Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District Guide to Services leadership collaboration support efficiency
Dear Friends, The Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD) is pleased to offer our Guide to Services. As the region s educational service agency, we provide leadership and support to all public, private and parochial schools within Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties. Our mission is to enhance educational effectiveness throughout the system of education within the Traverse Bay area. TBAISD is committed to continually seeking the most effective ways to assist school districts with delivering quality education for all students. We also establish centralized and collaborative programs that provide significant cost savings to schools. We are proud of our collaborative efforts with local districts and other constituents. We are truly a shared community resource, focused on leading lifetime learning for the region. We invite you to learn more about TBAISD by reading our Guide to Services. We welcome your comments, input and ideas to support our continuous improvement efforts. Sincerely, Michael J. Hill Superintendent, Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District Contents TBAISD Overview...page 3 TBAISD Area Map...page 4 General Education...page 5 Business, Technology and Administrative Services...page 9 Special Education...page 11 Career and Technical Education...page 14 Contacts Superintendent s Office...(231) 922-6212 Special Education Office...(231) 922-6228 General Education Office...(231) 922-6349 Career-Tech Center...(231) 922-6273 Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District P.O. Box 6020 1101 Red Drive Traverse City, MI 49696-6020 (231) 922-6200 FAX: (231) 922-6270 www.tbaisd.k12.mi.us
Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District This guide is intended to assist you with understanding the many programs and services provided by TBAISD. Whether General Education, Special Education, Career and Technical Education, Business, Administrative, or Technology Services, our goal is to be of assistance in increasing student achievement and maximizing services on a regional basis. Evaluation of our services is paramount to our work. Please share this information with others in your workplace and within your community. Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD) is one of Michigan s 57 intermediate school districts. Established by the Michigan Legislature in 1962, Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) act as regional education service agencies. TBAISD serves public, private and parochial schools within the five-county area of northwest lower Michigan. Our mandate is to support teaching and learning by providing services, personnel, and materials to local school districts. ISDs also keep abreast of state and national educational mandates and research. look to ISDs to disseminate information, seek funding, and provide training on their behalf. TBAISD provides targeted general education, special education, career and technical education, technology, and business/administrative services. We also coordinate a number of programs and services that are best delivered regionally, for cost, size, efficiency and quality advantages. We are proud of the role we play in the educational progress of our area. TBAISD s motto, Leading Lifetime Learning, reflects our ongoing commitment to providing educational opportunities for all learners throughout our region. We invite you to learn more about the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District through this guide and by visiting our website: www.tbaisd.k12.mi.us It is the mission of TBAISD to Enhance Educational Effectiveness. Our mission dictates that we will: Provide organizational and instructional leadership. Help local school districts capitalize on change. Pursue continuous improvement in teaching and learning. Work to make every learner succeed. It is the vision of TBAISD to be a dynamic force for quality education and lifetime learning. In pursuit of this vision we will: Become skilled at using data. Take intelligent risks and nurture inventiveness. Maintain organizational flexibility. Enhance our customer focus. Seek ideas that make schooling better. TBAISD goals To capitalize on the educational opportunities presented by our continually changing environment. To identify and proactively support instructional ideas that enhance student achievement. To aggressively and collaboratively pursue efficiency in the delivery of educational services. To continue modeling and supporting datadriven decision making. To effectively engage TBAISD staff and constituents in the school improvement process. www.tbaisd.k12.mi.us 3
TBAISD TBAISD departments share a common goal to improve student achievement across our region. Our services are aimed at assisting districts with answering three essential questions for teaching and learning. What do students need to know and be able to do? - Curriculum How will we know they have learned it? - Assessment What strategies work for all students and what will we do for students who have difficulty learning? - Instruction TBAISD serves: School districts within Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau counties. Leland Public Northport Public School Suttons Bay Public Elk Rapids Public Bellaire Public N Alba Public School Glen Lake Community Kalkaska Public Mancelona Public Benzie County Central Traverse City Area Public Excelsior #1 Frankfort/Elberta Area Buckley Community Kingsley Area Forest Area Community TBAISD data: Michigan s largest ISD in number of counties served (5) 5th in number of school districts served 16 public school districts 3 public school academies 14 parochial and nonpublic 8th in geographic area (2,138 sq. miles) 18th in total K-12 student enrollment (28,000) 4 www.tbaisd.k12.mi.us TBAISD has a seven member Board of Education. Members are elected by our constituent districts throughout our fivecounty service area. The TBAISD Board meets once a month the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. during the school year and at 8:00 a.m. during the summer months.
