Families Together, Inc.
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School Refusal
 
School refusal describes the disorder of a child who refuses to go to school on a regular basis or has problems staying in school. Children with school refusal may complain of physical symptoms shortly before it is time to leave for school or repeatedly ask to visit the school nurse. Starting school, moving, and other stressful life events may trigger the onset of school refusal. Other reasons include the child's fear that something will happen to a parent after he is in school, fear that she won't do well in school, or fear of another student. Click here to read the full article.

Resolve in 2014 to Get Involved! 

 

Maybe you want to lose weight or start a regular exercise regime,

read the classics or take a college class. Along with your personal goals, consider one that will benefit your kids at school. According to decades of scientific research, including a study from the Department of Education, parental involvement in the classroom is a key factor in improving students' academic performance. 

 

Below are two links to provide you with some ideas:

38 Easy Ways to Get Involved in the Classroom

50 Ways Parents Can Help Schools

State Board Votes KU to Develop Common Core Assessments

 

The Kansas State Board of Education effectively dropped out of a multistate consortium that is developing student assessments aligned to the controversial new Common Core standards for reading and math. Instead, the board voted to to continue contracting with Kansas University's Center for Educational Testing and Evaluation to design and administer the tests that students take each year to measure how well the schools themselves are meeting state and federal performance standards. Click here to read the full article.

ASL Classes Now Enrolling
  

American Sign Language (ASL) classes for families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing are now enrolling. Kansas School for the Deaf (KSD) will provide one-on-one instruction to families in the comfort of their own home! 

  • FREE to families
  • Sessions conducted via Skype, Google + or similar technology
  • Families provide days & times that are convenient for them 
  • Classes begin January 2014

For more information please contact Paula Crotty or 913-324-0600.

Academic Accommodations for Students with Psychiatric Disabilities

 
Tens of thousands of students enrolled in American post-secondary institutions report having a mental illness. Recent increases in the size of this group are due in part to improved medications that result in symptoms mild enough for them to enjoy the benefits and meet the challenges of post-secondary education. Students with psychiatric disabilities are entitled to reasonable academic accommodations as provided by the American Disabilities Act (ADA). Providing effective accommodations allows students equal access to academic courses and activities. The presence of students with disabilities also contributes to the diversity of the student population.Click here to read more.

Click here for resources on Mental Health.

Frequently Asked Question

 

"Does Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) apply to Transition?"


"Placement decisions, including those related to transition services (including work placements), must be based on these (least restrictive environment) principles and made by the IEP team," wrote Melody Musgrove, Director of the Office of Special Education Programs.

Click here to read more.

 

Read the informal guidance letter issued recently from the U.S. Department of Education.

Contact Us

All toll free numbers are for Kansas parents & education advocates.

 

Garden City Parent Center

(620) 276-6364 or (888) 820-6364
(913) 287-1970 or (877) 499-5369
(800) 499-9443
Topeka Parent Center                        

(785) 233-4777 or (800) 264-6343   

Wichita Administrative Center

(316) 945-7747 or (888) 815-6364

Wichita Parent Center                

(316) 945-7747 or (888) 815-6364

 www.familiestogetherinc.org 


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Upcoming Events

Family Enrichment Weekend

February 14th-15th, 2014

 Garden City 


March 1, 2014

Wichita 

 

Family Enrichment Weekend

April 25-26, 2014

  
This Week's 
Featured Partner
 

  

 

The University of Kansas is a major public research and teaching institution that operates through a diverse, multi-campus system. 

 

Check out these awesome resources:

  
  



30 Years 

 

Serving Kansas families and their sons and daughters for more than 30 years. 

 

Families Together, Inc. is the statewide organization that assists parents and their sons and daughters with disabilities. Our program's mission is to encourage, educate, and empower families to be effective advocates for their children. 

 

Click here to view our archived publications!

  

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