Special Education

In poorer public school districts in Maryland, the percentage of students receiving special education is disproportionately higher than in wealthier districts, and has been since early 2000. It's a nationwide trend that experts say isn't necessarily a bad thing, since schools in low-income areas have few other ways to address poverty-related disadvantages that affect students' learning abilities. About 15 percent of students in Maryland's top five poorest school districts received special-education services last year, compared to about 10 percent in the five wealthiest districts, according to a Capital News Service analysis of the most recent Maryland Department of Education data.

andreabh@herald-mail.com FUNKSTOWN - When the autistic child finally conversed with her grandmother, Bessye R. Rodgers received thanks. Rodgers said she remembers the letter she got from the grandmother as a "pat on the back" - a simple gesture that made her feel appreciated for the special education work she's been doing in Washington County schools for 23 years. "To get any kind of correspondence (like that from an autistic child) can take some doing," said Rodgers, 63, of Marlowe, W.Va.

Most parents already know where their children are going to attend school in the fall, but Lisa Goodie is waiting to find out. [cont. from front page ] Her 4-year-old son, Matthew, has Down syndrome and is in a special education preschool program. The Washington County Board of Education has not determined where the program will be held this year. "I feel like it's discrimination," said Goodie, who with Kathy Delaportas attended the School Board's July 6 meeting to protest the situation.

By DAVE McMILLION Staff Writer HANCOCK - Steve Iden was easily influenced by troublemakers at Hancock Middle-Senior High School, but now he has a "vision of a future" through his new job at Pittman's IGA. Herbie Shank's strong point is his meticulousness, and it's evident in the way he systematically strips beds at the Econo Lodge Motel. Jennifer Sensel and Dennis Brady have surprised workers at the Goodwill Retail Store for their enthusiam in tackling cleaning chores in the shop.

Washington County Public Schools is applying for about $4.85 million in federal grant money for local special-education programs that serve 2,700 students with disabilities. In the past, the school system has received similar federal funding, which is distributed by the state. The Washington County Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday to seek the special-education funding, which pays for staff, materials, administration and professional development. The bulk of the fiscal year 2010 request of $4.85 million -- $4.

County backing financial boost for special education By TARA REILLY / Staff Writer The Washington County Commissioners and the Board of Education back a recommended increase in state special education funding, noting that costs have risen by more than $8 million over the last 15 years. Commissioners president Gregory I. Snook and Schools Superintendent Herman G. Bartlett at a recent public hearing addressed the Maryland Commission on Education, Finance, Equity and Excellence, a group formed to review education financing formulas and accountability and make recommendations on how state funding needs to be improved.

HALFWAY - Around the World of Special Education in One Day will be presented from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 17630 Virginia Ave. The event will feature a day of workshops designed to prepare parents whose children receive special education services to work effectively with the professionals on the IEP team. Learn about federal and state laws and regulations. Meet other parents and professionals. Learn about community resources and build your skills as your child's best advocate.

CHAMBERSBURG, PA. - For hundreds of Chambersburg Area School District students with individualized education plans (IEPs), the new school year starting Monday will mean less time in "pullout programs" and more time in regular classrooms. Along with the IEP students will be special education teachers, in a co-teaching arrangement aimed at bringing many of the special education students into the mainstream and raising their scores on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA)

Public schools in Washington County currently have about 45 vacancies to fill for the 2011-12 year — jobs that drew about 350 applicants Friday to a Teacher Recruitment Fair at Rockland Woods Elementary School. Many of the prospective teachers are just finishing their senior years at colleges and universities, but others had years — in some cases decades — of classroom experience. "I'm a retired educator," applicant Mironda Peace said. For Peace, the fair was an opportunity to return to teaching, something she did from 1973 until her 2006 retirement from Fountaindale Elementary School.

julieg@herald-mail.com Surf the Internet long enough and you'll come across a pop-up ad offering an intelligence, or IQ, test. There are a variety of IQ tests online. Some test academic knowledge. Others are topical, such as an emotional intelligence test or a trivia IQ test. But aside from qualifying people to join Mensa, a society for bright people, what are authentic intelligence tests used for? An intelligence test isn't necessarily going to indicate whether someone is a genius, a good leader, or good with relationships, experts say. But the tests do have some practical uses.

