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Volume 12

April 2023

Welcome to the April Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) newsletter where we discuss Individualized Education Program (IEP) topics, provide a list of community and SELPA events, and share highlights from our organization. We are back from Spring Break, which means state testing for many students, but what does state testing look like for children with IEPs? Keep reading to learn more about testing accommodations and alternative assessments.

Standardized testing is a way to measure student learning and curriculum effectiveness within schools, districts, and states. Students with disabilities often qualify for assessment accommodations or, in some cases, an alternative assessment.

Testing Accommodations

Sometimes students with special needs participate in statewide testing with assessment accommodations. These might include large print for students who are visually impaired or a change of setting for students who benefit from a less stimulating environment. When students have accommodations, they participate in the general assessment with supports that help them demonstrate subject mastery.

Alternative Assessments

Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to take statewide assessments, even with accessibility supports and accommodations, may be eligible to take an alternative assessment. The purpose of alternative assessments is to measure what students know and what they can do. These measures help identify and address gaps in knowledge or skills early so students can receive the support they need.

What Does this Look Like in the IEP?

During the IEP meeting, the IEP team discusses which test will be the most appropriate for the student to take, and which accommodations are needed, if any. The IEP team will determine the appropriate way for each individual student to participate in assessments based on their unique needs. 

Learn more about accommodations in assessments.

April 22 — Day of the Child

Chula Vista Community Collaborative is hosting a free family event at Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come out and join the fun! Learn more here.

April 24 — Sensory Story Time at National City Library

An inclusive story time for children on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 11 a.m. See a full list of National City Library events here.

May 9 — Parent ADR Office Hours

Bring your question(s) to our team and join us virtually from 10 to 11 a.m. using the Zoom meeting ID: 837 9802 7038.

May 13 — Involved Exceptional Parents (IEP) Day

A conference and resource fair for parents and caregivers of children with special needs and/or disabilities, educators, and service providers. Learn more here.

May 15 — Grupo de Apoyo en Español

Support group, for families with children with autism, meeting Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. The meetings will be held in Spanish only. Visit the website for location and to sign up.

April's CAC Meeting: Best Practices for Moving to New Classroom Sites or Districts

SELPA coordinators Diana Lynn and Robert Brown presented tips and tricks for moving to new classroom sites or districts with a student who has special needs. They shared the importance of preparation for yourself, your child, and the staff involved with your child's education, organization of school paperwork, doctor records, etc. and being a continuous advocate for your child.

If you are interested in learning more or receiving a copy of the presentation, please email scselpaadr@sdcoe.net.

ADR Partnership at the Statewide Conference

Last month, South County SELPA ADR coordinators Jennifer Gorospe Tull and Heidi Lyon teamed up with East County SELPA coordinator Hinda Nadif, San Diego Unified School District program specialist Eron Easter, and North Coastal Consortium for Special Education program specialist Shauna Schmoke. Their presentation highlighted the common preventative measures being taken throughout the San Diego County to ensure families and school districts are fostering positive relationships.

Early Years Conference Collaboration

Our ADR coordinators paired up with HOPE Infant Senior Manager Donna Santini to present to educators, agencies, and parents at the San Diego County Office of Education's (SDCOE) Early Years Conference. The presentation's purpose was to educate attendees on the transition from an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), for children birth to age 3, to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) when the child is receiving services in the academic stetting (ages 3-22).

If you have any questions or comments on the ADR Insights Newsletter, please contact our team at scselpaadr@sdcoe.net.

Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at South County SELPA.