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Panel Accomplishments |
During the 2003-04
school year, the Panel addressed five priority areas. These priority
areas are defined and detailed below:
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Priority #1: Employability
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There is a need to increase the employability
skill level of students with disabilities so that once they are adults
they can earn a living. |
- The Panel supports the District’s continued
endeavor to provide more real-life opportunities to students with
disabilities and to continue to include students with disabilities
in vocational courses.
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Priority
#2: Realizing Full Potential
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Students with disabilities need to be encouraged
to reach their fullest potential in academic performance, social
interactions, and personal endeavors. |
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A
presentation was made on Project GATE (Getting Assistance for
Teaching Effectively). This program uses a mentoring approach to
attract qualified ESE teachers by offering graduate courses at no
cost to the teachers. This strategy will be useful in filling
vacancies in the District.
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A
presentation was made by the full inclusive Marine Academy of
Research and Recreation in Nautical Environment as an information
gathering strategy.
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Inclusion mini-grants were awarded.
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Priority #3: Learn How to Self-advocate
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Students with
disabilities need to learn how to self-advocate. |
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A
self-determination curriculum will address the meaningful inclusion
of students at an earlier age.
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Representatives from the Parent-to-Parent organization presented to
the Advisory Panel this year.
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Training
on self-determination was piloted at Miami Lakes Educational Center
and North Miami Beach Senior High School.
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Priority #4: Increase Community Support
for Transition |
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There is a need to continue to involve the
community and access its resources to support transition efforts. |
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A
presentation was made on the Project Victory employability skills
community-based program. The Panel indicated it would pursue a memo
of understanding whereby community-based instruction teachers will
be able to make presentations to community businesses.
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A
presentation was made by the “Best Buddies” program that provides
opportunities for 1:1 friendships and integrated employment. The
Panel recommended that the District expand the program into middle
schools.
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Priority #5:
Maximize Educational Performance & Progress |
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There is a need to address the improved outcomes
for students with disabilities including increasing academic
performance. |
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The
Panel decided to focus efforts on reading.
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The
Panel is reviewing data collected on existing programs to determine
efficacy.
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A
presentation was made to the Panel on the relationship between the
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) third grade retention
and high school drop out rates.
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