
seasidec - emilee, have you done total inclusion in the past
Emilee - It has gotten to the point that the students don't even want to leave the room. THEY don't feel welcome.
Ret - You definitely need to work on that. My class was in that situation 8 years ago.
Betty - Its a shame the students don't feel welcome and included with their grade level peers.
Emilee - Yes, but only with students that were ld. They were served on a resource model in the class. The teachers and I team taught. It was fabulous.
Emilee - I know, I have a lot of work to do!
Ret - My students are in the regular classroom most of the day. They come to me for additional reading instruction and math.
Ret - One of the keys to successful inclusion is your relationship with the regular classroom teacher. I have had a couple of fabulous teachers to team teach with. Others are not open to it at all.
seasidec - i have included my students in grade level classes and beps, and this year, 7 of my 8 will be included. However, with autism , inclusion is not always appropriate. i feel lucky to be able to do this with my current students.
Emilee - Right now I teach in a self-contained setting.
seasidec - in my school the ld students are included and held accountable for the end of grade testing. my school is very receptive to them
Ret - That's hard...Emilee...to go back to self-contained after team teaching. Change takes time (usually slower than I want).
seasidec - i have a wonderful faculty and administrator who totally support us.i feel lucky
Emilee - Sea, where did you say you teach?
seasidec - it sounds like you are in the dark ages emilee
seasidec - each in clayton northcarolina
seasidec - not u but your faculy
Emilee - Amen, Ret! I have found that teachers from the "old school" don't want to listen to young whipper snappers like me. :)
Betty - My EMD students spend as much time as they are able to in the regular class. I agree Ret that we need supportive reg. ed. teachers to do this well but we also need support from the administration. I love my former principal he told the whole school that every child at our school belonged and that they could do it or they could do it with a smile. I like that man!!
Ret - Our biggest need in our district is a Special Ed Supervisor who will support the special ed teachers and assist in inclusive practice. Our intervention assistance team has helped as teachers are learning many techniques to help all students.
Betty - I know how fortunate I have been to work with the forward thinking professionals in my district. Don't get me wrong, I believe there is always room for improvement. That's the reason I attempted NB.
Betty - Ret, what age level do you teach?
Ret - It has taken 8 years for me to be accepted by our regular ed teachers. Most are open now...but many still want ME to "fix" the problems.
Ret - This year....4th / 5th LD & DH
Emilee - hey whispa...I could barely hear you sneak in...(he he)
seasidec - i encounter that problem as well ret....the biggest problem i have is a lack of understanding of the disability, even after inservices
Betty - Oh, yeah. I know what you mean, Ret. Sometimes it feels like other teachers think we have some magic powers a magic wand to wave over children that will solve all their problems in the classroom.
seasidec - people think all of my students are little rainmen, and aren't they cute,etccccccccc......
Ret - I really believe that there needs to be a series of inservices that a whole building staff must go through together...so that they all have the same knowledge base.
seasidec - i have been fortunate for the last five years with my current faculty however, very profressional and very accepting. i have team taught now with about all of the faculty in my school in one way or another
Emilee - but please speak up!!
whispa - i am from new zealand. presently doing a degree. teach 5 - 7 year olds.
Ret - Oh my...it's almost 11:30 pm. That means I've been in this chatroom for almost 2 1/2 hours. That's hard to believe.
Ret - New Zealand! You get the long distance prize for tonight. :o)
whispa - it's 3.20 pm here in nz.
Ret - Em...you are so funny.
seasidec - are you guys getting the scroll slowly
Betty - Yes, scrolling slowly too
whispa - are you a special ed teacher Ret?
Ret - The internet is so amazing.
whispa - yep, it's brilliant!
Betty - This is amazing! Speaking(?) to people all over the world
Ret - Whispa...yes, I am a special ed teacher...this will be my 19th year. Over those years, I have taught children of every age level and just about every disability.
Emilee - Isn't it the truth...I have been instant mesaging with a friend simultaneously...coool.
seasidec - what are services like in nz
whispa - wow, but i've been teaching about 24 years
Ret - Have you always taught 5-7 year olds?
whispa - do you integrate special ed children up there? i am presuming you arein the states ret
Emilee - I have only been alive for 30 years. I feel like I should warm up a bottle and put myself to bed.
whispa - no i have taught them up to 12 years
Emilee - :)
whispa - sorry bout that emilee!!