TBAISD Programs and Services General Education The Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District s Office of Instructional Services offers a variety of programs and services designed to support student achievement, meet state and federal legislative mandates, and enrich school programs throughout the five-county service area. The Instructional Services Team provides leadership and expertise to teachers and administrators, connecting regional and site based objectives to research based programs, appropriate resources, and the highest standards of professional development. Students and educators across our region continue to achieve, grow and succeed with a focus on: Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction. Professional Development embedded in Professional Learning Communities (PLC). School Improvement. General Education Programs and Services No Child Left Behind The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) is designed to improve student achievement and change the culture of America s schools. It is built on four common-sense pillars: accountability for results, an emphasis on doing what works based on scientific research, expanded parental options and expanded local control and flexibility. Local districts look to TBAISD to provide leadership regarding the requirements of NCLB and to offer the necessary resources, services, and professional development to ensure that our constituent districts are in compliance with the legislation. Our efforts focus on management and analysis of achievement data, providing research-based training for teachers and staff, assisting teachers with understanding and attaining the requirements for being considered Highly Qualified, and providing updates to the law. School Improvement The Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD) Instructional Services Team, in partnership with local districts, facilitates long-term, broadbased school improvement planning. This includes research-based practices in curriculum, assessment and instruction, as well as assistance in meeting state and federal program mandates. Education YES! Education YES! is the accreditation system created by the Michigan Department of Education for every public school building and all charter schools in the state. The federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act requires each state to have an approved accountability system and to set target goals for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Education YES!, created by the State Board of Education in December, 2001, measures both Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) scores for grades 3-8 and Michigan Merit Exam (MME) scores for grade 11 as well as each building s self-assessment as rated on the rubrics for the School Improvement Framework. The Michigan Department of Education releases a Michigan School Report Card for every school building to show how our schools are doing with making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). TBAISD assists local districts with understanding the complexities of the Report Card; analyzing their building MEAP and MME scores; and with a variety of school improvement efforts to meet target goals. Professional Learning Communities (PLC) TBAISD is focused on leading our districts forward with the Professional Learning Community model of school improvement. Current research on school improvement indicates that small groups of educators working collaboratively around student achievement data can achieve the highest gains in improvement. Extensive professional development, across time, has been designed and delivered by TBAISD to move schools forward with PLC. In addition, our staff models collaboration and the use of data to inform instruction in our work within schools. 5
General Education Data Management and Analysis Services The timely collection, analysis, and sharing of information about student achievement are common elements of high performing schools. In response to this, TBAISD is supporting its local districts in developing systems for assessing student progress, collecting and analyzing that information, and sharing results. A secure and confidential, webbased Performance Management System has been developed for our districts. MEAP, MME, NWEA, and common formative assessment results are collected and analyzed. These results inform teachers and administrators about how schools are doing at the student, classroom, district, regional and state levels. In addition, TBAISD provides models and templates for the effective use of student achievement data for decision making within the context of Professional Learning Communities. All schools have access to: Reports of their performance across time on MEAP compared to the state and all other regional schools. Reports of their individual progress across time on MEAP, other standardized assessments, and common assessments. Specific desegregation of achievement data upon request. Support to all elementary buildings in assessment of early literacy, including a regional reporting format to track student literacy progress across time within buildings and across the region. Professional Development In support of school improvement goals, educational initiatives and teacher development, TBAISD delivers a wide variety of Professional Development offerings. A Regional Staff Development Board (RSDB), comprised of representatives from each district in our region, meets throughout the year. This board selects quality topics and presenters based on regionally identified needs. An annual Regional Staff Development Day is held in the fall of each year for educators in the five-county area. SB-CEUs TBAISD is an approved State Board-Continuing Education Units (SB-CEU) sponsoring agency. We provide application instructions and forms for school districts, departments and agencies wishing to award SB-CEUs for attendees at approved