April/May 2008

Be S.M.A.R.T. For Fall!

It’s not too soon to think about next year’s S.M.A.R.T. program …. And, yes, we understand that you are probably feeling way too busy right now to even think about it!

But because we understand that fall is also an extra busy time, we’ve put together a few ideas to consider so the tasks don‘t take time away from your summer or get pushed aside for more urgent needs in the fall.

Hope you find our ideas helpful in your planning!

1. Sign up more staff for S.M.A.R.T. workshops!
A list of summer S.M.A.R.T. workshops is now available on the MLRC website (www.themlrc.org). Registrations are being accepted and there is an “early bird special” for those who sign up more than two weeks in advance.

In addition, this summer we are offering an AVE and an HSAS workshop at the MLRC:

AVE - Audio Visual Entrainment in the School System & The Learning Brain - July 9 & 10
HSAS - Hemisphere Specific Auditory Stimulation Enhancement of Auditory Processing Skills through Hemisphere Specific Auditory Stimulation - August 5 – 7

Click on the “Workshop Schedule” near the end of this newsletter for the list of locations of all workshops and check details on the website.

2. Here are some funding options to consider for staff training, equipment, or supplies that you feel would benefit your current program. Some eligible funding sources to consider:

• Title I, Title II, Title V – all great for staff development besides the regular staff development funds
• Compensatory Funds (MN)
• Parent Group funds
• State or federal reading funds or grants
• Community groups and clubs (e.g., Kiwanis, VFW, etc. Many groups have funded teacher training or equipment. Some, such as the Lions, have a special concern about strong vision and may fund a Telebinocular machine.)
• Local Foundations – many focus on building strong community and recognize that student performance is a key ingredient for both the short and long term.
• Special Education funds – now 15% can go toward early grade interventions before children qualify. If you have a disproportionately high number of minorities in Special Education, this 15% set-aside is mandatory.

Scout out those garage sales this summer for rebounders, fine motor supplies, trouble lights, games, anything that can be used in a S.M.A.R.T. brain friendly way to enhance your instruction and/or make your job easier.

Get a “supply wish list” ready to send home with your new parents in the fall.

Check with the other schools and community groups in your area (and with your P.E. teacher) for any mats they might be able to pass on to your program.

3. Plan now for your S.M.A.R.T. team to have team meetings periodically next year (e.g., once a month, once a quarter, etc.) - time to make items for your S.M.A.R.T. program, change and update materials, and talk and share ideas with others!

Talking with your principal now about time for next year might be helpful, as those schedules are most likely being explored and created now.

(Example: One school was frustrated their first year because they could not get enough time together as a team for making, changing, and sharing S.M.A.R.T. ideas. With the principal’s help, they were able to formally schedule in the school calendar 45 minutes on the last Friday of each month for a S.M.A.R.T. team meeting. Part of this is on student time – other staff members have been scheduled to cover and dismiss classes. Part is on teacher time. They say it has made a huge, positive difference in the program and they learn much from having conversations with colleagues about S.M.A.R.T.)

4. Easy ways to make more S.M.A.R.T. supplies (e.g., creep track cards, eye trackers or mazes, cards for INPUT, number or learning ladders, etc.)

• Use your parent helpers or school volunteers in May to make these supplies. Some projects can even be sent home.
• Use high school helpers or, better yet, ask the 4th – 6th graders to get involved (maybe the groups of girls who like to stay inside during recess, or the artsy type that could make good mazes/eye trackers).
• Give projects to building aides or paraprofessionals who often have a few days toward the end when they do not service children.
• Some teachers even have their own kids at home who LOVE to do these kinds of projects and can do them well.

5. If your daily or weekly schedule for next year has changed, consider how it might affect your S.M.A.R.T. time. Conversations might be in order this spring to best accommodate your needs in the fall.

6. Now’s the time to think about your S.M.A.R.T. space.
Has your building made any room or space changes that will affect your S.M.A.R.T. activities….perhaps allow for a S.M.A.R.T. Room? Just like with the “time” planning, these decisions are sometimes considered or even finalized in the spring and summer so you’ll want to make sure that S.M.A.R.T. space is made a priority!

7. Based on this year, think about a few goals you have for next year with the S.M.A.R.T. Program. Maybe jot them down and add thoughts as you think about them this spring and summer. What are some things you can do in order to work on those goals and hopefully meet them?

8. Lastly, remember that you can call or e-mail the MLRC anytime for questions, ideas, or to talk through issues facing you as you plan for your S.M.A.R.T. Program next fall. E-mail at mlrc@actg.org or call 612-706-5549.