SCHOOL BASED SUPPORT

The Student Assistance Team is a problem-solving team that exists at each school to assist students, teachers, and families seeking positive solutions for maximizing student performance. It provides an opportunity for school staff and parents to present their concerns about individual students and, after discussion and study, collaboratively plan a course of action, assign responsibilities, and monitor results for a student in need of intervention.

The following APS personnel are available for district Special Education assistance.

The Sponsor Teacher is responsible for the implementation of student IEPs, working collaboratively at the school site with parents, other special education faculty, staff members, the head teacher, and the school’s evaluation specialist.

The Head Teacher acts as a liaison between the school administration, special education staff, and the parent. The head teacher works collaboratively with the head teacher at each feeder school. Specific duties vary according to school.

The Evaluation Specialist is responsible for the timely diagnosis of students referred for special education services. This includes all steps from referral through evaluation, the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Meeting, and writing of the Individual Educational Plan (IEP). The evaluation specialist also provides technical assistance to staff in order to address the needs of the student as determined by the IEP.

The Principal is responsible for assisting special education staff in order to assure the implementation of a student’s IEP and the compliance with district, state, and national mandates.
 

DISTRICT SUPPORT

The District Special Education Leadership Team provides support to gifted programs through supply money, staff development, and general direction and policies related to serving gifted students. The team also provides a forum for parent input into district initiatives, policies and other issues important to students and parents through its District Special Education Advisory Committee.

The Program Support Specialist is a member of the cluster support team whose major responsibilities are to support and provide guidance to administrators, teachers and support staff about special education programs.
 
 

The Gifted Resource Center provides support to first year teachers, maintains a professional library, and facilitates the Gifted Task Force.
 
 

OTHER SUPPORT

The Albuquerque Association for Gifted and Talented Students (AAGTS) is a nonprofit organization for parents and teachers dedicated to maximizing the potential of gifted children in New Mexico. AAGTS provides an extensive library of materials available for checkout at regularly scheduled meetings. AAGTS sponsors an annual fall conference highlighting gifted education issues as addressed by nationally recognized speakers.

AAGTS, founded in 1975, takes a strong advocacy role in connection with public school programs and services for gifted children. Membership dues are $15. For further information contact Roxie Hale at 858-1401.