1. Case Facilitators A Best Practice Model for: • Evaluation • Due Process • Coordination

2. Overview The Problem The Rationale for Change The Challenge The Results The Model Today Final Thoughts

3. THE PROBLEM… Special Education staff overwhelmed by various roles: • Evaluator • Teacher/caregiver • Case Manager • Specialist

4. Behaviorist Therapist Conciliator Mediator State Accountability Team teaching The Problem…

5. The Problem: • Time Study showed: • Less than 2/3 of service providers’ time during the school day spent in direct instruction. • 19% of service providers' time during the school day spent in administering assessments, writing evaluation reports, attending child study meetings and consultation • Special Education Evaluations take between 20-40 hours each

6. Rationale for Change: Need to develop a system that maximized direct instructional time at no extra cost to the school district To develop a system that increased Due Process Compliance Provide consistency across the district Improve quality of special education due process procedures

7. The Challenge • Set up a model with existing staff at no additional cost • Higher caseloads for case managers • Case managers willingness to change roles • Good communication systems

8. Setting up the System…. • Find key people to become facilitators • Excellent “people skills” • Flexible • Comfortable with change • Well organized • Special education experience

9. Setting up the System…. • Good writing skills • Being able to summarize information in a “parent friendly” manner • Extensive knowledge of special education laws, requirements and community resources • Team leadership skills

10. Barriers Can Be… Time for frequent meetings for training and development of model Distinguishing the roles and responsibilities between a case facilitator and case manager Acceptance of new processes

11. Results • Program Changes • Albert Lea started with 5 case facilitators in 1986. Currently, Albert Lea has 8.5 • Waseca Area Schools started in 2004 with 3 CF’s, currently has 6 CF’s • St. Peter started in 2008 with 1 secondary CF, currently has 3.5 CF’s • Faribault started in 2009 with 3 CF’s and 5 Due Process clericals

12. RESULTS… • Increased consistency in identification of students with disabilities • Responsibilities for documentation and evaluation delegated to staff who are not providing direct instruction • Increased time for preparation of materials and direct instruction by teachers

13. RESULTS… • Frees up time for building administration to complete other duties when CF is the admin. designee • Allows sped director a “snap shot” of special education happenings or concerns • CF’s put out fires before they become explosions

14. RESULTS… New changes did not disrupt the whole system Implementing change can be difficult when learning the new roles; however, over time, the model is highly valued Developed “experts” in profession who are also leaders Single contact for special education in buildings

15. RESULTS… • Improved communication from district level to building level which provides consistency throughout the district • Identifying trends across the district • Increased district and state-wide test scores • Due process training streamlined

16. Where are we Today? • Case Facilitator Model concepts have evolved to meet the needs of the individual districts • Varying staff • Varying responsibilities • Varying contract language • MDE monitoring and compliance states a qualitative difference is noted in districts that have a CF model

17. The Essence of the CF Model Due Process Excellence Consistency, Training, Flexibility Building Leadership Team Building

18. The Essence of the CF Model • Interagency Collaboration • Comprehensive Evaluation • Increased instructional time –case managers • Case management workload is more balanced

19. Consultation/ Coordination Ensures pre-referral interventions occur Building contact Problem solving Consults with outside agencies

20. Consultation/ Coordination • Facilitates building level meetings • Training • Distribution of due process forms • Monitoring and compliance

21. Contacts: • Tami Alphs- talphs@albertlea.k12.mn.us • Christine Gorman- cgorman@faribault.k12.mn.us • Julie Ladwig -ladj@waseca.k12.mn.us • Gretchen Priebe- prig@waseca.k12.mn.us • Vanessa Rotchadl-vrotchadl@faribault.k12.mn.us • Lindsay Engberg- lengberg@faribault.k12.mn.us