Courtesy of San Benito High School:
Educators from throughout San Benito County gathered Friday at San Benito High School to share practices to build understanding of and improve the transition to secondary education for local students with disabilities.
“There were experts in the room from every corner of San Benito County: superintendents, directors, teachers, school psychologists, speech and language specialists, principals, program specialists and board members,” said San Benito High School’s Director of Special Education, Dr. Paulette Cobb, who helped coordinate the event with Chris Lompa, the county’s Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) diretor, and SBHS Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum.
Cobb said the educators joined forces to network, build relationships and support collaborative practices. They toured San Benito High School facilities and classrooms to see co-teaching, an academy class, special day classes, and Baler Strong Coffee delivery by Special Education students. There were presentations about programs, practices, and inclusion and time for everyone to collaborate and share.
“It was such a great day having everyone in the room with the opportunity to share what lies ahead for our students with IEP’s (Individualized Education Plans, developed to ensure that a student who has a disability identified under the law receives specialized instruction and related services). “For those in the room without as much experience with Special Education in our county, it was informative and for those with years of expertise it was a chance to reflect on current practices, consider new ideas, and collaborate with colleagues. What a special way to spend a Friday!”
Photo courtesy of SBHS
