HCPSS is considering options for the Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) Field Experience class for the 2020-2021 school year. The class may include virtual classroom observations or a series of observation videos that would be developed. HCPSS staff are working to identify mentor teachers who would welcome TAM students into a virtual setting. Additional options will be considered if HCPSS moves to a hybrid or in-person model in the spring. 

High school Student Services departments have shared the Waiver of Right to Access School Counselor/Teacher Letters of Recommendation fillable document to all students and families as part of the in-house college application packet. Students should contact their school counselors with any questions

The junior interview is a component of the World Of Work (WOW) graduation requirement. Each county determines how the WOW requirement is completed, and HCPSS will create a plan for students to meet this requirement. HCPSS does not expect a waiver from the Maryland State Department of Education.

Student Services departments continue to offer virtual post-secondary planning meetings and post-secondary presentations for their students and families. School counselors are utilizing their Student Services Canvas page to communicate with students and families to ensure they are aware of the entire post-secondary process. In addition, the Office of School Counseling will collaborate with high school counselors to offer a post-secondary planning series to support seniors during their post-secondary planning, similar to the series offered in the spring.

Some students cannot benefit from distance learning or cannot benefit without extensive in-person assistance by trained personnel. Families and teachers may have witnessed this during spring and summer virtual learning, and it may be well documented in IEP Progress Reports for Quarter 3, Quarter 4, and ESY. It is important that families exercise their rights to request an IEP meeting to discuss what alternatives are possible. FAPE requirements dictate that the school system make alternatives available.

Parents are encouraged to confer with their student’s case manager whenever there are questions or concerns. If parents disagree with the ASDM amendment to the IEP, they may request an IEP meeting.

Yes, parents are given the option of accepting the proposal as is, conferencing with the case manager to discuss the proposal, or requesting a meeting with the IEP team. A parent’s signature on the proposal confirms the selection of one of the following options:

If parents agree with the proposal as it is first written, parents may accept the proposal and sign the form confirming their selection.

If parents have questions about the proposal, they may request an informal conference.

Family input is critical to the IEP process and, likewise, to the preparation of the student’s ASDM amendment to the IEP. Families may contribute information about the student’s access to virtual learning and performance in the spring distance learning model. Families may also provide input on a student’s current progress on IEP goals and objectives, priorities during virtual learning, accommodations and adaptations that may be necessary, any scheduling concerns that may exist, etc.

Be sure to provide parental input in writing.