It’s time once again for news on the Next Steps NH project schools. These are REALLY short updates on the eight New Hampshire schools we’re supporting. All schools are working on transition planning and ELOs, and many are also implementing RENEW. The updates are meant to show the range of project activities – not comprehensive reports – many of the schools are engaged in similar activities.
Cohort 2
These schools finish their direct work with us in a few days.
Lincoln Woodstock (Lin-Wood): Interested in expanding special education family-school partnerships to all students. Major project focus was ELOs. Students presented their ELOs to the School Board. Committed to using many of the strategies that they have practiced over the past two years.
Winnacunnet: Established long-term plans for ELO and transition practices. Using Next Steps training materials in Special Ed staff trainings. Leadership Team has a timeline to meet all the goals of their action plan.
ConVal Regional: Completed RENEW Integrity Tools this spring, demonstrating fidelity with Futures Planning and progress monitoring. Lots of interesting ELO work happening.
Somersworth: High level of district support for transition improvement efforts and a strong department desire to continue to improve practices. Focus is on developing procedures for transition assessment. Have created a new special ed page on the school website.
Cohort 3
Cohort 3 schools joined the project in May 2015.
Inter-Lakes: Developed a new ELO policy and and are developing procedures for students. Planning to pilot their first ELO next winter.
Newport: Held a one-day ELO-focused staff retreat. Scheduling in monthly opportunities next year for RENEW facilitators to connect with each other.
Nute: Family Engagement Team is actively meeting and reviewing the Special Education handbook developed in 2010. The ELO Coordinator is a leader in the state around ELOs and Next Steps work is providing a focus for sustainability when she retires.
Timberlane Regional: Staff, including guidance and special educators, are using Naviance to work with students to develop plans for the transition process, identifying possible career and postsecondary paths. HIghly motivated leadership team.
Cohort 4
Four high schools have been selected and will start formal work soon: Exeter, Mascenic Regional, Raymond, and Souhegan High Schools
Cohort 1
Cohort 1 schools finished their work with us in December 2015.
