My First APS Blog!

 

Student Services has been a beehive of activity since I began in July.  So much so, that my blogging days took a backseat.  I've really missed it as I love blogging about the good work I see in my daily work.  That's the way it was for me as a school principal in Austin ISD (shout out to my HP Scottie friends!) and that's the way I'm sure it will roll in Atlanta Public Schools. Though there are ebbs and flows in any educational setting, most people I meet in this field are in it for the right reasons.  They love kids and they want to see them succeed.  Not to mention that ultimate goal of  becoming happy, healthy, caring, productive citizens. 

Student Services does a lot in the way of helping students on the path to adulthood.  Much of our work is centered around that extra lift we can give to the critical curriculum and instructional focus of a campus.  Schools just wouldn't be schools, or wouldn't be the schools we've come to know and love, without those support pieces embedded.  Think social workers, nurses, counselors, and psychologists.  Think special education staff, 504 processes, behavior specialists and more.  They are the supports that many of our children must have - must have - to make it to school, to stay in school, and to graduate from school.

Not to mention the processes and often unseen staff that must exist as well in order for schools to simply be open for business each day. 

This blog will highlight what I see and hear during the week related to Student Services and my interaction with folks from around our school community.  Hopefully, readers will leave with a bit more insight into what we are all about...and the people behind the work we do.  I hope you check back at the end of each week to catch up with us on the many happenings in our department.

Here is a slice of the week just ending.

Awesome job Vickie Cleveland and APS Special Education Staff.   Per Vickie, "each year the IDEA  
requires that states review the data for each district to evaluate the district’s performance in meeting requirements and purposes of the IDEA. After a review of the data, states are required to make determinations on whether LEAs: Meets Requirements, Needs Assistance or Needs Intervention. I am so excited to share that our school district meets requirements of Part B of the IDEA for the 2013-2014 school year."  Per the data sheet the district received, APS has moved from 80% to 90% overall meets on the necessary indicators for the 13-14 school year.  Though of course there is work to do, I'm confident special education services is on the right path and I feel good about our direction.  We have our new special education stakeholder advisory, students are being served in more inclusive settings each and every day, we are seeing gains made in many academic areas related to best practice programming, our staff is engaging in relevant trainings, we've implemented new processes to streamline our communication and timeline procedures, and so much more.  We'll keep you posted on our continued progress - look for our APS Board of Education presentation on the Special Education audit updates in January - but I'm glad we are working together and making it happen.  Thanks Vickie and team.



Wonderful Admin Asst Deanna Alexander and SPED Director Vickie Cleveland

 

Brainstorming

Ms. Mullen and Principal Womack

In between lots of daily activities - school visits, meetings, trainings, and more - Student Services Dean of Discipline Chantel Mullen facilitated the discussion for her Positive Behavior Committee Tuesday evening.  I was able to stop by at the end of the meeting and felt good that these folks are making headway on a sometimes complicated topic.  Comprised of varied members (thanks DOE staff for joining us in the discussion), the committee is charged with  reviewing current policies, procedures, our approaches to students and, most importantly, our perceptions on what school discipline should like in real time.  As we all know, you have real kids on the receiving end of whatever is in place.  Good people, good discussion, good progress being made as we look at updates and revisions in how we do business around school discipline for 15-16.  Look for community outreach and input around future committee recommendations at some point as well. So glad this discussion is happening.

Finally, as you've probably heard this week, APS celebrated all things College and Career Week.  It was a treat to run into Superintendent Carstarphen on the 6th floor, as she reviewed the many College

Can you guess Dr. Spiller's University?

and University Spirit decorations on each floor and each department - I hear Student Services walked away with a couple of honors.  Cool.  I also had the privilege, as part of the week long celebration, to visit Sylvan Middle School this morning and speak to 7th graders on my experiences and journey to becoming an educator - a great reflection for me.  Loved visiting with the kids and hanging briefly with my fellow presenters - the professional dancers got rave reviews I'm sure - but most especially, I loved being a part of an annual event that means much in APS.  Glad to be a part of it and I look forward to "stepping up my game" in the spirit display department next year.  Bring it!






Presenters at Sylvan MS - with one enthused photo-bomber!