It was a busy month for the Special Education Department as it held an intensive six hour training for over 240 Instructional Assistants (IA) at the Moreno Valley Civic Center. Prior to the start of the school year, Special Education IAs came from the majority of the district's school sites. They represented all levels of special education, from Pre-K to Adult Transition programs.
The training focused on instructional and behavioral strategies needed to support our students with various disabilities. Special Education Executive SELPA Director Pam Bender organized the event with the Coordinator of Special Education, Dr. Sharon Nakama. The Special Education Department's program specialist team presented on various topics based on their expertise.
"Our Instructional Assistants are a crucial piece of the educational process for all children in our district," said Board Member Gary Baugh, "It is great to see the collaboration between departments to ensure our Instructional Assistants are ready for a new school year."
Collaboration between the Special Education Department included the outstanding support from the Safety and Security Director Darryl Scott, Categorical Programs Director Lisa Broomfield, and Transportation Supervisor Tammy Fawcett. Local businesses contributed to the program with generous donations, such as Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Sam's Club, Walmart, School's First Credit Union, and many individual donors. Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora, California School Employees Association (CSEA) President Jolynn Neal, and the Board of Education were also in high support of this training.