workshops, trainings and conferences. SB-CEUs are State Board approved inservice, workshop, training, 6 or conference credits that are used for the renewal of selected certificates issued by the Michigan Department of Education. Literacy The following goal was set by Superintendents throughout our region: All children will be reading at grade level by the third grade and will continue to make adequate reading progress throughout their schooling. TBAISD has embarked on an ambitious literacy initiative in support of this goal by providing extensive sustained professional development on reading philosophy, methodology, and assessment. Ongoing professional development is offered for Michigan Literacy Progress Profile (MLPP), and Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS)/Foundations, as well as the Teacher Reading Academy, writing workshops and curriculum development initiatives. A focus on early childhood literacy is provided through TBAISD s way to grow program. Literacy Contacts from each district meet regularly to assist with developing systems for assessing student progress. TBAISD has developed and provides a reporting format to monitor student literacy progress across time within buildings and across the region. Online Tools for Instruction and Student/ Teacher Collaboration Consistent with the educational needs and strategies emerging in the 21st century, TBAISD is providing all local districts with web-based tools to deliver classroom instructional and assessment resources and support collaborative work among the region s students and teachers. Through the 2007-08 school year, SharePoint Services will be made available to all area teachers and students. It includes: Tools for creation and delivery of web-based instructional content and web-based assessments. Tools for teachers and students to store/share documents, do online research, and create, track, and turn in assignments. Networking tools to support teacher and student learning including blogs, vlogs, podcasts, wikis, and personal web spaces. Tools for creation and editing of web content (e.g. WebQuest, RSS feeds, online simulations, performances, and games). Web work spaces for teacher collaboration in Professional Learning Communities.
General Education Early Childhood way to grow is a collaboration of area schools and agencies under the auspices of the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District. The program is designed to engage all families with children age birth to five years by enriching the preschool years and providing school readiness. Opportunities include: the Read to Kids Zone project, activities for families, home visits, groups for parent education and support, parenting information, preschool information and Parents as Teachers curriculum. Read to Kids Zone TBAISD s Early Childhood Services team developed the Read to Kids Zone project to increase awareness that reading to all children is essential. The goal of the Read to Kids Zone project is to create opportunities and support an environment where every child will be read to each day. To accomplish this goal, we have reached out to parents, educators, service organizations, businesses the entire community to establish opportunities for children to read or be read to daily. Media Services TBAISD houses one of Michigan s 22 Regional Educational Media Centers (REMC). REMC 2 Central, located at the TBAISD Career-Tech Center, serves schools within six intermediate school districts covering 14 counties. REMC 2 Central offers a cooperative bid program which saves TBAISD local districts approximately $700,000 per year. may order supplies, materials and equipment at a significant cost savings over purchasing independently. Area school districts utilize video conferencing equipment to connect to area providers and to other classrooms anywhere in the world. REMC 2 Central provides technical and scheduling services to help integrate this technology into the classroom. School districts have access to a video bridge scheduled through REMC 2 that allows multiple locations to connect. TBAISD also hosts a video server with over 5,000 full-length films and 50,000 clips. Teachers and students may stream videos directly to the classroom or download them for digital projects. In addition, school districts may access a curriculum resource library, including media and print resources; online booking system; technology trainings; video, DVD and CD duplication; color copying; courier service; laminating services; teacher workroom; and satellite downlinks. Youth Health & Wellness Center TBAISD, in partnership with Grand Traverse County Health Department, offers a full- service Health Care Center, located on the campus of the TBAISD Career- Tech Center in Traverse City. The goal of the Youth Health and Wellness Center is to achieve the best possible physical, intellectual, and emotional health of area youth by providing services that are high quality, accessible and acceptable to all students. Serving adolescents ages 10-21 and the children of parenting teens residing in the five-county area, the Center offers: Limited primary care, sick care, minor illnesses/ injury treatment. Coordinated care with physicians for chronic illnesses such as: Asthma, Diabetes, or Allergies. Immunizations. Sports and job physicals. Assistance with mental health issues such as depression, ADHD, and eating disorders. HIV/STD testing and counseling. Preventative and diagnostic dental services. Talent Development TBAISD assists districts with differentiating instruction, planning, implementing, and facilitating programs that best meet the needs of accelerated or advanced learners. Information is also distributed regarding academic, creative, leadership, artistic, and performing arts opportunities for students. TBAISD Math/Science Center TBAISD Math/Science Center, a part of the Michigan Mathematics and Science Centers Network (MSCN), is one of thirty-three mathematics and science centers in the State of Michigan. Our Center provides leadership, curriculum development, professional development, community outreach, resources, and student services to the K-12 community. Road Test Service TBAISD started as a third-party tester organization in July, 1997. In addition to passenger car tests, Commercial Drivers License and Motorcycle exams are available. All examiners have attended rigorous training sessions, and have been granted certification by the Secretary of State to conduct road tests. Tests are conducted by appointment at the Career-Tech Center, on weekdays and Saturdays. 7
