About 200 people, including teachers from five other state school districts, were in attendance at the latest event sponsored by the East Baton Rouge Parish School System’s (EBRPSS) Exceptional Student Services (ESS) on April 19.  Held at the district’s Professional Development Center, the third annual ESS Literacy Celebration:  Academic Access for All paid tribute to the accomplishments of students with Autism and/or significant disabilities in all academic areas. 

The emphasis was on literacy and numeracy, and the event was hosted by the ESS’ Significant Disabilities Core Work Group to spotlight the instructional activities and access to the general education curriculum via the Extended Standards for these district students.  Stations were set up for students and teachers as they used a visual schedule to guide them through the morning activities.  In addition, they participated in adapted lessons in the areas of Math, Science, English Language, Social Studies and the Alternate Pencil for their grade levels.

There were five elementary stations and five middle/high school stations.  ESS teacher Michelle Kilcrease of Southeast Middle School (pictured, left), helped student Thalia Hayden of Brownsfield Elementary School (right) write on an easel at the Alternate Pencil station.