Special Education

GLENDALE — New courses aimed at improving communication skills of students with autism — the first courses of their kind for Glendale Unified School District's special education programs — passed the first step in the district's approval process Tuesday. Board of Education members reviewed three new courses of study — social communications I, II and III — that would directly address some of the greatest challenges students with autism face in the world outside the educational setting, said Greg Franklin, assistant superintendent, educational services.

It was the last day of school before winter break for hundreds of students at John Marshall Elementary School Friday. But that's not why they were screaming in the auditorium. The eighth annual Jingle Jam — a performance by 10 faculty members — drew excited cheers from students, along with futile hushing sounds from teachers in the audience trying to keep control as the Christmas carol sing-along concert marked the beginning of school vacation. "It's really provides an incredible spirit for us," Principal Lynn Marso said.

Nestled against a lovely hill is College View School, a place of learning that goes unnoticed by most. But what happens there is a testament to perseverance. Under the helm of Principal Nancy Epstein, the school, at 1700 E. Mountain St., belongs to a Special Education consortium serving students ages 3 to 22 from the Glendale, Burbank and La Cañada Flintridge districts. Epstein explains that the dedication of staff, many who dig into their own pockets to provide for their students, ensures that "they continue to make progress that might be limited or achingly slow, but which is truly monumental, considering the obstacles they overcome."

GLENDALE ? The needs of English-language learners were the focus of a hearing on Wednesday as State Deputy Supt. of Instruction Bill Padilla visited Glendale High School to hear public comment on ways to modify the No Child Left Behind Act. Padilla held the hearing as part of a series of open forums designed to gather suggestions that state officials can take to Congress as it considers reauthorizing the act next year. No Child Left Behind, enacted in 2001, sets federal accountability measures for schools, including stiffer requirements for assessment tests.

Letters to the Editor The Mix is an Asset I wish to disagree with those who consider the Mix to be a nuisance in our neighborhood. The Mix, and before it Lady Jane's, have been providing needed entertainment and a place to relax comfortably ever since I arrived in the Crescenta Valley in the late '70s. They provide a place for local political and cultural groups to meet, local bands to play and showcase their talents, and the local population to relax and play pool or darts after work.

LA CA—ADA FLINTRIDGE ? School district officials are considering an overhaul of their special-education program after watching a presentation Tuesday that showed special-education staff has decreased by almost one-fourth over the last five years, costs are eating up about 18% of the district's total budget and the number of autistic students has skyrocketed by 1,150% in eight years. But this is a problem most, if not all, school district are facing, said Cindy Wilcox, a La Cañada Unified School District board member.

Daniela Masatani was overcome with tears of joy as her daughter Analise, who is deaf and partially blind, received her graduation certificate on Wednesday from College View School. "She's just made such tremendous progress here," Daniela Masatani said of her daughter, wiping away tears. "She is a lot more social; she took off like a jet." Twelve students with special needs, who have demonstrated improvement in their learning skills, were honored at the ceremony held outside in front of the school.

LA CA—ADA FLINTRIDGE ? Declining enrollment, a sharp increase in the cost of special education and low levels of reserves are keeping La Cañada Unified School District officials cautious about their $32.5-million 2006-07 budget, which trustees are expected to approve on Tuesday. The district could see an increase of $800,000 over its 2005-06 budget and officials hope for more in one-time block grant funding. But the gains could be offset by an estimated $600,000 increase in the cost of special education and the need to replenish reserve funds that were spent in past years to maintain services while enrollment decreased.

GLENDALE ? Glendale Unified School District officials and Rep. Adam Schiff hope a pair of House bills will force the federal government to provide more funding to school districts for providing special education programs and provisions in the No Child Left Behind Act. Those programs are projected to cost the Glendale Unified School district $8 million in the 2006-07 fiscal year. The district is projected to spend about $9.8 million for mandated special education services in 2006-07 but will receive about $1.7 million in federal reimbursement, said board member Mary Boger.

"My years in education have taught me that all children are gifted, and every single one of them is at risk," said keynote speaker Guy Doud to nodding parents, teachers and staff at the Fourth Foothill SELPA conference Jan. 21 at Glendale High School. Doud's encouraging remarks set the tone for all gathered to network and dialogue about pressing topics in special education. Conference participants included special education students and their parents, teachers and staff from Glendale, La Cañada and Burbank unified school districts.