Welcome to

1. Welcome to CSRA RESA Dr. Terry L. Nelson, Executive Director

2. About CSRA RESA History: RESA is an acronym for Regional Educational Service Agency. The RESA concept was enacted into law by the Georgia Quality Basic Education Act of 1985 (QBE). There are 16 RESA’s serving the school systems across the state. CSRA RESA is homebased in Dearing, Georgia on Highway 78 in the historic Dearing Elementary School building. CSRA RESA serves 12 member school systems: Burke, Columbia, Emanuel, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Taliaferro, Warren, and Wilkes. Collaborative efforts are realized through work with the following public post-secondary institutions: Augusta State University, Augusta Technical College, East Georgia College, Medical College of Georgia, and Swainsboro Technical College.

3. Organizational Philosophy Vision To provide services and experiences which result in increased student learning. All school are exemplary places for all students. Mission Statement Motto We work for students. Pillars Results ~ Impact ~ Service ~ Knowledge

4. Governing Body The governing body of RESA is composed of the school superintendent from each member system, the president or highest administrator of each member post-secondary institution, and a local public or regional library director appointed by the director of the Office of Public Library Services of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. The Board of Control has the same responsibilities for the operation of RESA as a local Board of Education has for the operation of a local school system. The areas and volume of services are determined by the Board of Control.

5. Funding In keeping with Georgia law, the State Board of Education provides some of the funds for the operation of RESA. The member systems contribute to the extent necessary to provide the services of greatest benefit. Some programs share services and provide funding for the program. Other programs are grant funded. • Financial Procedures for Operation: • Needs Assessment Survey to Systems • Budget Formation • Budget Approval Process • Grant Applications • Financial Process (Expenditures and Payroll) • Financial Reports (Monthly – Quarterly – Annual) • Annual Audit

6. Youth Apprenticeship ProgramMelvin Stewart, Coordinator Youth Apprenticeship was initiated in Georgia to ensure a well educated and highly skilled workforce. It is designed to bridge the education and work-based experience components necessary for a successful career. The CSRA RESA Youth Apprenticeship Program provides: • assistance and support for school and work initiatives • serves as liaison between schools and businesses • development of business partnerships • dissemination of curriculum for Technology/Career Education • professional learning for teachers and facilitators on school-to work • technical assistance for career awareness • coordination of school-based and work-based activities • facilities a Youth Apprenticeship Advisory Committee • opportunities for local and regional economic development

7. Science & Instructional TechnologyGail Duggan, Educational Program Specialist • Teacher Technology Certification (SGTCP) • Course/workshops offered for professional development • On-site training at the school and system level • Science GPS implementation • Georgia Assess On-line (requirement) • Online courses for professional development • School support for instructional technology and science grants • McDuffie Environmental Education Center (MEEC Project) • School Improvement • Local and Regional Science Fair • Local and Regional Technology Fair

8. Technical ServicesZach Tavares, Coordinator The objectives of the Technical Services Department are: • to assist in the selection, maintenance and repair of business machines, computers, and audiovisual equipment • to provide on-sight maintenance and troubleshooting of software and hardware as requested • to upgrade and maintain the technicians’ level of training to meet the challenges of their field • to be cost effective alternative to conventional repair services by providing direct sales/assistance and completing service requests in a timely manner The Technical Services Department is comprised of a coordinator and 4 technicians providing the services of: • Certified support for Novell/Microsoft based networks • HP/Lexmark/Dell printer repairs and service • All standard AV equipment and education specific • Other equipment ie. typewriters, laminators, braillers,

9. Curriculum DevelopmentDr. Pam Bell-Smith, Coordinator State’s Curriculum • Georgia’s curriculum specifies what students are expected to know in each subject and grade. Additionally, the state’s standardized test, Criterion Reference Competency Test (CRCT) for grades 1-8 and the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) for Grade 11, must be aligned with that curriculum. • The state’s curriculum is a guideline for instruction that helps teachers, students, and parents know what topics must be covered for a particular course. The curriculum establishes the minimum standards, however, some systems may have curricula of their own, but they must include everything the states provide.

10. School ImprovementDr. Ken Daniels, Coordinator • RESA Standards for Service • School Improvement Services from CSRA RESA • Provide assistance with analysis and planning • AYP Reports • Student Achievement • Determine root causes of student performance based on data • Other factors affecting student learning • Help systems and schools develop improvement plans based on other qualitative and quantitative data • Balanced Scorecard

11. Shared ServicesKathy Williams, Vision Education Specialist Visual Impairment A shared service between Burke, Emanuel, Jefferson, McDuffie, Lincoln, Taliaferro, and Wilkes Counties to coordinate a Visually Impaired Student Service Program in assisting personnel with the instruction of identified students. Services include: • Serve individual students who are visually impaired, legally blind or blind through individualized instruction or consultative services. • In-service educational activities • Development of Curriculum guides and instructional materials • Identification of visually impaired students by directly screening students or training aides to perform the screening function. • Refer students to vision care specialists when necessary.

12. Shared ServicesLora Ernsbarger, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education Specialist Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education Services A shared service between Burke, Emanuel, Jefferson, Jenkins, and Lincoln Counties to coordinate a Hearing Impaired Student Service Program in assisting personnel with the instruction of identified students. Service include: • Evaluating student referrals for deaf and hard of hearing education services. • Assisting school personnel in eligibility reports, re-evaluations, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) development. • Serving individual students who have a hearing loss through individualized instruction or consultative services. • Implementing appropriate accommodations for each student’s hearing loss needs. • Acquiring appropriate supplemental instruction and technology materials for students.

13. Teacher Alternative Preparation ProgramKaren Collins, TAPP Coordinator TAPP An alternative preparation program designed for post-baccalaureate teacher candidates to acquire the pedagogical knowledge and skills for clear, renewable Georgia Teacher Certification. • It is a minimum 2 year program offering certification in early childhood, middle grades, secondary and special education. • The program begins with a mandatory course focusing on instructional strategies, lesson planning, classroom management , and student assessment.

14. River Quest Psychoeducational ProgramConnie Fields, Director The Program is a part of the Georgia Psychoeducational Network and offers services to Burke, Emanuel, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, and Screven Counties. The program was established throughout the state to meet the needs of severely emotionally and severely behaviorally disordered children from birth through 21 years of age. The main center is located in Midville, with outpost classes in Screven County. Services include full and part day student placement, consultation within the schools to assist administrators and teachers, and provide parent services. Each class is staffed with a teacher certified in the field of behavior disorders and a paraprofessional.

15. Professional LearningGloria Gabriel, CoordinatorFaith Hopkins, Assistant - Esther Wells, Registrar • Teacher courses/workshops for certification • Paraprofessional Assessment/Courses for certification • Substitute Teacher Training • Leadership Development • Professional Standards Commission Endorsement Programs • Professional Learning/Curriculum Council • Personnel Evaluation Training

16. Professional Learning School Improvement Technology Instructional Support/Training Technical Services Psychoeducational Services Test Interpretation Data Analysis Evaluation and Assessment Health Education Youth Apprenticeship School Nurse Consortium School Counselor Consortium Personnel Director Consortium Deaf & Hard of Hearing Education/Courses Grant Writing NCLB/AYP/GPS Assistance Leadership Development Regional Science Fair Substitute Teacher Training Paraprofessional Assessment/Courses Personnel and Program Evaluation Training Community Partnerships Curriculum Alignment Tech Team Vision Education/Courses Regional Technology Fair Catapult Program Star Schools Program Services