Study of the Mount Diablo Unified School District - Mt. Diablo Unified ...

Service Delivery Options and Continuum of Servicesgroups of children. In others, however, teachers were observed teaching a lesson to theentire class while the instructional assistants watched or worked on routine tasks such ascutting materials for another activity. In these instances, the instruction was notindividualized and it was apparent that some students were not actively participating.Students with moderate to severe disabilities are a diverse group with significant needs.Goals and instructional strategies must be individually determined in order to be effective.In best practice models, instructional assistants are utilized to provide individualizedinstruction under the direction of a teacher or therapist.The MDUSD administrative staff has recognized this issue. Training for new teachers in theeffective use of assistants occurred on January 19, 2010. Ongoing training in this area isplanned.Considerations for Issue 3‐15:• Implement a system to support teachers in the development of best practices,including utilization of instructional assistants and individualization of instruction,through the use of peer teachers, program specialists, and regularly scheduleddepartment meetings.• Provide school‐based administrators with a guide to best practices for teachingstudents with moderate to severe disabilities, including appropriate classroomstructure, instruction, behavioral management, and utilization of supportpersonnel. Utilize the best practices identified by SEACO in the development ofthis tool.Cost Implications for Issue 3‐15:The costs associated with implementation of this consideration are for staff time andprofessional development. The district should not incur any additional costs in the targetedschools if the professional development and district support are provided during the schoolday during planning periods, faculty meetings, early release days, or embedded staffdevelopment in the classroom.The schools should identify targeted strategies for improving instruction and use allocatedstaff development funds, if needed, for staff development after school hours. If required,the district would pay $25 per hour for staff development after school hours. The costs ofstaff development after school hours cannot be calculated at this time and is based on thespecific targeted strategies at each school or for each special education service deliveryoption.Issue 3‐16: Lack of Appropriate Classroom Structure and Supports in Some Classrooms.Students with moderate to severe disabilities benefit from classroom structure and supportthat clearly communicates expectations. While these were evident in some classrooms,MGT of America, Inc. Page 3‐21