Last May, Central Lee Community School District was one of the first districts in Iowa to begin implementing ACHIEVE. ACHIEVE replaces Iowa’s long time-Individualized Education Program (IEP) Legacy system. ACHIEVE is Iowa’s online IEP system used by teachers, administrators, the Area Education Agency (AEA), and families to create students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to be in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).
Eventually, families will have real-time access to their child’s IEP and will be able to view current progress within ACHIEVE. Another benefit of ACHIEVE is that when a student moves into our district from another district in Iowa, we can get immediate access to their information.
We are looking forward to partnering with Central Lee parents as we navigate the new ACHIEVE program. We are excited to see all this program has to offer as it continues to unfold.
Transition is an important part of the high school IEP process. Luckily for the high school special education team, we have a great partnership with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation and Iowa Works through SCC. Ashley Banes with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation and Scarlett Craig with Iowa Works have been visiting with our students to provide work-based learning opportunities and exploration.
Recently, Craig brought two Oculus virtual reality headsets to the high school to allow students to experience a career through VR. Choices included auto mechanic, first responder, factory assembly, hospitality, and lineman. A popular choice was the auto mechanic simulation, in which the student had to change a car’s oil. Later this month, Ashley has arranged for students to tour and experience Gregory Manufacturing, Lee County jail, and experience a ride-along with. Both ladies will continue to work with the special education students on job exploration and soft skills needed for future employment.