Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Early Intervention-Sandra Zeman Blog Post #5
I am a huge advocate for early intervention services. It comes as no surprise to me that money is eventually saved from students who receive early intervention as stated in the video "Providence". By investing $1.00 in early intervention, we save $7.00 in the future. It may not sound like much, but 25% of students achieving 80% of their goals is astounding.
The problem with this is that many districts are struggling financially and one of the things that they cut is early intervention services. Although it is not an ideal situation, it is something that the district can do without. However, it ends up hurting them in the long run because that means they end up paying more for those students that missed out of early interventions. Title 1 is a great program that was used by many schools in my district from preschool through high school. Unfortunately, in recent years that program has become less and less funded and is basically nonexistent now. Every teacher that I have talked to would praise Title 1 and say that it was extremely beneficial.
As I have shared in previous posts, my district has an early intervention program for preschool aged students. There are both disabled and nondisabled students that attend the program. It is very easy to see the progress that a child makes by attending this program and all students come out more prepared for school. I wish that I saw more school districts that would create similar programs such as this one. The teachers are all licensed intervention specialists and are trained to provide early interventions that will help the students down the road with their education.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Title I programs are government funded. I know there have been a lot of cut backs within schools but most schools still have their title monies. Some times districts decide to use the funds in other intervention programs and your school may have switched the title 1 down into the preschool program where they may be trying to target the students at an earlier age. Unfortunately, if more funds were available they could keep the program consistent over time to benefit the students in those early child hood programs that are proven to decrease the amounts of students needing services later on. Title 1 usually is school wide and the districts try to do activities to benefit everyone, including involving the families. You have pointed out an extremely effective early intervention program that unfortunately is associated with extra funding.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Sandra, that funding's in schools are being cut back however like Karen mentioned that Title 1 is a government founding program that is provided to schools. This is the case of most public school districts, and unsure exactly on how private schools Title 1 services work. I was shocked to hear you mention that in recent years the program has decreased its founding and almost nonexistent now, because I have seen nothing but the opposite support in the district that I work at. In my building there are multiple Title 1 teachers along with paraprofessionals that help out with daily routine items, along with being aids in special education classrooms and running the library program for all students in the building. I hope for the students sake in your school building that Title 1 services resurface again.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you when you say that early intervention is extremely important! Another great point that you made is that the lack of early intervention services costs school districts more money in the long run when they have to include children in special education services. It is sad that intervention services are the first services to be cut back when budget cuts have to be made. We have to remind ourselves that it is not fair to put at-risk students in a placement that is unnecessary and inappropriate. We have to make sure that each child is given the proper services that they need.
ReplyDeleteI agree that early intervention is important and unfortunately is the first thing cut when money is tight. Title 1 is a great benefit to schools and students. unfortunately some of the schools that I have been in lately don't use it or its spread so thin that it is of no benefit to anyone.
ReplyDelete