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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 11, 2014)
NEWS 4J GRAPPLES WITH COMMON CORE AND SPECIAL-NEEDS STUDENTS Late last month, the Smarter Balanced Assessment Con- sortium estimated that nationally, only 33 percent of 11th grade students who took the math portion of the Smarter Balanced field test last spring, which Oregon students will take in 2015, were considered proficient or advanced, with the remaining 67 percent needing additional support to meet the standards. And for students with disabilities, the future is even murkier when it comes to addressing their particular needs. As Eugene School District 4J ramps up its outreach on the Common Core-aligned Smarter Balanced standardized test, which will be administered in spring 2015, it’s also keeping in mind the challenges that students with disabili- ties will face when taking this test. 4J is holding a parent information night to address the issue on Monday, Dec. 15. “We felt we needed to take a deeper dive and provide received accommodations while testing, which could in- better information and support for those families with par- clude scribes, printed-out tests and larger fonts. Now, these ticular needs,” says Kerry Delf, 4J communications coor- accommodations are called designated dinator. support. “Almost all the old test accom- Students with disabilities, either modations are available on this new test,” learning or physical, often require in- says Pfaefflin, who will speak at the par- dividual education programs (IEPs), ent info night. which outline specifically how a Sheila Thomas, a board member of child with special needs will reach KindTree-Autism Rocks, says there are targeted educational goals. As teach- pros and cons to the new testing and ers over the past few years have shift- standards in terms of students with dis- ed to new standards and prepared for abilities, and it will take time for the new a new standardized test, IEPs have — SHEILA THOMAS system to smooth out the hitches. also needed to shift to align with the “When writing an IEP, we really need standards. to take a good look at the individual and how to address Scott Pfaefflin, education administrator for 4J’s Edu- their needs,” Thomas says. “Sometimes the Core Stan- cational Support Services, says parents have asked spe- dards aren’t appropriate for their futures, and sometimes cifically about students with disabilities, including how the they are. Then it’s up to the team to tease all of that stuff switch to Smarter Balanced testing will affect graduation out to make a quality program.” rates and how teachers might instruct special needs stu- 4J’s parent information session is 5:30 to 7:30 pm Mon- dents differently with the changes. day, Dec. 15, at 4J Education Center Auditorium, 200 N. Pfaefflin says a big change that parents need to know Monroe St. — Amy Schneider is semantics. Previously, students with disabilities have ‘Sometimes the Core Standards aren’t appropriate for their futures, and sometimes they are.’ Take SELCO to the sidelines. While coaching the Mighty Mites, Jennifer makes every minute count. She deposits the team’s fundraising checks directly from her smart phone. Pays the bills for team uniforms and equipment online with Bill Pay. Locates the nearest ATM to grab cash for the big game day ice cream celebration. Thanks to SELCO’s mobile banking tools, Jennifer has more time to do what she loves, on or off the turf. selco.org / 541-686-8000 Several locations in Eugene and Springfi eld Membership requirements apply. See SELCO for details. Banking | Mortgages | Insurance | Retirement | Business Lending eugeneweekly.com • December 11, 2014 9
