Jimmie, Fascinating I would love to visit Renton Tech, you all are doing some remarkable things.


>>> "Smith, Jimmie" <jsmith at RTC.edu> 4/11/2007 1:12 PM >>>

Hi,

 

I'm Jimmie and I am the Learning Disabilities Specialist at Renton
Technical College.  Since Candyce and Judy have both mentioned Renton
and the UDL project, I thought it was time to speak up.  I feel very
fortunate to be a part of the team at Renton Tech.  As the LD
Specialist, I screen students who are referred to me using the 13
questions; I then do an interview which includes pretty much a life
history.  If based on this information, it appears likely that there is
a learning disability; I administer the Woodcock Johnson Test of
Achievement III and the WAIS III for cognitive ability.  Once this is
done, I write up a full report of the findings based on the complete
assessment.  We have a psychologist that I work with and when my report
is complete, I send it to him to review and to sign.  This process works
great.  When the report is signed, I go over it with the student and
give the student a copy.  With the student's permission, our UDL Project
Manager works with the instructor, along with me to implement the
strategies and accommodations that have been recommended.  If testing is
not done, but only the screening and interview are done, strategies are
still recommended to the student and the instructor.  Because of the UDL
grant we are able to provide these services to our students free of
charge.  We are also able to help all students by implementing
strategies in classrooms that are beneficial to everyone.  

 

I do not work with just Basic Studies students, but with all students at
our school.  There are many students in programs who have been
struggling through school most of their lives and have never understood
why.  With the process we have in place at Renton, we are able to
identify and help these students.  Sometimes the strategies are very
simple, but make a huge difference in the success of the student.    

 

My job also includes requesting accommodations for GED students who
qualify.  Many times these students do not have the required
documentation for receiving accommodations.  If the need is because of
learning difficulties, I am able to use the process above to document
the need for accommodations and then request the approval from the
state.  

 

I love my job because I love seeing students succeed!!  My school,
Renton Technical College has fully embraced the need to offer services
that will benefit all students.  That is what the Universal Design for
Learning grant is all about!  

 

 

Jimmie Smith, M.Ed.

 

Counselor/LD Specialist

Student Success Center

Renton Technical College 

425-235-2352  ext.5717