– Lena Horne, singer, actress
As I step into my newest position in education, this quote is everything. I know that this new position can be done but it’s how I manage my time and responsibilities to make it work. Wish me luck!
a marathon…..not a sprint to the finish, if you want it to stick.
__________________________’s
Functional Academic
&
Life Skill Portfolio
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Birth date
Last year, I proposed a split contract to the Special education director and the Technology director. I am the trainer for the special education web based IEP program. I had found that there has been a need for more training, small group assistance and all around IEP writing needs. They both loved the idea but with the budget crunch there was no money.
It seems that the need is still there and the Tech department is pushing for the position this year. They changed my proposal in that I would be teaching ½ day (mornings) and my partner teacher would come in the afternoon to take over so that I could leave for my special assignment.
I really love the idea of the proposal but am concerned about the daily split. When I thought I would be teaching all day 2 days one week and 3 days the next, I was ok with this but now that I only see them for ½ the day each day, I’m concerned.
Even though I wasn’t supposed to, I spoke with my paraprofessionals about the special assignments. I felt that if they did not think it would work then I wouldn’t take the position. I wanted to make sure that I was still looking out for my student’s best interest. They both thought I should take the position but one thought I’d have issues with relinquishing control of the classroom. I take my student’s progress personally and she was afraid that since I would not longer be teaching 3 periods, it would be hard to not micro-manage the other teacher for those positions.
I think it will be a personal growing experience to share my classroom and that since I am aware that I want to control the situation, that I’ll be able to conscientiously be ok with releasing control to another teacher (who should be excellent).
I want to take the position but still am nervous about the change. 
Here is my attempt at my first FRISK model letter:
This notice intended to inform you that your performance has not been satisfactory and the following action is being taken: Disciplinary Warning
On 9-11-08, during 4th period math instruction the teacher reported that you have engaged in the following conduct:
While working 1:1 with a student who had gotten an answer wrong, you told him what the answer was. The teacher approached your table when you asked what you are to do next as there was still 20-30 minutes left in the period and the student had complete all of his math assignments (6 activities). The teacher questioned that you could complete all the assignments for that period as it had taken her the entire hour the day before to work on 3 activities. When looking over the paperwork later that day, she noticed that he had no errors on the page and that his numbering was perfect. Having worked with him the day before, the teacher mentioned that he is not accurate in counting or focusing when counting nor is his number writing legible independently. It was obvious that he was given answers and/or told what to write.
Performing this duty in this manner has no educational value for the students as they are to become as independent in their work as possible through guidance of the instructional personal in the room.
On 9-17-08, following a team meeting of room 3 staff and the assistant principal, while on the community based instruction outing to Target, the teacher, reported that you have engaged in the following conduct:
After group instruction of the concept of the outing, for the students to learn how to find specific items on a list at a “bargain” price and one on one instruction inside the store that “we are a visitor on the student’s journey through Target” and that you are to help guide them through questions as to the best way to find their items with specifics on how to do this, The teacher approached your group through out the event to find that only one student was doing the writing, that you were tell the students were to go next and where to find the item, and approx. 30 minutes in to the activity, found that your group had completed the search for the 10 items although the rest of the groups had found only 5-7 items in the entire hour activity.
Performing this duty in this manner has no educational or life skill value for the students, which is the intent of the weekly Community Based Instruction.
Also, on 9-19-08, at approx. 10:00 am At the Middle School, Room 3 you were reported by the teacher to have engaged in the following conduct:
After the teacher had instructed a student to throw his cup in the outside, big trash can, you yelled at him from across the room “Student’s Name, NO!” as it seemed he was going to throw it in the inside, little trash can.
This conduct negatively impacts the atmosphere in the classroom and has no value of instruction toward student learning and personal growth.
Effective immediately you are directed to correct these concerns. Failure to do so will result in warning letter and conference with human resources and administration.
To assist in correct this issue, I offer the following suggestions:
The teacher will be assigned a substitute in order to shadow you for the day so that you have been given clear instruction on how to do each part of your daily job.
Schedule a meeting with the teacher and me to discuss improving your understand of your role in the instruction setting.
This warning memo will not be placed in your personnel file. However, if the conduct recurs, it will be placed in your personnel file along with a warning letter.
My Zone Coordiantor and I met with the High School and Middle School MH/SH teachers this morning. They LOVED the idea of the portfolio, collaboration meetings, and Life Centered Career Education program.
Next post is the PDF of the cover page. I sent the portfolio pdf to the Director so her assistant could begin making our binders. The Zone coordinator said that her assistant will keep them at the Zone Office and will make labels for the side of each binder with the student’s name.
Also, they loved the LCCE program. And can’t wait to get their hands on their own copy.
One of the High School teachers wants to start using the portfolio with each of her students immediately (which is my plan). This is awesome since the request was for them to use it with at least one student this year.
This program is truly best practice for our students. We are all very excited about it all.