Guest guest Posted September 18, 2002 Report Share Posted September 18, 2002 Now that my adult with down syndrome is out of the system, I can watch what is happening with a little less personal involvement. What I seem to hear from parents of children with DS is that there isn't a ' " one size fits all " solution to education, particularly special education. " No child left behind " is a wonderful slogan and it will be interesting to watch the realities of implementation. Inclusion works well for many of our kids with down syndrome (with varying degrees of support and accomodation). Others learn and function best in smaller settings or mixed environments. In some cases, special schools may be optimal. Any attempt to force single or even limited solutions will certainly leave some children behind. The thrust of the " No child left behind " is largely to improve the education averages of the nation and while there is discussion of special needs, the national priority is for U.S. kids to match the test scores in language, math, and science with the leading countries as measured in this. The top of the U.S. population is just fine, but the averages place us far down on the list and there is a worried that our workforce will not be competitive. I play an active role in discussion of technical literacy and how it can be achieved in the U.S. Very few schools do a good job because many of the teachers we have chose teaching because they didn't really feel comfortable with technology, science, and math. The other issues really have to do with funding. The cost of educating our special needs kids can be very high. If a local education system is strapped for cash, one of the places that they can cut is support for special needs. Some forms of special education have lower average costs than others and there often are pressures in the community to seek those so as not to deprive the " average or gifted " students. One-on-one aides are a wonderful concept, but an expensive one. If your child is provided this service, you are fortunate, indeed. Laws and regulations can be helpful, but the tendency is to make every group have to fight for their rights, rather than willingly provide them. What is really needed is the " individual education program " that we go through hoops to get. Our children are similar to all others in some ways and different in others and really need individual planning and implementation of their education, not a slogan. My young adult generally got that throughout her time in public education and I believe that it shows in her capabilities. She had limited but useful inclusion in the schools she was in, but her home rooms and most (not all) of her classes were small SPED classes where the max student to teacher/aid ratio was 6, so that individual and small group education could be done within the classroom. This was the best option when she went to school. Today, the options would be different and I don't know if the outcome would be better or worse. Rick ..... Dad to Jan (29) who got a pretty functional education Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2003 Report Share Posted January 21, 2003 Cheryl, NYC - right now is a huge mess with the new mayor and Chancellor if anyone has read anything in the papers. They are planning on all kids going to their home school district - the one closest to their home and whatever services are needed will be provided. I dont see this happening educationally - there has been much training here by the districts for collaborative team teaching and support services and I am afraid that to expect all teachers (myself included) to be the experts on kids with special needs is going to be determental to the kids. There is a city wide district here 75 that services all special needs kids. That too is a mess - they are planning on disbanning District 75 and returning the kids to their home district. That is fine with me - because was in her home district in elementary school and now in middle school is under district 75- if I'm confused, imagine how others are outside the system! Our main focus educationally - is LRE for all students and returning the kids the their home districts. All these changes are still in the process and I have been attending many meetings about them and havent finished the meetings/ educating myself part of it yet. Its all so new and the mayor hasnt presented his plan for special education yet anyway. There is a big difference between NYC and the rest of the state - we almost stand alone on policy and the state is not as progressive as the city. Dont forget, here the mayor is in charge of NYC Department of Education (that is the old Bd of Ed) - so we have state regs and city mandates to deal with as well. The bottom line plan is that across the city curriculum will be the same - with the modifications and adaptations as needed - gee insnt that an innovative approach? And that educationally it will be central - all students will learn the same at the same time. We have an academic standards driven curriculum and most kids - including spec needs kids are held somewhat accountable for the standards but at their level or as it is stated in their IEP. OK, I'm sure this is confusing as can be - anyone from NYC out there want to help me out here? LOL I will also pass on any new info as it filters in. ~ Mom to 12 DS and Diabetes Type 1 and 8 NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2003 