General Education School Health and Safe & Drug Free and Communities TBAISD coordinates a consortium of schools participating in the Safe & Drug Free & Communities program (SDFSCA). are assisted with funding to provide substance abuse and violence prevention programs that meet the state and federal guidelines for SDFSCA. Teachers and school staff within the consortium receive support in drug and violence prevention and student assistance. Starting with the 2007-08 school year, TBAISD will support local districts with administration of the Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth (MiPHY). This online survey developed by the Michigan Departments of Education and Community Health, provides student results on health risk behaviors including substance use, violence, physical activity, nutrition, sexual behavior, and emotional health in grades 7, 9, and 11. TBAISD also coordinates the Comprehensive School Health program which services 14 counties in northwest Michigan. Health materials, technical assistance, support, and teacher trainings are available to local schools. Services focus on: Michigan Health Model K-12 Sex Education Substance Abuse Prevention Violence Prevention HIV/AIDS Education Student Assistance Legislative Mandates Wellness Programs Nutrition and Physical Activity Coordinated School Health Programs Medicaid Outreach/MI Child; Healthy Kids Insurance Career Preparation Students in our region are supported in their career preparation through a variety of experiences and integrated lessons that uncover and develop personal skills and interests, and by opportunities to explore careers throughout their K-12 education. A four-year high school Educational Development Plan is created by students beginning in 8th grade, and is revised annually. Courses are chosen each year of their high school career that will enable them to meet their postsecondary goals. A student s plan evolves as he or she deepens their understanding of their own unique interests and career goals. TBAISD purchases the career exploration and educational development planning tool Career Cruising for all of our constituent districts. Career Cruising is a web-based service that assists students with identifying interests and abilities, provides a list of career matches, constructs a student s Educational Development Plan, and links students to appropriate college and training options and financial aid information to fulfill their postsecondary plans. Adult Education The commitment to provide an educational opportunity for all adult learners is the goal of the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District s Adult Education program. Adult education services are available through the cooperative efforts of TBAISD, the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, local school districts and Northwest Michigan Works! The program operates six Learning Labs in northwest Michigan and a high school completion program at the Career-Tech Center for area adults ages 20 and older. The labs offer individualized, computerbased instruction in basic academic skills, English as a Second Language, high school completion, GED preparation, computer operation and use of business software. Alternative Learning Options TBAISD is involved in researching best practices and products that take student learning beyond the traditional classroom experience for students. The use of technology by both staff and students is essential to building 21st century schools and for preparing students to be successful with future careers in our global economy. Our staff assists with finding resources, providing professional development in the use of technology, including web based tools, assisting districts with developing site specific programs, and providing ongoing support for the delivery of a variety of alternative learning options. Examples include the use of online courses or modules, the use of videoconferencing systems to share classes between districts, web based information sharing tools, or the integration of virtual field trips into curricula. We also aid school administrators with state and federal legislation compliance for the use of dualenrollment, work based learning, service learning, and other alternative learning options for students. Online Learning Choosing the right online experience for students often requires a great deal of research into the many options available. TBAISD has experience with using courses offered by: Michigan Virtual High School, CYberEd Specialists, and Florida Virtual High School to provide online course content for middle and high school students. Courses are available in math, science, language arts, and social studies, as well as career planning, foreign languages, art, health, business, computer science, and other electives. Online courses are also available to help students prepare for the Michigan Merit Exam, and the General Education Development (GED) test. 8