Ret - The services to children with special needs varies according to where you are in the states. Some schools totally integrate children with special needs, some schools totally segregate them, and some schools do a variety of things in between. What about
whispa - what do you mean by services seasidec?
seasidec - range of options.....
Ret - Em....don't go making us feel old now. I'm 11 years older than you. Warm up that bottle!
whispa - we integrate in nz. parents have some choice.
Ret - Whispa....are the children with special needs totally integrated or do they come out to another classroom for special instruction?
whispa - it's pretty tough teaching the ones with special need - behaviour problems
seasidec - do you have a variety of services for students wit autism
Ret - Whispa..are you a special education teacher or regular education teacher?
whispa - they are totally integrated but we get hours allocated so schools can employ aides for them
whispa - i'm a regular teacher
Annette - Hi all, I can hardly believe it...I have logged on when there is actually a meeting and its right up my alley LOL LOL
Ret - Whispa...so you have aides in your classroom? Do you get the help of a special education teacher?
Ret - Annette, you may have to log out and then log on again. Some have had difficulty tonight with whiteouts
Ret - Hi baja...tell us about yourself
baja0710 - I'm currently teaching 5th grade and trying to get some info on 4 Blocks to Literacy
Ret - There's a meeting coming up on 4 blocks and there's also a bulletin board for that topic on teachernet
baja0710 - cool. I will have to check it out.
Ret - I haven't had a white out in Ohio all night! :o)
annetteagain - they got to Australia whispa LOL LOL
baja0710 - I'm trying it for the first time and want all the info that I can get on the subject.
annetteagain - I worked with a little boy with autism last year...a savant...really interesting, I loved it ...this year work with a little girl with Williams Syndrome
whispa - why don't you try a Google search baja. i have seen lots on the internet about it
annetteagain - Yes Ret
baja0710 - This is the first time I have been to the site. I'm going to go browse some before I get off line. Good night everyone.
Ret - Just curious Annette..what time is it in Australia?
whispa - where are you in aust annette, you're a bit closer to home
Ret - Hi terri...tell us about yourself
annetteagain - 1.30 pm Sat arvo Ret....arvo (afternoon) LOL
annetteagain - I live near Mildura...top of Victoria whispa
whispa - hey we're gonna win the rugby tonight annette!
Ret - Oh...you're earlier than New Zealand (right whispa)? It's almost midnight here.
Emilee - hey terri...bye terri
annetteagain - sport not big with me whispa....had no idea there was a game LOL
whispa - haven't been there. done sydney- cairns, canberra
whispa - i usually don't have much idea about what's on with sporteither
Emilee - Si, Senorita Loretta
whispa - ret are you having summer weather
annetteagain - haven't done much travelling whispa....married at 19 have 6 kids.....been busy...lol, just finished uni course....left hubby 3 years ago.....travel plans afoot .....need to grow up a couple more kids tho first LOL LOL
Ret - Yes...we almost had a tornado today....averaging around 88 degrees with high humidity.
whispa - ret, you're in ohio right?
Ret - yes..Ohio
annetteagain - it really grabs doesn't it ret....once you're in you're really in LOL LOL
whispa - tornadoes sound scarey to me
Ret - Do you have tornados in New Zealand and Australia?
whispa - emilee what do you do?
whispa - nope, not nz
Emilee - Yes...I believe that those of us who feed off of instant gratification prefer chat rooms over e-mail
Ret - What does New Zealand have? floods? hurricanes? earthquakes?
annetteagain - Ret we have windstorms that are rather like tornados but not called that.....tend to hit long strips......
Emilee - (whispering) i teach
whispa - floods, earthquakes
whispa - out louder emilee
Emilee - duh, right! I teach K-5 students with learning disabilities in South Carolina
annetteagain - I hit the chat rooms while 'writing' essays to finish my course.....it beats freecell hehehehe
Emilee - by the way, whispa...i love your name
whispa - i email a teacher in south carolina
Ret - Ok...I'm really going this time.
whispa - lost my voice when i went to sign up for the internet!
Emilee - You mean you don't remember me, whispa? (just kidding)
annetteagain - bye ret, nice to meet you
whispa - bye ret, we'll miss you1
Emilee - bye loretta...see ya next time...bring a pillow
Ret - I know it's not night time in New Zealand or Australia...but good night all. It's been fun!
