PALM BEACH COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD INCLUSION WORKSHOP
MINUTES- Convene: 2:25 p.m.
- Public Comments: None
- Inclusion Plan Workshop
- Adjourn: 3:45 p.m.
Minutes: During the 2005-06 school year, a committee of parents, teachers (including representatives from CTA), principals and district personnel met to develop an Inclusion Plan for the School District. This committee was chaired by Mr. Dave Cantley. After extensive discussions, the District Inclusion Committee completed a Draft Inclusion Plan in April 2006.
The Draft Inclusion Plan was then provided to all Principals, School District Legal Department, and LRP Publications for review and input. The Plan contains the following key elements:
Students with disabilities are placed in accordance with the Individual Educational Plan. Placement is determined on an individual basis.
Least Restrictive Environment is the key to determining placement. Students may not be placed based upon preconceived notions or disability eligibility categories.
Students with disabilities can be placed into general education classrooms with appropriate supports and services.
Professional development is the most significant factor in successfully including students with disabilities. Professional development must be researched-based and on-going. All schools must participate in staff development related to, but not limited to curriculum modifications, collaboration, effective teaching strategies, and placement decision-making.
Inclusion of students with disabilities must be seen as a School District priority not just the priority. Collaboration among all staff is critical.
Dave Cantley, Inclusion Plan Committee Chairman, introduced the committee members that were present.
Russ Feldman, Executive Director of Exceptional Student Education, reviewed the following information regarding the District Inclusion Plan: Purpose; Summary of Revisions of May 2006 Draft; Successful Inclusion; Goals of the Inclusion Plan; What do we want to accomplish?; Comparative Data 2005-2006 School Year; Separate Class Placement of Educable Mentally Handicapped Students; Historic Placement Data; Budget; Parent Education and Information; Professional Development/School Support; Blended Resources; and Handouts.
The following Inclusion Plan Committee Members provided Board Members with a parent, teacher and pincipals perspective on the Inclusion Plan: Sue Davis-Killian, Karen Brill, Judith Gerrard, Carole Blacaharski, Gail Rappaport, and Theo Harris.
Board Members stated their support of the Inclusion Plan being implemented in our District and thanked committee members for all their hard work and efforts on behalf of the students of Palm Beach County.
Board Members discussed: placement; Standard Course of Study; every child being on the path for a regular diploma; regular reassessment of the student’s placement; teacher training at teacher academies; labeling students; and resource allocation.
Motions:
| I recommend the Board approve a resolution declaring the week of December 4-8, 2006, as Inclusive Schools Week. | - | PASS |
| Vote Results: | ||
| Motion: Paulette Burdick | ||
| Second: Bob Kanjian | ||
| Sandra Richmond | - | Aye |
| Paulette Burdick | - | Aye |
| Monroe Benaim | - | Aye |
| Bill Graham | - | Aye |
| Bob Kanjian | - | Aye |