Business, Technology and Administrative Services Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District is a model in the use of technology, administrative, and business services to support school district operations. We offer individualized and cost effective regional coordination of a multitude of services. Project Interconnect TBAISD and local school districts are connected via a fiber-optic cable network that provides a wide area data network. Each school district has mobile interactive equipment allowing them to originate and receive programming for training and classroom instruction. Data Processing Services TBAISD, in partnership with Macomb Intermediate School District, supports and maintains the Macomb Information System (MIS) for 12 local districts and the intermediate school district. The system provides for accounting, personnel, asset tracking and student accounting. MIS provides modules for State of Michigan reports, including the Registry of Educational Personnel (REP), Financial Information Database (FID), Office of Retirement Services (ORS), Single Record Student Database (SRSD), as well as Registry of Special Education Students (ROSES). TBAISD has staff on-hand to assist district personnel in the completion of these reports. It is anticipated that more local schools will migrate to this system over time. Through the Macomb Intermediate School District partnership, we are able to offer enhancements and support to our local districts that have purchased SASIxp student accounting interactive software. Regional, quarterly training meetings are held at TBAISD for all users of MIS with Macomb Intermediate School District programmers. This is a very cost effective way for all districts to receive MIS training and updates. TBAISD Technology Services continues to work with Instruction Services on the development of a Student Performance Management Database. Technology Services offers off-site backup of data, Internet content filtering, firewall and e-mail services to a number of local districts. Truancy Reporting TBAISD assists local districts in notifying the various county truancy officers, courts and parents of student attendance issues. Pupil Accounting TBAISD assists districts in maximizing their State Aid revenues. We offer pupil accounting auditing services, training, and consultation regarding current laws, rules and procedures. Substitute Training/Automated Calling Eight districts and the ISD participate in the use of the automated SubFinder System. There are currently 655 substitutes and 1,010 employees registered. SubFinder allows employees to enter their absences 60 days in advance either by phone or through the internet. Substitute teachers can access jobs 24 hours a day, seven days per week. Substitutes are added weekly to the system. Recently, at the request of our local districts, an arrangement with a private vendor, PCMI, was put in place to hire, train and place substitutes using the automated SubFinder System. Districts should realize a reduction in substitute placement costs as a result of work with PCMI-WEST. Payroll Services A variety of business services are offered to local districts. Currently TBAISD is processing payroll for three districts. This service includes quarterly and annual reporting as well as producing biweekly paychecks. Budgeting and Accounting Our business office staff assists several districts in budget development and amendments during the school year. Audit preparation and financial statement review services are offered at the end of every fiscal year. Many federal and state grants flow through TBAISD to local districts. It is the responsibility of the business office to work with districts to ensure the proper expending and reporting of these funds. Bank reconciliation, cash flow analysis, property tax information, and state aid calculation and review services are offered on an as needed basis to districts. Medicaid Business office staff interfaces directly with the Medicaid consulting firm, PCG, on behalf of our region. Group training sessions for special education resource room teachers are held throughout the year regarding proper documentation and billing procedures. Telephone and email support for staff members is offered on a continuous basis. 9
Business, Technology and Administrative Services Human Resources Bloodborne Pathogen and other on-line training is available to our districts through the TBAISD website. TBAISD has arranged for the state contractor, Identix, to process fingerprints on a weekly basis at the Arnell Engstrom Administration Building. Cooperative Purchasing It is a goal of the support departments to assist local districts in obtaining goods and services in the most cost-effective way possible. Cooperative bidding of teaching supplies, technology equipment and software, health insurance, and appraisal services are examples of regional initiatives. Professional Associations A variety of regional initiatives and professional associations for school boards, school administrators, and other school personnel are coordinated through TBAISD. The following groups enable educational personnel to work together to prepare for the changes that will benefit schools, students and communities. Regional Boards of Education Association Superintendents Association School Business Managers Group Secondary Principals Association Middle School Principals Association Elementary Principals Association Regional Staff Development Board Information Services Consortium Regional Educational Media Center Technology Representatives Group Transportation Consortium Information Services TBAISD Information Services is the communications arm of the intermediate school district. Communication specialists are available to assist with the collection, preparation, writing, dissemination of information, and the design of marketing and publicity materials for educational events at both the ISD and local district levels. The Information Consortium provides funding to the local districts for the production of newsletters and other informational materials. A bimonthly newsletter is published for and about the staff of TBAISD. It is available at our website: www. tbaisd.k12.mi.us Fiscal Management TBAISD is the fiscal agent for several