Emilee - Ok, whispa, who do you know in SC?
annetteagain - its a beautiful day here...and what am I doing.....my 15 yr old is standing behind my giving me heaps about time wasting.....LOL LOL LOL don't you love it when the tables turn!!!
whispa - a lady called connie randall
Emilee - Annette, I would love to be where you are...
whispa - annette, it's cold and miserable here
Emilee - Does Connie teach?
annetteagain - I should be out making the most of it too
whispa - yes, i did a class email project with her.
Emilee - cool
annetteagain - Its been cold and miserable for the last few days here........line is full of washing so I have done 'something' today
whispa - we sent her class two little kiwis and they sent us blue pup and mr smiley!
annetteagain - I have an email teacher pal too...she lives in Melb and came to visit me during the hols
magnolia - Where is everyone from?
whispa - hi magnolia, new zealand
annetteagain - actually she is now a retired teacher
magnolia - I am a first grade teacher from Lousiana/
Emilee - I am in Columbia, SC
whispa - i write to a eacher n new york as well. we have done projects together
Emilee - special ed
annetteagain - Integration, afterschool hours co-ord, mum of 6 from Australia here
whispa - sorry about the spelling
magnolia - Annetteagain - How old are your children?
annetteagain - Big range lol lol.....g22,b19,g15,g10,g7and g5
whispa - hoe long have you been teaching magnolia?
Emilee - Good heavens!!
whispa - i have a daughter, 18 annette
magnolia - You are a busy lady!!! How do you keep up with everything?
annetteagain - left hubby nearly 3 years ago so no more *sob* also getting too old LOL LOL
magnolia - I have 4 sons.
Emilee - i have two dogs
magnolia - You are a smart lady too, I see!!!!!
whispa - one daughter is enough, ponies as well!
annetteagain - just day by day magnolia....work part time...finished uni course last month.....just seem to do it ....LOL
whispa - i have one cat, giggle!
annetteagain - thanks mag.....experience speaking????
magnolia - Emilee, I have 2 dogs also and they are as much work as my children - but oh how I love them!!!
whispa - annette, you sure are a great lady!
annetteagain - we have 1cat...don't know that I love her tho LOL
Emilee - Yes, I can second that...I have a 3 year old dalmatian and a 4 year old retired greyhound
magnolia - Not experience, but maybe a little wishful thinking. After 25 years of taking care of everyone, I'm ready for some fun for myself!!!
whispa - thik i'm gonna have to go get a coffee
whispa - nice meeting you all here, bye
annetteagain - I left after 23....all kids came with me tho....not that I would have had it any other way mind you!!!!
magnolia - Bye, whispa
Emilee - bye!
annetteagain - bye wisper
annetteagain - you teach special needs mag??
magnolia - 2 of mine have already flown from the nest. 1 is fixing to start college and 1 thinks he will live with me forever and party all night.
magnolia - i teach first grade and I love it! It keeps me feeling young . Six year olds are so honest and so refreshing.
Emilee - Well Ann and Mag, I have been in this room for the last 3 hours. I think I should get some sleep. It was nice meeting you both.
magnolia - Bye Emilee
annetteagain - I have just 'met' Williams Syndrome....interesting syndrome........mags only 1 of mine gone...at uni in Melb...or at least was until last week....has apparently taken a full time job
annetteagain - she is nearly 23 so well old enough to make these decisions....but......
magnolia - My oldest son is in New Oleans going to college. My 2nd one graduated last year from college and is a radio disc jockey in New Mexico. What kind of job did your 23 yr. old take
magnolia - What if Williams Syndrone?
annetteagain - She was doing genetic science....has taken a job as a secretary for Circus Oz!!!!!!!!!! bit of a contrast there hey
magnolia - Yes, it is a contrast, but she's old enough to make her own decisions.
magnolia - What time is it where you are?
annetteagain - The children have a particular facial structure....like Downs.....very happy children.....speak '@#$%tail speech'....say lots but say nothing....
annetteagain - whoops that wasn't rude????
magnolia - I've never heard of Williams Syndrone. How did you "meet" it>
annetteagain - its 2.00pm Sat arvo here
magnolia - I had LASIK surgery on my eyes last week and it is a miracle. Are a lot of people having it done where you are?
annetteagain - It was new to me too, and I've been in Integration for years.....she is coming to my afterschool program 3 nights a week.....she's a real sweetie tho and no extra work at all....just monitor her as she is prone to 'drift'
magnolia - What will the little girl be like when she is grown? Is there any hope of helping her?
