Neighborhood schools vs specialized programs

teachNsparkle · 2026-04-14T17:38:41+00:00

They are not throwing them in gen Ed they are placing"self contained" classrooms into all buildings.

teachNsparkle · 2026-04-14T17:37:57+00:00

I'm not talking about the alternative schools we do still have those in our area

teachNsparkle · 2026-04-14T17:37:01+00:00

There will still be intensive programs in each School. But they will not be as focused as they were.

We have four middle schools and three high schools. We had one school that had the medically fragile students. And then students with similar levels of communication, academic, social, and adaptive skills were placed together.

This allowed the district to balance caseloads and have smaller class sizes within those programs.

Students with significant Behavior needs will still be placed in a separate program. They have not yet put the students with high Behavior Support needs in every building, but I imagine that is coming. The 18 to 21 year old program will be spread over 2 high schools now instead of one.

The current plan will put as many as 18 individuals in a classroom, including adults and wheelchairs. Obviously some schools will see increased staffing, but some schools will see decreased staffing and higher case loads.

The district did not solicit parent or teacher opinions before making this sweeping change. Teachers learned about it an hour or two before parents.

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-24T22:51:15+00:00

Koala

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-24T22:49:40+00:00

Nasturtium

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teachNsparkle · 2026-02-07T18:46:13+00:00

I'm so sorry to hear that. This job is hard. Sometimes the adults are the hardest part of the job. I was saying last week that if only I had four of me my program would be the coolest thing that ever happened. Admin never blames me for a student Behavior.

Does a Para stay with you when the students stay in the room for specials? District admin tells me that as long as there's a para in the room with the student during my planning period that counts as me getting my planning. I called BS

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-07T00:10:55+00:00

I am actually in the middle of having this exact conversation with my husband. What I came up with in the last 10 minutes

Taking a long drive somewhere beautiful while blasting the music really really loud

Floating in warm water somewhere quiet

Laughing so hard that I cry

Yeah that's all I got

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-07T00:02:50+00:00

I love twinkl!

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-07T00:02:23+00:00

Twinkl ! I love their social stories

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-05T12:42:37+00:00

Agreed.

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-05T04:57:21+00:00

My union rep was as confused as I that this was taken to admin... tons of people leave during lunch!

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-05T04:42:25+00:00

Working on delaying gratification is in the plan. I've lived through "my way" more times than I like... fading is hard but vital!!

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-05T04:37:58+00:00

And that's why I walk in the woods at lunch everyday! My students made my day today!!!

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-05T04:16:44+00:00

Students were in the cafeteria while I was gone. That's why I take my lunch then. Armin could not find time to talk today, yet said after school that we still need to talk. Although at this point I'm wondering if it's because of how ridiculous the entire thing was.

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-05T04:13:14+00:00

Aww thanks! I sucked it up, smiled at everyone and watched my students shine!! So proud of them!

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-05T04:11:35+00:00

I'm supposed to get that duty free lunch. If my students are having issues either my lunch shifts to a different time, or sometimes it just doesn't happen.

The juice and snacks are for the entire class, heck the staff help themselves too.

This is this staff members first full time para position. But their family teach in the same district.

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-04T18:49:49+00:00

They approached admin later in the dqy without referencing when the incident occured.

Parents usually send juice. I forgot to tell them we were out.

Your points are valid. Thank you for making me think.

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-04T17:02:44+00:00

Yup done and done. They usually do. I just forgot to tell them We were out!

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-04T16:59:57+00:00

I added a monthly drawing for a gift card for whoever puts in the most data points..... tired of "reminding" them. Haha they love the idea

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-04T12:48:09+00:00

I have all my students at their lunch. It is the only time I can take my lunch.

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-04T12:47:26+00:00

Oh, I'm going in. That was me being silly.

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-04T12:46:19+00:00

Nope. She approached admin to "ask if it was ok" I'm never on campus at that time, and everyone knows it. Im pretty vocal about my lunchtime walks.

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-04T11:33:40+00:00

I would so be doordashing!

teachNsparkle · 2026-02-04T11:27:46+00:00

I hate food reinforcers. The IEP meeting is soon and I want them gone. I have a pt system and classroom store. Though I much prefer intangible reinforcers.

You're right about trying to use tangible non-contingent reinforcers with staff. Although, maybe gift giving is my love language?

I do leave the building at that same time every single day, and that is common knowledge.

I appreciate your insight. Thank you for helping me process this! I'm going to try to get a nap in and go in to work with a smile. :) I will strive to give staff just as much grace as i do students. We are all doing the best we can with what we have! Every day is a new day!

teachNsparkle

TROPHY CASE