educational programs and organizations. The Business Services Department manages the following: TBAISD Math/Science Center (see General Education for descriptor). Early-On, a joint effort of the Department of Education, Public and Mental Health and the Department of Social Services, provides resources and direct services to families with special needs children age 0-3. Michigan Works! (Northwest Center) is a part of a statewide workforce development system that prepares people for work. Youth and adult job seekers are provided job placement, job search assistance, training, and career and educational counseling. Northern Michigan Learning Consortium is comprised of thirteen intermediate school districts in northern Michigan who collaborate to provide research-based professional development opportunities and create models and processes to enhance teaching and learning. What is an ISD? Intermediate School Districts (ISD) are vital partners in Michigan s educational framework. By pooling resources and providing regional services, ISDs provide cost-effective, high-quality results to their core customers K-12 school districts. Together, the ISD and its local district members determine the services needed to improve all student learning, serve children s special needs, develop teachers expertise, and connect with the greater community. Each ISD customizes its product mix, depending on its staffing and budgetary resources, to maximize benefits. To learn more about ISDs, log on to www. g o m a i s a. o rg. This site offers information and links to ISDs in Michigan. 10
Special Education TBAISD Special Education staff and parents have developed an exemplary program that can begin at birth and continue until age 26 as required by state statute. Our programs provide children and young adults with special needs the opportunity to achieve their goals. TBAISD teacher consultants, therapists, social workers and psychologists offer direct service on site at local district school buildings in the areas of: Speech and Language Impairment (S/L) Hearing Impairment (HI) Visual Impairment (VI) and Deaf/Blind Autism Spectrum Disorder (AI) Physical Impairment (PI) Severe Multiple Impairment (SXI) Moderate Cognitive Impairment (MoCI) Severe Cognitive Impairment (SCI) Learning Disabilities (LD) Emotional Impairment (EI) Early Childhood Development Delay Traumatic Brain Injury Other Health Impairment (OHI) Early Childhood Special Education Services Birth to Five Years Our Early Childhood department provides quality services to infants with disabilities and their families. Service providers work directly in family homes. Program offices are located at Cherry Knoll Children s Center. The following specialty services are available: Speech Therapy Social Work Psychology Physical and Occupational Therapy Visual and Hearing Consultation Three to Five Years Early Childhood classrooms are available for SXI and AI students requiring a classroom placement. Classrooms are staffed by certified teachers of early childhood and teaching assistants. The services noted above are also available to children in this program. TBAISD maintains classroom sites within the Traverse City Area Public School District. Early On Early On, a joint effort of the Department of Education, Public and Mental Health and the Department of Social Services, provides coordination of resources and direct services to families with special needs children ages birth to 3 years. TBAISD is the fiscal and coordinating agency. Autism Spectrum Disorder Services TBAISD offers several classrooms for students who are identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Classrooms are based on the most recent research and teaching techniques. Our staff employs a wide variety of teaching styles and techniques based on visual learning. TBAISD has been recognized by the State of Michigan and Grand Valley State University as a leader in educational programs for students with Autism. In addition, a grant has been awarded allowing TBAISD to be a demonstration site for northern Michigan educators. A new resource tool has been developed by TBAISD called the Systematic Assessment System for Autism, level I, level II and level III. Hearing Impaired Services Students with hearing impairments are introduced to a program of total communication, which includes both signing and oral (using the voice). The elementary center is located at Central Elementary School in Traverse City. Most students return to their home schools and attend regular education classes with the aid of an interpreter/note taker. 11
Special Education Cognitive Impairment Services TBAISD operates 11 programs for students with moderate to severe cognitive impairments. Students learn at their own pace and, hopefully, become fully independent, working members of our society. Students participate in a wide spectrum of work activities ranging from our Paperworks program to Career Exploration, and work experience in a community-work site placement. Job coaches are an integral part of the success of our community work sites. Emotional Impairment Services Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District s New Campus School is a seven classroom K-12 center for students from our five counties who require a more controlled, secure environment in which to learn. The programs combine academics, behavior management and intensive group and individual counseling. Statistics from around the state show that 12 percent of students in intensive programming return to regular education classrooms. TBAISD s return rate is 30 percent and growing. Physical or Other Health Impairment Services Our elementary-aged program for students with a variety of medical conditions is housed within Traverse City Public. These students need intensive training in their early years to become as independent as possible in taking care of their own medical needs. All students are returned to their