The Chardon Schools was recently awarded a $100,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Education in order to implement and practice innovative instructional strategies to meet the learning needs of all students.
Innovative Strategies Grant
The Chardon Schools was recently awarded a $100,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Education in order to implement and practice innovative instructional strategies to meet the learning needs of all students. This grant-funded opportunity, titled “Differentiation Not Disability,” will allow staff to study with experts the principles of Universal Design for Learning and apply those strategies within their instructional practices.
“We are excited for this opportunity to continue to refine our teaching practices, and to work towards our mission of High Achievement for All Students,” said Dr. Ed Klein, assistant superintendent, who along with Chardon High School Assistant Principal Ryan Bandiera, wrote the grant.
Grant funds will be used for staff to meet with nationally-recognized experts, analyze strategies in action at other schools, and implement and refine strategies for all students with guided assistance. Additionally, grant funds will be used for staff to travel to national conferences on instructional strategies, and to apply those within their classrooms.
“Our goal is for every student to graduate with purpose,” said Chardon High School Principal Doug Murray, “and through this grant, we will continue to refine and improve on our practices for all students.”
Child Find
As required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA 2004), the Chardon Local School District is conducting the annual Child Find campaign to identify, locate and evaluate all children with disabilities from birth through age 21 residing within the school district. This includes Chardon children with disabilities who are homeless, wards of the state or attending nonpublic schools, regardless of the severity of the disability.
Upon being notified of a child who has a disability or is suspected of having a disability, Chardon School District personnel will collaborate with the child’s parent(s) or guardian(s) regarding a referral for assistance. The referral and all additional information provided will be used to determine the appropriate intervention procedures to follow.
Interventions addressing areas of concern will be implemented and monitored by the parents and school team. Evaluations will be conducted when additional information is necessary to determine eligibility for special education.
If you know of a child with a disability or a child suspected of having a disability who is not currently receiving appropriate educational and related services, please contact Linda Elegante, director of student services, at 440-286-0460.
