Welcome: Bruce Schroeder welcomed the consortium to the meeting.

Jerry Christensen also welcomed the group and discussed business items. He talked about how impressive it is to people outside our state that we meet with all the state special education directors, University representatives, and other key partners each month. He went through the folder which included the agenda for the Mentor conference. He also mentioned that the calendar is posted on our web page (www.ulrc.org).

Davalee Miller reminded the consortium that the mentor conference is January 14-15. She expressed appreciation for the help of many of those present with the conference. She also asked the consortium to be thinking about mentor applicants for next year.

Cheryl Hostetter talked about the Special Educator. The publication is in transition and there will be formating changes. If you have things you want to see in the journal, let the ULRC know. January 12 is the due date for the next issue which is on "Strategies for Academic Success".

Tracy Stewart said that the ULRC is in the process of updating the ULRC Service Catalog. New workshops are available on culture and school success, reading and writing strategies for content area success, the art of mentoring, promoting active learning in the classroom and connecting performance assessment to instruction.

Bruce Schroeder gave a CSPD update. On January 3^rd there was a meeting of all CSPD project and USOE specialists. The purpose of the meeting was to look for ways to collaborate in CSPD efforts.

Brenda Broadbent, the new compliance specialist gave out the computer program "Discover IDEA CD 99", which is totally searchable. Brendaâs former preschool position will be opening up. Anyone interested in applying should contact the USOE.

Nancy Cassilla mentioned that the charter schools are not aware of their responsibilities with special education.

Nan Gray passed out flyers and registrations for the Transition Conference on March 8-9. Invitations will go out to colleges and universities for this conference, as well. Dr. Michelle Wircenski and Billy Mills will be the keynote speakers. The Conference will be at the Provo Marriott Hotel.

Tim McConnell talked about the statewide training for district personnel on PECS (picture exchange communications system). This training is for those who are non-verbal. It was a good training and they had requests for additional training. They are looking into that. He gave a reminder to the consortium that they are looking for new participants for the transition training next fall.

Jocelyn Taylor mentioned the autism team training. The second year will involve onsite model training. They will be working with Melissa Geneaux on this. It will happen in February.

Natalie Allen announced that Deb Andrews is now in Jordan District. All scheduled trainings and institutes will take place as planned. October 11-13, 2000 will be the CCBD/BEST conference in Provo.

Dale Sheld announced the Assistive Technology Conference on February 10-11 in Ogden. There are some slots still available. Contact Craig Boogaard.

Marilyn Likins announced the January 15 class "Advanced Behavior Management: Effective Practices for Paraeducators". Contact Marilyn if you are interested in this training. There are eight sites online and ready to go for this class.

Ken Hennefer took a minute to say goodbye to the consortium. This is his last Consortium meeting as he is retiring.

Utah State University: Rhonda Menlove announced that they have hired Mark OâReily (from Ireland) who replaces Marty Agran. He will work in the severe area. USU mastersâ program is up and running on the "Ed Net" system. The school has launched a new technology system, (Sorensen System) which is a two-way telecommunications system. This system costs less than $2000 to set up (Sorensen Vision System). Rhonda also gave an update on their administrative program. The school kept the legal class and added another one. They are working to include information for at-risk students.

University of Utah: Jack Mayhew put in a plug for the 14 session class on Culture and School Success. (See presentation information.) He also announced the summer institute on June 19-23 featuring Cecil Mercer.

Bruce Schroeder talked about their upcoming activity. On January 21 there will be a meeting with all team members (50-60) who will be helping with the grant project. He also reminded the special education directors that the web site www.utaheducationjobs.org is available for posting job openings. This site is linked across the country. Half of the jobs are being filled through web sites.

Margo Thurman announced that March 17-18 is the Spring Conference for CEC and UASCD at East High school. The theme is "Transcend the Past....Walk into the Future". The keynote speakers will be Phil Strain and Jo Mascorro. She urged everyone to attend.

Susan Ord said they have moved into a new building (next door to old building). Jackie Leavitt has been the spokesperson for Baby Watch and they were having a dedication ceremony that afternoon.

Jennie Gibson introduced Wilma Talbot from their staff who is the member and volunteer coodinator and introduced Diane Dykman. Jennie handed out the updated version of their Parent handbook.

Michael Herbert presented information on a program called Culture and School Success. "Education is for everyone, even those who are culturally and linguistically diverse. How do we deal with these diversities?" This program was developed with Jack Mayhew and Joan Sebastion at the University of Utah and with several American Indian participants. There are five tribes in Utah on nine reservation sites. "Statistics show that of 300 American Indian children that start school, 195 will graduate, 72 will complete college preparation program, 7 will complete first year of college, and 2 will complete a masterâs program. No wonder we do not have a large number of American Indian teachers."

The course is in documentary format with people telling their own stories. Michael showed several clips from these videos that illustrated some of the challenges educators face today. Michael ended with a traditional American Indian greeting of "walk in beauty".

Jack Mayhew took a few minutes to promote the class Culture and School Success. It is a 14 session course offered via distance education through the University of Utah. For additional information contact Dr. Joan Sebastian, Department of Special Education, University of Utah, (801) 581-8121.

Marilyn Likins gave an update on LRBI materials. There are two packets with video tapes and checklists. She distributed new materials on Functional Behavior Assessment and Intervention, with video tape and checklists. She said they have developed a computer program which will be available next week(PC format) on ways to conduct functional assessment. She showed a video clip from this program which shows steps for conducting a functional assessment.

Bruce Schroeder announced that video tapes are available of Alan Hofmeisterâs presentation from November consortium and Art Cernosiaâs video tape presentations from the law conference are available.

Meeting adjourned at 11:55 am.

Those in attendance:

Minutes: Cheryl Smith