home schools by Junior High or are enrolled in a center-based program Center Programs and Classrooms Districts from throughout our five-county region utilize TBAISD Center Programs, schools, and classrooms for students with severe disabilities: Adult Work Center (AWC) serves students ages 16-26 who are Mildly, Moderately, and Severely Cognitively Impaired, Severely Multiply Impaired, and students with Autism. Through community-based instruction and vocational training, students learn to live and function as a contributing member of their community. One program option for students is Paperworks Studio. Paperworks Studio combines the manufacture of premium art papers and products with a vocational training program for young adults with special needs. Located at the TBAISD Adult Work Center, it is run as a business not only to teach a skill but to develop work ethics, appropriate work behaviors and attitudes necessary to prepare students for employment. Many of the processes have been adapted to allow students who are more physically impaired to perform the work. Higher functioning students act as mentors allowing learning on both ends of the spectrum. Please feel free to explore the Paperworks website: www.tcpaperworks.com New Campus School offers K-12 instruction for students with Severe Emotional Impairments. Academics combined with unique opportunities for personal and emotional growth contribute to the school s high rate of returning students to their regular school. Cherry Knoll Children s Center offers programs for students ages 6-14, with moderate cognitive and disabilities and houses the program offices for the Infant Toddler program. Oak Park School houses self-contained classrooms for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Severely Cognitively Impaired (SCI) students in Traverse City. The Traverse Heights Program offers classroom programs for students with Severe Cognitive Impairments (SCI) and Severe Multiple Impairments (SMI). 12
Special Education Other Special Education Services TBAISD s Special Education Department offers local districts a number of other services: Diagnostic and consulting services Curriculum planning and development Transition planning and monitoring Agency coordination Professional development Continuous Improvement Monitoring System (CIMS) Special Education Administration Transportation Curriculum Services Working closely with other districts, TBAISD Special Education Curriculum Services offers curriculum development, coordination of professional training, and curriculum consultation services for centerbased special education programs and local school districts. The following are the essential components of the curriculum services format: Curriculum planning and development Materials and methodology evaluation Analysis of student achievement Development of instructional guidelines Coordination of management systems Facilitation of inservice training Planning and Monitoring Services TBAISD s Coordinator of Planning, Monitoring and Data Collection provides technical assistance, monitoring, and compliance services. These services include the development of an Intermediate School District Special Education Plan, investigation of formal special education complaints, development of forms and procedures that enable local districts to provide a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities. TBAISD collects data regarding the number of students with disabilities and reports to state and federal agencies. Technical assistance is provided to school districts, parents, and agencies regarding programs and services available to students who are suspected of having a disability or are disabled. The annual monitoring of special education programs and services collects a snapshot comparing actual program and service delivery to the standard established in rule and law. The Coordinator of Planning, Monitoring and Data Collections assists local districts with Due Process Special Education Hearings and serves as a resource to both parent and district. Transition School-to-work transition prepares special education students for work in the real world by developing employability skills through career exploration, and work experience opportunities. Job coaches support students through a partnership with area employers and agencies. SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District is proud to work with parents representing our school districts. Parents meet the second Saturday of each month during the school year to discuss special education issues and to learn more about special education challenges. Special Education Terminology ASD...Autism Spectrum Disorder CC...Curriculum Consultant CI...Cognitive Impairment with Mild Trait... (previously EMI)... with Moderate Trait... (previously TMI)... with Severe Trait... (previously SMI) CIMS...Continuous Improvement... Monitoring System ECDD...Early Childhood Development Delay... (previously PPI) EI...Emotionally Impaired HH...Homebound/Hospitalized HI...Hearing Impaired IEPT...Individual Educational Planning Team IEP...Individualized Educational Plan ISD...Intermediate School District LD...Learning Disabled LEA...Local Education Agency MDE...Michigan Department of Education OHI...Other Health Impairment... (previously POHI) O/M... Orientation & Mobility OT...Occupational Therapist PI...Physical Impairment... (previously POHI) PT...Physical Therapist SEPAC...Special Education Parent... Advisory Council SLI...Speech/Language Impaired SSW...School Social Worker SXI...Severely Multiply Impaired TBI...Traumatic Brain Injury TC...Teacher Consultant VI...Visually Impaired 13
