Could you please have Jennifer e-mail me directly, if possible so I could be more specific about the needs of her students?  Thank you,
Jean Gassman 

________________________________

From: learningdisabilities-bounces at nifl.gov on behalf of Clancy, Jennifer C
Sent: Thu 4/12/2007 6:30 PM
To: The Learning Disabilities Discussion List
Subject: RE: [LearningDisabilities 1058] Re: LD Specialist in Washington


Dear Jean,
My secondary school (Grades 7-12) has LD students. I am wondering if the measures you use with adult students could be adapted to help here. Could I get a copy of the 13 Interview questions and also of the handouts you use to help students understand more of the learning process?
Thanks,
Jennifer Clancy

________________________________

From: learningdisabilities-bounces at nifl.gov on behalf of Gassman, Jean
Sent: Fri 13/04/2007 3:08 AM
To: The Learning Disabilities Discussion List
Subject: [LearningDisabilities 1058] Re: LD Specialist in Washington



Hi,

Since my colleagues have written, I am inspired to also share what a HUGE difference we have made in providing services to students.  I work for the Community Colleges of Spokane, ABE division.  We have approximately 450 students a quarter enrolled in the classes at the sites I serve.  Last quarter, I met with 116 students.  I use the same process:

--Screen using the 13 questions.

--Interview 

--Write a summary of what the student reported

--Make recommendations which include strategies

 

After the meeting with the student I usually request their records if they were in special education classes.  When those records come, I go over them with the student.  When they have an understanding of the process of their placement in special education classes, it helps them.  Most students I work with feel they were placed in special education classes because they were stupid and something was wrong with them.  When we start exploring what a person needs to be able to learn and how learning takes place, they do MUCH better in the classroom.  One of my most used handouts describes the brain and how long term memory is influenced by emotions.  

 

The services and strategies that are recommended are as varied as the students.  I may refer them to our Disabilities Support Service person who has a wonderful background in mental health counseling.  He provides information about stress management and how to stay in school.  He also provides for the numerous other services a student may need, such as audio tapes, a reader, or chairs.  We have an employment counselor that is also available. We have an assistant who works with students on the Kursweil or speed reading program.  I may tutor in math or writing.   The strategies may be handouts on the brain, drinking water, food for the brain, stress management, memory strategies or thinking strategies.  Additional tests may be used or other referrals made.  

 

Another most important part of my job is to help students apply for accommodations when necessary.  I also meet with students who are not making progress.  Because I have an office where students can come and visit, it is a great benefit to the students and teachers as well.  

 

I go to a local correction center one day a week.  There the services of a learning disabilities specialist are very needed.  Most of the people who are referred to me have had years of failure related to education.  Once they start to look at the pieces that are parts of the learning puzzle, they realize that they are capable.  I have seen huge changes in attitude and in performance.  

 

The training we received as part of the Learning Disabilities Quality Initiative was the key to our success.  The system that we use is a working model so it is getting better all of the time.  We had excellent leadership by Debbie Reck and Candyce Rennegarbe.  I am very grateful to be a part of something that is life changing.  

 

Jean Gassman 

________________________________

From: learningdisabilities-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:learningdisabilities-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Smith, Jimmie
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2007 10:13 AM
To: LearningDisabilities at nifl.gov
Subject: [LearningDisabilities 1050] LD Specialist in Washington

 

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

 

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