<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div>BELOW IS INFORMATION ABOUT AN UPCOMING MEETING HERE IN VANCOUVER FOR THE DSB STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL.  CHECK OUT THE AGENDA.  Some of us may want to attend.<br><br>Sent from my iPhone</div><div><br>Begin forwarded message:<br><br></div><blockquote type="cite"><div><b>From:</b> "Sue Ammeter" <<a href="mailto:sue.ammeter@cablespeed.com">sue.ammeter@cablespeed.com</a>><br><b>Date:</b> February 22, 2014 at 12:20:03 PM PST<br><b>To:</b> <<a href="mailto:wcb-l@wcbinfo.org">wcb-l@wcbinfo.org</a>><br><b>Subject:</b> <b>[Wcb-l] FW: DSB State Rehabilitation council Meeting</b><br><br></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 14 (filtered medium)"><!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--><div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D">                Pasted below you will find the agenda for the State Rehabilitation Council meeting to be held in Vancouver, WA on March 6 and 7.  We are inviting the public to attend in person or by phone in order to hear public comments both on Thursday or Friday.  Also, pasted below the agenda is a proposal from OTC Director Keiko Namekata concerning the proposed realignment of the OTC curriculum:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497D"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div style="border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif""> DEBORAH E. COOK [<a href="mailto:debcook@uw.edu">mailto:debcook@uw.edu</a>] <br><b>Sent:</b> Friday, February 21, 2014 2:12 PM<br><b>To:</b> Sue Ammeter<br><b>Subject:</b> DSB State Rehabilitation council Meeting<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div style="margin-top:24.0pt;margin-bottom:24.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"">State Rehabilitation Council Meeting</span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"">Thursday & Friday, March 6-7, 2014</span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"">Location: Washington State School for the Blind, Auditorium</span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"">2214 E. 13th Street, Vancouver, WA 98661</span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:24.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"">Please join us at the SRC’s quarterly meeting, in person or via teleconference, to learn more about Department of Services for the Blind and the SRC.</span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:24.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Thursday’s Agenda: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.</span></u><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">NOON – Lunch (SRC and staff only)</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">1:00 PM – WSSB Tour</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">2:40 PM – Break</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">3:00 PM – Welcome and introductions, review of agenda, approval of December 2013 Minutes*</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">3:15 PM – Director’s Report: Lou Oma Durand</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">4:00 PM – DSB budget proposals: Lou Oma Durand and staff</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">4:45 PM – Public comment</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">5:00 PM – Adjourn</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:24.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Friday’s Agenda: 9 a.m. - noon</span></u><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">9:00 AM – Welcome and introductions</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">9:15 AM – OTC Proposed Curriculum changes: Keiko Namekata*</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">10:00 AM – Public comment</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">10:15 AM – Break</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">10:30 AM – DSB Communications: Ladell Lockwood</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">10:45 AM – Staff liaison report: Annual Report, letter to the Governor, future staffing*</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">11:00 AM – SRC subcommittee reports: Membership; operations; legislation; customer satisfaction</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">11:45 AM – Old business/New business, meeting preps</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">NOON – Adjourn: Lunch to follow</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">* Denotes information to be provided before the meeting or handed out at the meeting.</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:24.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Questions & Public Accommodations</span></u><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">DSB is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for everyone who attends the meeting. If you need a reasonable accommodation to attend the meeting, please call in advance to make a request. DSB does not provide transportation to or from the meeting.</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">To participate via teleconference, please call 800-379-6841 and use pin 679809, followed by the pound sign, to connect to the meeting. Participants will be in “listen mode” until Public Comment.</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">PLEASE NOTE: We may have difficulty providing teleconference services for this meeting due to internet connectivity. If you wish to submit written comments in advance, please send them to Debbie Cook and your comments will be read into the meeting record.</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">To find out more about the Council, visit DSB’s website at <a href="http://www.dsb.wa.gov/">www.dsb.wa.gov</a> and click on the link “About Us.” For more information regarding the meeting, contact Debbie Cook at 206-616-5913, toll-free at 1-800-552-7103, or by email at <u><a href="mailto:debcook@uw.edu">debcook@uw.edu</a></u>.</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">The following was submitted by Keiko Namekata and will be discussed during the OTC presentation on Friday morning:</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><u><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Proposal for realigning OTC curriculum: Shop Project to OTC Student Project</span></u></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">For the past 15 years or so, the OTC has been gradually evolving to provide training and experiences that are aligned with the DSB/VR mission, vision, and values for independence and employment.  </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The OTC firmly believes in the development of the whole person and strives to provide training and experiences which are designed to challenge and empower positive attitudes and self-confidence.  In addition to the alternative skills training and adjustment to blindness classes, we engage in various challenge activities throughout the year to provide students </span><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">an opportunity to explore a variety of recreational and educational activities. These events allow students to interact with the public, build self-esteem and gain greater self-confidence.  Challenge activities have included rock climbing, tandem bicycling, snowshoeing/cross-country skiing, kayaking, the high and low ropes course, river rafting, and horseback riding, to name a few. The OTC will continue to add to this list so that we continue to challenge students on many different levels.  </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Our OTC initiative began in 1998 as we changed the student residential environment from a dormitory setting to an apartment where students applied their learned independent living skills daily and were responsible for the maintenance and management of their units.  </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In 2003 we began focusing on incorporating an employment emphasis in all aspects of the OTC curriculum and so initiated the Career Class series.  We also emphasized the importance of having reliable soft skills such as good attendance, punctuality, taking responsibility for their own actions, etc., which are essential characteristics of successful employees.  We then incorporated the volunteer work experience for students in 2007 and this gave them first-hand employment experience at local businesses. Students tested their newly-acquired skills at their work site and learned how to satisfy employer expectations and workload demands.  </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">We are continuously fine-tuning our curriculum to keep up with changing technology, workplace demands, and the needs of the students we serve.  There is a greater dependence on technological skills in the majority of employment opportunities today, and these skills require a larger investment of time to learn and master. </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The characteristics of those attending the OTC are changing.  We are serving an increasing number of students with secondary disabilities such as hearing impairment, cognitive issues resulting from stroke/traumatic brain injury, diabetes, vascular diseases, and a variety of diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health issues. We are also seeing an increasing number of students who come to us with English as a second language.   We continue to work with students who have poor literacy skills and this interferes with their ability to learn computer and braille and other classes that require a good command of written language skills.  In order to work effectively with these individuals in a timely manner, we need to provide individualized training which often requires one-on-one instruction.  </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">With the changes we have implemented, the OTC is better meeting the needs of our VR customers.  This is reflected in the number of participants referred to the OTC for both residential and commuting programs. The OTC typically has 30 or so customers on the referred list.  In response to the increasing demand for residential student capacity, the OTC has increased the capacity to serve 12 to 16 residential students over the past two years.  </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Unmet or undermet training areas</span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">We have identified the following areas where we are not providing adequate training to prepare our students for independence and employment readiness.  </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">         </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">ESL instruction with emphasis on terminologies used in OTC classes and incorporating alternative communication skills, e.g. Braille, large print.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">         </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Assisting students with improving spelling and literacy skills.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">         </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Intensive training earlier in students’ training curriculum to develop independent notetaking strategies including use of Apple i products.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">         </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">In-house career classes and other job readiness activities including volunteer work experience and career search. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:0in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"">         </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">One-on-one instruction/tutoring in a variety of areas to assist students who possesses secondary disabilities/challenges outside of their vision impairment. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Staffing changes</span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The OTC was very fortunate to acquire an additional orientation and mobility instructor position in 2013, which allowed us to provide daily instruction in orientation and mobility and enabled students to achieve their goals in a more timely fashion.  With 2 instructors, we were only able to provide daily instruction to 14 students. With the third instructor, we now have the capacity to train 21 students in the orientation and mobility class.  </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">With the pending retirement of Bronson Goo, who teaches basic home maintenance and shop class, we will have an opportunity to address and meet some of the changing demands of our current student population while continuing to maintain focus on employment readiness skills.  </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Proposed position changes</span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The OTC plans to keep the current module 1 of the shop class where students are taught various home maintenance/fire safety skills, incorporating the use of basic hand tools.  This portion of the class will be taught by existing staff.  We would like to discontinue module 2 of the class where students design and build a wooden project.  We would like to use the position to address other unmet needs in the OTC.  </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Value of the shop project</span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">We recognize that the creation of a shop project for many students is a new and daunting experience. And certainly using the power equipment under sleepshades can be frightening and anxiety provoking even for an experienced woodworker.  Conquering these fears by operating power equipment to create such projects can give students a sense of confidence and serve as a reminder in the future that they once accomplished a major task that they never thought they would be able to do</span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Propose alternative activity for shop project</span></b><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">We are proposing to incorporate an OTC student project that is mandatory for residential and full-time commuting students but optional for part-time commuters.  We envision an activity somewhat similar to a high school “Senior Project”. The goal of the project would be for the student to develop a sense of confidence and accomplishment. The project must have a tangible reward/outcome and of course be measurable.  This activity must either be in the community or involve community resources and include contact with the real world (not the protective cocoon of the OTC).  As an example, projects could include weekly volunteering or other service-related activities.  The project would be selected from a list of possible ideas, or it could be developed by the student with input from the staff project advisor.  And it must be completed prior to graduation and shared with the students and staff.  </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">        </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="margin-top:12.0pt"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> </span><span style="font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><hr size="1" width="100%" noshade="" style="color:gray" align="center"></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto">No virus found in this message.<br>Checked by AVG - <a href="http://www.avg.com">www.avg.com</a><br>Version: 2014.0.4259 / Virus Database: 3705/7111 - Release Date: 02/20/14<o:p></o:p></p></div></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div><span>_______________________________________________</span><br><span>Wcb-l mailing list</span><br><span><a href="mailto:Wcb-l@wcbinfo.org">Wcb-l@wcbinfo.org</a></span><br><span><a href="http://wcbinfo.org/mailman/listinfo/wcb-l_wcbinfo.org">http://wcbinfo.org/mailman/listinfo/wcb-l_wcbinfo.org</a></span><br></div></blockquote></body></html>