The Frostburg State University Alumni Association has honored Mel Malchenson of Hagerstown with the Service to Alma Mater award for her consistent dedication to the advancement of FSU. The award was presented at FSU's annual Sloop Institute for Excellence in Leadership on March 8. “Mel's love for Frostburg State University is seemingly unparalleled,” said FSU President Jonathan Gibralter. “While she credits us for giving so much to her, it is her selfless dedication that has been and continues to be a gift to us.” Malchenson earned two master's degrees from Frostburg in 1981 and 1993.

Nathan Tappen was a young man with significant developmental disabilities. His family utilized the support and services of the Arc of Franklin-Fulton Counties throughout his lifetime. While Tappen's life was a brief 22 years, his death left the organization with a renewed sense of purpose to continue serving other citizens with developmental disabilities. In his memory, the Nathan Tappen Memorial Scholarship was developed to award $500 to an individual entering the field of special education.

In poorer public school districts in Maryland, the percentage of students receiving special education is disproportionately higher than in wealthier districts, and has been since early 2000. It's a nationwide trend that experts say isn't necessarily a bad thing, since schools in low-income areas have few other ways to address poverty-related disadvantages that affect students' learning abilities. About 15 percent of students in Maryland's top five poorest school districts received special-education services last year, compared to about 10 percent in the five wealthiest districts, according to a Capital News Service analysis of the most recent Maryland Department of Education data.

Tom Geiman of Chambersburg knows what it's like to pick up a book and not be able to read it. He was 44 before he learned to read. Geiman was one of about 14 percent of U.S. adults who can't read. But now, Geiman, 61, not only is reading at college-level, but he helped coordinate Saturday's Ride to Read event in Chambersburg. The 61.4-mile motorcycle trek around Franklin County, celebrating the Franklin-Fulton READS program, began at M&S Harley-Davidson in Chambersburg, continued to Mount Holly Springs, Pa., and ended at Chambersburg Mall in Scotland, Pa. Saturday's event was one of many activities in the two-month community reading celebration to promote reading and literacy through the area, said Sally Herritt, treasurer of the Franklin-Fulton County READS program.

Gael Butcher, principal of Marshall Street School and the Washington County Job Development Program at Marshall Street - both aimed at helping special-education students, will retire in February. Butcher said Thursday that at the time of her retirement, she will be just shy of five years as principal of Marshall Street and Job Development. Butcher, who lives in Middletown, Md., said she plans on spending more time with her husband and children. After retiring in 2005 from Frederick County (Md.)

Nancy Patterson is a school volunteer. Patterson is a retired teacher with vast experience in ways of educating young students. She is a volunteer with the Commission on Aging's Intergenerational Program and is tutoring at Rockland Woods' literacy program for second-graders this summer. Patterson plans to continue tutoring when school begins in the fall. Patterson has a master's degree in education and has been teaching for more than 25 years. Her focus has been in special education and includes work with visually impaired students.

The following area students received master's degrees on May 19 from McDaniel College:   Julie Beardsley of Frederick, Md., teaching English to speakers of other languages   Laura Lynne Beck of New Market, Md., special education   Dante Brown of Knoxville, Md., counselor education   Katherine A. Caldwell of Frederick, special education   Caitlin Leigh Christopher of Frederick, counselor education   Joshua Michael...

Washington County Board of Education member Donna Brightman voted against a package of personnel moves Tuesday because she said she had concerns about adding new positions during challenging budget times. Brightman explained her vote after Tuesday's school board meeting, saying it was a general concern and not about a specific individual. Three new positions were added - two social workers, one at Northern Middle and one at Ruth Ann Monroe Primary, and a special-education teacher at Northern Middle - according to an email from Donna Newcomer, director of human resources and professional learning.

Youth M.O.V.E. Washington County is hosting a picnic for young adults ages 16 to 25, who are supported in the child serving systems such as mental health, special education, child welfare and juvenile services. The picnic will be at 3 p.m. Monday, July 11, at Hagerstown City Park. To register, call Kathleen at 240-313-2086 or text 240-818-3537.

The following local students received master's degrees May 21 at McDaniel College's commencement:  Danielle Adams of Myersville, Md., counselor education  Carlyn Bagley of Frederick, Md., counselor education  Carlie Belt of Mount Airy, Md., counselor education  Lauren Bishard of Frederick, counselor education  Ruth Bradley of Thurmont, Md., liberal arts  Carolann Britton of Frederick, counselor education ...