It was further explained that the implementation of the new system would be gradual so as to not disrupt any high school students earning weighted points in the current GPA system. Following the discussion, Mr. Hauenstein presented a request made by a student for participation in option 2 technology course. He reviewed the procedures and reported on the specific online course that the student would be enrolling. Ms. DiMeo provided an overview of the initiatives to remain compliant district’s with the current legislature regarding dyslexia. She referenced the collaborative efforts between the office of Curriculum & Instruction and that of Special Services to provide district staff with a comprehensive overview of dyslexia, developing cohesive screening and intervention procedures, and providing professional development in best practices in early literacy instruction. She reported on the recent meetings of the district Dyslexia Committee, and the formation of school-based committees, as well as the recent professional development that would be given in buildings. Ms. Forrest referenced the screening and assessment process that will ensue prior to referral to I&RS. She also shared that Toms River recently hosted the Ocean County Special Education meeting in the district and moved into a leadership role in this statewide initiative. Ms. DiMeo shared information regarding instructional coaching sessions that will be provided by consultants from Staff Development Workshops for reader’s workshop. These are scheduled for grades 2 & 4. She reviewed the recent teacher feedback gained by the district and its influence in the decision to provide exemplary lessons for these two groups. The sessions will entail pre-meetings, model lessons on nonfiction text strategies, and debriefing time for teachers to articulate with the consultant. Mr. Healy introduced the next discussion item, the realignment of special education programs, and referred to the intentions to maintain compliancy and district’s efficiency in making the best decisions for all students. Ms. Forrest began her presentation of the realignment initiative, focusing on the continuum of instruction, staff development, achieving fiscal responsibility (centralizing staff members to provide for efficient scheduling and staffing), and working within compliancy. She continued to provide detail regarding the goal of meeting the in providing the district’s students’ needs least restrictive environment as well as establishing continuity of instruction for students at each school wherein the specialized programs are housed. Ms. Forrest also described the importance of creating professional networks at each site to support both the educational programs and the professional growth and instructional planning of the
It was further explained that the implementation of the new system would be gradual so as to not disrupt any high school students earning weighted points in the current GPA system. Following the discussion, Mr. Hauenstein presented a request made by a student for participation in option 2 technology course. He reviewed the procedures and reported on the specific online course that the student would be enrolling. Ms. DiMeo provided an overview of the district’s initiatives to remain compliant with the current legislature regarding dyslexia. She referenced the collaborative efforts between the office of Curriculum & Instruction and that of Special Services to provide district staff with a comprehensive overview of dyslexia, developing cohesive screening and intervention procedures, and providing professional development in best practices in early literacy instruction. She reported on the recent meetings of the district Dyslexia Committee, and the formation of school-based committees, as well as the recent professional development that would be given in buildings. Ms. Forrest referenced the screening and assessment process that will ensue prior to referral to I&RS. She also shared that Toms River recently hosted the Ocean County Special Education meeting in the district and moved into a leadership role in this statewide initiative. Ms. DiMeo shared information regarding instructional coaching sessions that will be provided by consultants from Staff Development Workshops for reader’s workshop. These are scheduled for grades 2 & 4. She reviewed the recent teacher feedback gained by the district and its influence in the decision to provide exemplary lessons for these two groups. The sessions will entail pre-meetings, model lessons on nonfiction text strategies, and debriefing time for teachers to articulate with the consultant. Mr. Healy introduced the next discussion item, the realignment of special education programs, and referred to the district’s intentions to maintain compliancy and efficiency in making the best decisions for all students. Ms. Forrest began her presentation of the realignment initiative, focusing on the continuum of instruction, staff development, achieving fiscal responsibility (centralizing staff members to provide for efficient scheduling and staffing), and working within compliancy. She continued to provide detail regarding the district’s goal of meeting the students’ needs in providing the least restrictive environment as well as establishing continuity of instruction for students at each school wherein the specialized programs are housed. Ms. Forrest also described the importance of creating professional networks at each site to support both the educational programs and the professional growth and instructional planning of the
20152001_January%2020,%202015%20Official%20Minutes.docx