annetteagain - think the big hospitals in Melbourne are doing it fairly often....don't actually know anyone who's had it done
annetteagain - Don't know alot about the syndrome yet.....it is genetic tho and as I said they have a marked facial type and varying degrees of intellectual ability
magnolia - It is so hot here. I've been staying inside. We had to buy another airconditioner in addition to our central unit just to keep up with the heat.
annetteagain - 'My' little girl is in the high functioning range
annetteagain - We are in the middle of winter....been raining for days til today....sunny and fine still cold....should be out in the garden but
magnolia - What months do you have school.
annetteagain - We have 4 fairly even terms....longer hols btw Christmas and end of Jan
annetteagain - was just helping 5yr old to cook noodles....self sufficient kids!!!!
annetteagain - have just finished two weeks hols been back 1 week
magnolia - We start school in a few weeks. There is always so much to do to get ready. I ws at the school yesterday until 9PM just cleaning my room. Do you have to do that?
annetteagain - have 2 kids at Baptist College and 2 at State school holidays were straddled this term...got tricky....2 home 1 week, 4 home 1 week, 2 home 1 week,
magnolia - I try to get as much done in the summer because I don't clean during the school year. We go from Aug. until June
magnolia - How do you keep up with all of your children's schedules? There is such an age span in their ages.
annetteagain - spent the week when I had 4 kids home trying to clean room from last job and set up room for new job.....and juggle the kids....19 yr old finally got his licence 2 weeks ago so at least he could organise himself
annetteagain - My ex says I live in a state of perpetual crisis LOL LOL LOL
magnolia - Don't we all? lol lol
annetteagain - He does not help at all....financially or physically....but still critisises
magnolia - Did your son get his driver's license? How old do you have to be?
annetteagain - He could have had it for nearly 2 years as he is almost 20 but didn't seem to be interested
magnolia - My hubby doesn't help a lot. He helped more when the kids were little,, but now he just sort of expects that either I will do everything or the kids will.
annetteagain - I pushed and pushed.....I was having to transport him to 6 Primary schools as he works as a Computer Tech.....
annetteagain - With kids at 2 schools the youngest going to kinder as well, nath at 6 and me at 2.....boy did I do some travelling.....
magnolia - My youngest (17 yrs.). just got his license. He could have gotten his a few years ago, but he never wanted it. I was glad he finally did. I was having to take him to and from school and work. It's really weird. I used to run my kids everywhere constantly and now that everyone is driving and pretty independent, I don't like taking anyone anywhere.
annetteagain - Some how finished my uni course tho.....am pretty pleased with myself..lol lol can't you tell LOL LOL
magnolia - Is the car insurance expensive in Aus?
magnolia - What course were you taking?
annetteagain - Our kids can't get theirs til they are 18....but even with just Nath it makes a big difference
magnolia - I haven't been back to college since I graduated 12 years ago. I've taken lots of workshops, but I've just never gone back for my master's.
annetteagain - I did a Diploma in Childcare....have been working for years without 'the piece of paper' ....decided I should start getting qualified to go with the experience
annetteagain - Car insurance is pretty expensive particulaly for kids.....then there is a gap payment.....Em had a minor prang and the insurance company would do nothing til she paid up $700 bucks...even after 4 years of no claims......not easy money to come by when you are at uni
magnolia - What age group children do you teach?
magnolia - Our car insurance is very expensive - the most expensive in the country. It's very hard to pay it. Esp. on a teacher's salary. In Louisiana we are not paid a lot.
annetteagain - Last year I was at kinder with a little boy who was an autistic savant.....for the last 10 years I have also run an Out of School Hours Program with kids from prep to grade 6
annetteagain - 'My' little girl this year is in grade 2
annetteagain - Have started a new program at a new school.....its 5 days old......
annetteagain - the program not the school lol lol
magnolia - You must have a special talent. I imagine it is very hard to work with special needs children. We have an autistic class at our school. It is amazing how much patience the teacher has. We have one little boy that is always trying to climb up the walls and hang on the lights.
annetteagain - my little boy had fairly high social skills...his mum had done an enormous amount of work...but had a real 'thing' against the teacher...and she him....not a happy situation...we just had to see it through as funding etc got too complicted to make changes
magnolia - Well, I have enjoyed chatting with you, but it is midnight here and I am getting tired. Will sign off now and hope to chatwith you again. Night!
annetteagain - was thinking the same thing....garden bekons