Career and Technical Education TBAISD s Career-Tech Center (CTC) is a secondary career and technical education school serving approximately 1,150 students from 19 high schools in the five-county Grand Traverse region. Students are educated in 23 occupational areas utilizing the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment. Students are prepared for immediate job placement, college or postsecondary technical training. 14 Programs Offered: Accounting/Office Technology Agriscience/Natural Resources Auto Body Repair Auto Mechanics Automotive Technology Academy Computer Programming/Web Programming & Design Construction Trades Cosmetology Culinary Arts Drafting & Design Technology Early Childhood Education Electrical Occupations Health Science Technology Information Technology Academy Manufacturing Technology Academy Power Equipment Technology Precision Machining Technology Public Safety/Protective Services Skilled Trades Teacher Academy Therapeutic Careers in Medicine Visual Imaging Technology Welding & Fabrication Academic Achievement Each program at the Career-Tech Center offers academics embedded with technical training, where academic credit may be granted. The curriculum for each program has been aligned with the Standards and Benchmarks for academic disciplines from the Michigan Curriculum Framework (MCF) and the Michigan Merit Curriculum is in progress. Career Preparation All students who complete a Career-Tech Center program will exit with a complete career preparation packet including: resume, cover letter, interviewing skills, and diversity training. Work Ethic All students have their work ethic performance documented through daily or weekly worksheets, and participate in related work ethic activities. A student s work ethic performance represents approximately 30 percent of the final grade in all programs. Scholarships The Traverse Bay Area Career-Tech Center annually awards over $20,000 in scholarships to seniors. Our annual TBAISD Career-Tech Center Scholarship Golf Outing, held each September, provides the majority of this funding. Thirty-nine additional scholarships totaling over $15,000 are awarded by postsecondary institutions, community groups, organizations and individuals. Students who receive CTC scholarships can attend any college, technical school or university of their choice. Business Partnerships Nearly 500 individual owners, managers, technicians, and other employees representing local businesses make up Career-Tech Center s partnership network. All CTC programs have business advisory committees that provide input and direction regarding curriculum changes/direction, equipment purchases, and trends in their business area. CTC business advisors serve on panels and task forces, volunteer as student competition judges, attend CTC s School Improvement Committee meetings, and contribute donations of equipment, and training to CTC programs. CTC students are welcome at area businesses for job shadows, field trips, work experiences, co-op jobs, apprenticeships, and parttime employment. Articulation and Co-Enrollment The Traverse Bay Area Career-Tech Center has articulation, special enrollment, advanced placement, and co-enrollment programs with numerous Michigan universities, colleges and technical schools. Northwestern Michigan College, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, ITT Technical Institute, Central Michigan University, and Davenport University are among the schools that have agreements with CTC. Other postsecondary schools grant credit on a case-by-case basis.
Career and Technical Education Student Organizations and Clubs Student organizations promote occupational excellence, leadership, and citizenship. The Career- Tech Center offers its students: BPA: Business Professionals of America CTC: Student Council FCCLA: Family Career and Community Leaders of America FFA: Agricultural Science (Future Farmers of America) HOSA: Health Occupations Students of America MITES: Michigan Industrial Technology Education Society NTHS: National Technical Honor Society Skills USA Other Career-Tech Center Onsite Services Discovery Children s Center Discovery Children s Center is a daycare program for children six weeks to five-years of age. In operation since 1976 as a preschool, the recent update now combines early childhood learning with a daycare format. The five-day-a-week, year-round program emphasizes age-appropriate, early learning activities. The Center is open to the general public from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. World Class Café World Class Café is a full service restaurant managed by the Career-Tech Center s Culinary Arts Program. The restaurant is open to the public for breakfast and lunch during the school year. The café is also available for banquets. The students operate all of the restaurant services and positions, including cooks, wait staff, bakers, pantry workers, dishwashers and managers. School of Cosmetology Enrollment in the TBA School of Cosmetology is open to adults with a high school diploma or GED certificate. Students complete the 1,500-hour program between September and July. Students who graduate from the program have a thorough knowledge of the theory and skills needed to pass the Michigan State Board Examination required for the licensing of cosmetologists. Graduates of TBA School of Cosmetology with grades of 80 percent or better, have the opportunity to earn a small business and entrepreneurship BS degree (15 credits) from Ferris State University. Nondiscrimination Statement The Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District (TBAISD) Board of Education declares it to be the policy of this District to provide an equal opportunity for all students, regardless of race, color, creed, age, disability, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, place of residence within the boundaries of the district, or social or economic background, to learn through the curriculum offered in the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District. Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District P.O. Box 6020 1101 Red Drive Traverse City, MI 49696-6020 (231) 922-6200 FAX: (231) 922-6270 1107 www.tbaisd.k12.mi.us 15