BISD Special Education Offers Great Experiences
The Beaumont ISD Department of Special Education Services is offering fun and educational experiences for students of all ages. Relay races, a trip to the Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET) and the upcoming annual holiday celebration are perfect adventures for Academics for Life (AFL) classes.
The 2018 Babe Zaharias Memorial Relays were held November 6 and 7 at Babe Zaharias Stadium. The purpose of the annual track and field event is to contribute to the physical, social and psychological development of AFL students from across southeast Texas. Over 600 participants enjoyed competing in various events as they were able to showcase their speed and sportsmanship with peers in the District, as well as surrounding areas. Teachers and parents were on hand to provide support as they cheered the kids to the finish line.
AMSET sponsored a ‘Very Special Arts Day’ to provide activities for children with special needs on November 6. Students rotated between four stations which included face painting, gift bag decorating, necklaces created by baking in the oven and yarn threading with popsicle sticks. Parents received information on services available from BISD, along with Spindletop Center. BISD representatives unveiled their robot, Mylo, who provides another version of teaching social skills.
The vision of the department is ‘One Purpose One Goal: Excellence for Each Student’. They strive to provide students with disabilities a quality education that is appropriate to meet their individual educational needs. The department is also expanding with more people and programs to help with student success. “We have added Social Emotional Learning Coordinators to our staff to begin building a program designed to help students with their social-emotional well-being,” explained BISD Senior Director of Special Education Tammy Diller. “We are also in the process of building our Physical and Occupational Therapy Program with district employees.”
Specially designing instruction that addresses the unique needs of a student eligible to receive special education services is what the department strives to do. With more and more experiences and support, students will increase their skills and abilities. “Activities provide excitement and motivation to strive for greatness,” said BISD Academics for Life Specialist Jamie Price. “Kids with special needs can achieve whatever they desire in their minds and hearts. They just need a little help from people who care.” Special education is provided at no cost to parents and includes the related services a student needs to access her/his educational program.