Views from the Field
Districts that work with Project CHOICES have
wonderful success stories to share.
Working with Project CHOICES has been a
wonderful experience for our district. We are just finishing
up our planning year, but have already established great buy-in as
teachers understand the importance of this worthwhile
iniative. Julie Schackmann has been our consultant and is
supporting the district and building level teams to implement
systems change to benefit all children in our district.
Several action steps led us to achieve our
outcomes this year. We have had several trainings through out
the year as well as building and district level meetings. We
are utilizing our staff and resources to start supporting and
sustaining this systems change.
Ediston Park Primary School
Bev Diedrich, Building Coach
As our district is still in the planning
stage, we have just begun to see the success that students with
disabilities can find in the general education classroom.
However, this year has been positive in that we have moved several
children out of the self-contained setting and back into their home
school. They are in the general education class at the first
and third grade levels and have learned many new skills.
Another outcome that has resulted is the formation of building
teams at three primary schools this year. These teams have
shown a great commitment in assisting the district as it moves
toward a more inclusive environment.
Several action steps led us to achieve our
outcomes this year. Building leadership showed great support
by setting an expectation for all students to be a part of the
general education setting and members of the school
community. Staff was supported by two resource teachers and
three assistants so that curriculum needs would not overwhelm the
students or staff. Project CHOICES assisted in this process
of change so that the district could receive training and guidance
as we moved forward in this system of best practices for all
children.
Chicago Public Schools District 299
Youth Connection Charter School
Ray Novak, Director of Special Education
We have worked with Project CHOICES for three
years. Some of the most important outcomes of our
collaboration have been increased collaboration, increased
knowledge of co-teaching strategies, and the creation of a positive
learning environment.
Some of the action steps that led us to this
success were the use of the Inclusive Practices Reflection Tool and
the subsequent meetings with staff. These meetings were
insightful and instrumental in developing new campus teaching
partnerships. The training model where coaches bring the
strategies back to their campus benefits all students.
Coaches have also presented information about LRE at their
campuses.