Rutland City Public Schools Builds District-wide Autism Capacity
AutismPro provides access to online professional development, thousands of critical resources and a comprehensive communications platform
DENVER (Jan. 14, 2010) - Addressing common challenges districts face when supporting students with autism, administrators in Rutland City Public Schools, Vt., have incorporated a flexible online resource and communications program for its teachers that helps to reduce stress, optimizes its professional development budget, and increases student outcomes and achievement. District administrators turned to AutismPro, a 21st century response to educating students with autism from Virtual Expert Clinics, Inc., to support its overall autism and special needs intervention program.
In 2000, Rutland City Public Schools had less than five students with autism, while today they educate more than 44 students with autism, spanning all grade levels and across the autism spectrum.
"In the last ten years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of students with autism entering our school district," said Eloise McGarry, director of support services for Rutland City Public Schools. "As these students spend most of each day in a general education classroom, it is imperative that our staff has access to appropriate programming and effective professional development. AutismPro is the ideal solution for assisting us in implementing research-based programming and training."
Using AutismPro Workshops and AutismPro Resources, teachers throughout the district can access a flexible, Web-based professional development program that allows them to understand the range of autism conditions and apply myriad evidence-based strategies to atypical school situations. Teachers and administrators can refer to a database of more than 5,000 lesson plans, teaching strategies and behavioral supports to help them address individual student needs.
"In addition, AutismPro provides an enhanced communication solution for teachers, special education staff, parents, and other stakeholders to collaborate easily and effectively," said Jenna Chamberlain, third grade special education teacher. "With our students, it is critical that we set goals and be able to show how we are meeting those goals throughout the year. With AutismPro, we all can access the data we need to show where each student's progress lies."
AutismPro Resource Manager allows educators and administrators to track and report on the progress of individual students with autism, providing summary reports to parents and other team members. Collaborative tools give all team members the opportunity to discuss specifics related to each student, including what needs to be done, by whom and when. In Rutland City Public Schools, teachers and parents update AutismPro on a weekly basis, and once per month all service providers update case files, ensuring everyone is on the same page for IEP planning and ongoing team meetings.
"Districts nationwide are faced by an enormous challenge: how do we cost-effectively build capacity for the huge influx of students with autism entering our school system?" said Kevin Custer, CEO of Virtual Expert Clinics, Inc. "One way to ensure that a district's autism intervention program can support this growth is by investing in the right solutions now that will help train and equip teachers with effective evidence-based practices so they can begin to curb future costs."
For more information about AutismPro, visit www.AutismPro.com.
About Virtual Expert Clinics, Inc.
Virtual Expert Clinics, provider of a 21st century response to educating students with autism, works with school districts, early intervention providers, and governments to supplement quality programs. The company's flagship product, AutismPro, allows administrators to build capacity and helps educators to improve outcomes. Virtual Expert Clinics has offices in Denver, Colo., and Fredericton, New Brunswick.
For more information, visit http://www.AutismPro.com/Media or phone 1-866-462-0991.
