New York,September 17, 2009
Somewhere back, in what now feels like the mists of time, a group of ESEA Title I Administrators got together and shared their insights, discussed the problems of setting up all those new mandated programs for what began as an initiative to improve the physical and mental health of our elementary children. The program involved hiring certified Social Workers and Elementary Guidance Counselors to work with the school staff, the children and their families. At first only children who were identified as eligible for free lunch could receive the counseling services. In the meantime, the organization which was named the New York State Association for Compensatory Education was growing but still limited membership to Administrators.
Over the next few years, the emphasis gradually became remediating the skills of reading, mathematics and writing and extended into the Middle and High School Levels. Counselors and Social Work continued to be actively involved. School districts began utilizing the Child Study Team concept composed of the professionals who worked with the individual child. These teams still today work to solve the problems preventing students from learning effectively. The organization opened membership to Remedial teachers, Social Workers, Counselors, School Psychologists and finally to classroom teachers including Special Education. By doing so, we expanded our expertise and realized that we had become more than just compensatory. We had become comprehensive. We had always known that every child needs to be nurtured and helped when they needed assistance. The role of the organization began to turn more and more to In-Service Education backed up by regionally sponsored workshops and conferences to disseminate information about the State and Federal Grant program applications, literacy, introduction and effective use of computers and other technology in the classrooms, and exemplary classroom practices.
NYSACE Inc. is in the process of reorganization as more and more of the local in service education takes place within the school district and groups of schools located in the various BOCES areas. If you are in need of assistance, have questions or concerns, NYSACE can assist you in connecting with a Mentor or other qualified person.
|