Report Share Posted January 21, 2003 In a message dated 1/21/2003 9:39:45 AM Eastern Standard Time, linman42@... writes: << There is a big difference between NYC and the rest of the state - we almost stand alone on policy and the state is not as progressive as the city. >> Ok, I tried, but I can't keep quiet on this. Although the state policies may not be clearly defined, there are districts in the state that are way more progressive than NYC. If I lived in Hopewell Junction (a small town upstate in Duchess County), I'd know where Liam was going next year. He'd be in an inclusive environment with teachers and aides that are trained and ready to handle his needs. I could talk to other parents of kids with DS and hear about their experiences. Hear in NYC, I have no clue. Putting him in my neighborhood school even with supports would be a small step up from 'dumping' because the teachers have not been trained, and without training or support for them, I can't see how it would work. He'd be the first child with DS to go there. As far as other parents of kids with DS in my neighborhood, the only ones I can find put their kids in private schools. Just like the state, I think the city varies from district to district in practice, if not in policy. Dealing with my school district gives me nightmares. When transitioning from EI to CPSE, I was told I could keep my homebased speech therapist if I kept Liam in the program run by the same organization that provided his EI. When I found another program for him, I went back to my administrator and asked for the same deal, I was told no. When I asked why, I was told, " Because I said so, " by the administrator. So if I seem emotional, I am. I have to deal with this same individual again and a lot more is at stake. (By the way, I found a way around her and got the extra speech therapy, so I saw no reason to fight her.) In response to Cheryl's original question the city used to have classifications for special ed students ( please jump in and correct me) starting with PSY (Psychological problems?) and MIS (Mentally impared?) that would help determine placement. UNder the 'New Continuum' these designations have disappeared and no one I've spoken to knows what will be used in their place. It sounds like placements and evaluations will be more subjective, which could be good or bad. Kathy, Liam's mom(4 1/2) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2003 Report Share Posted January 21, 2003 OK, Kathy thanks for jumping in here - the classifications are SIE (cant think what that stands for now) but it is for severely emotional children and the other one is MIS (and I may be wrong here Moderate Instructional Services). There is like MIS IV which is for children up to age 7 and then MIS 1 for children over 7. There is also MIS III which I believe is for speech and language impaired. OK, so now, has none of those classifications, but for IEP purposes is " labeled " Learning disabled or LD. Which when you look at that classification, is very broad and general and fits almost any student in the general education population. With the new continum that you are talking about, yes, these labels have been removed, so therefore, Liam should and is entitled to receive his education in his home school with supports - they need to provide trained teachers or teacher training, which we both agree would be a nightmare and unjust for Liam to have just any teacher. I really hated transitioning to the Bd of Ed when we did it. I too, am not aware of all that is going on now and the Mayor has not set his plan up yet for Special Education. I am still going to meetings to sort it all out. But according to the New continum - LRE blah blah, that should all be in place by Sept, 2003. Call me, maybe I can at least point you in some direction in the big apple. ~ Mom to 12 DS and Diabetes Type 1 and 8 NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2003 Report Share Posted January 21, 2003 In a message dated 1/21/2003 1:44:10 PM Eastern Standard Time, linman42@... writes: << I am still going to meetings to sort it all out. But according to the New continum - LRE blah blah, that should all be in place by Sept, 2003. Call me, maybe I can at least point you in some direction in the big apple. >> Just when I think I'm figuring what's going on, they go and change it. I will call you , in a couple of days. We're both getting over a stomach flu, now. It's always something! Kathy, Liam's mom(4 1/2) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2003 Report Share Posted January 21, 2003 In a message dated 1/21/03 8:39:05 AM Central Standard Time, Linman42 writes: > OK, I'm sure this is confusing as can be - anyone from NYC out there want to > help me out here? LOL > > Yeah , I have a question....hehe...why does the city have anything to do with the schools? Seriously, the 'city' (pop. around 800 I think, lol) that my school is located in doesn't have anything to do with the running of the school, even in Roch. the schools are not run by the city. Oh and are your board menbers elected? I'm just curious. LOL Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2003 Report Share Posted January 21, 2003 In a message dated 1/21/03 12:41:47 PM Central Standard Time, Linman42 writes: > OK, Kathy thanks for jumping in here - the classifications are SIE (cant > think what that stands for now) but it is for severely emotional children > and the other one is MIS > (and I may be wrong here Moderate Instructional Services). There is like > MIS IV which is for children up to age 7 and then MIS 1 for children over > 7. There is also MIS III which I believe is for speech and language > impaired. You mean you don't have EBD, MMMI and MSMI, instead oof the old trainable and educatable?? LOL oh the alphabet soup they are creating. Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2003 Report Share Posted January 21, 2003 In a message dated 1/21/2003 7:10:38 PM Eastern Standard Time, JTesmer799 writes: > I have a question....hehe...why does the city have anything to do with the > schools? Seriously, the 'city' (pop. around 800 I think, lol) that my > school is located in doesn't have anything to do with the running of the > school, even in Roch. the schools are not run by the city Our city council is who holds the purse strings for our school budget. So the school board has to justify their budget (or explain their budget) and make their request to the city council. They then give them whatever they feel like and the school system then deals with the funds they received. Cheryl in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2003 Report Share Posted January 21, 2003 OK Joy, NYC biggest school district in the country. There are 1 million kids in the nyc school system. The mayor is in control of the Dept of Education - the now defunct Bd of Ed. in effect, he is the boss of all teachers and principals and superintendents in the city. He has just laid out major changes in the city regarding education and districts will now combine to become regions. It is very confusing. The city will have a uniform curriculum, and will dictate curriculum, not the state. Yes we also have school boards which are elected but they are subject to change under his new plan. I have already been to 3 or 4 meetings about all the changes and its very confusing and will attend at least 3 more next week. I need to be very informed as PTA co pres, but its very overwhelming. He has not yet outlined a plan for ESL or Special Education, because he knows nothing about either and needs more time to learn. that should be interesting. The special needs parents are up in arms over his plan. There is also a chancellor, he runs all the schools and sets policies - hes now just under the mayor. If you want you can read all about it in the NY Times. I'm sure you can look it up on line. Theres also another web site i just got, i will send it to you later. ~ Mom to 12 DS and Diabetes Type 1 and 8 NY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2003 Report Share Posted January 21, 2003 In a message dated 1/21/03 6:26:47 PM Central Standard Time, Wildwards writes: > Our city council is who holds the purse strings for our school budget. So > the school board has to justify their budget (or explain their budget) and > make their request to the city council. They then give them whatever they > feel like and the school system then deals with the funds they received. > Cheryl in VA STrange...to me. LOL As it is here, the state holds the purse strings (and the feds of course) additional funding is requested by voter overrides from time to time. this is true for our small district and the one in Rochester. They depend on the voters to decide if they've been good managers of the money they do have and have justified an increase. I'm not in the twin cities metro area, but my guess is they do the same thing, since the fast growing suburbs actually seem to hae more money then Minneapolis and St. . Or so they say. Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2003 Report Share Posted January 21, 2003 In a message dated 1/21/03 6:33:24 PM Central Standard Time, jls1995@... writes: > Oh man..... just when I had printed out the 500 page dictionary of Acronyms > for all of this ..... along come ones I haven't heard of....... LOL!!!! > > LOL Judi, but just so those who don't live in MN know, EBD is Emotionally Disabled, not sure what the b is? (CRS ya know) MMMI is Mild, moderate mentally impaired and MSMI is Moderate, Severe Mentally Impaired. It's what MN uses rather then trainable (which always makes me think of a dog for petes sake :-/ ) or educable. Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 21, 2003 Report Share Posted January 21, 2003 In a message dated 1/21/2003 10:29:26 PM Eastern Standard Time, JTesmer799@... writes: > As it is here, the state holds the purse strings (and > the feds of course) additional funding is requested by voter overrides > from > time to time. this is true for our small district and the one in Rochester. > We do get some monies from the state and the feds but the bulk of our school budget comes from local taxes ... which are doled out by the city council. Cheryl in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 8, 2005 Report Share Posted January 8, 2005 Mark, There are many sites/message boards for communication and sharing of experiences in general - this site is specific for assisting those studying for the PTCB exam (and tutoring for other programs) - hence the name of the message board - Jeanetta's PTCB Study Group. As an educator I get what you are saying and where you are coming from. Voices like yours need to be heard and shared. I think that you would find that Jeanetta, and those she has chosen as TEXPERTS, stand primarily on the side of education as the foundation to propel and elevate our field. BUT - that being said, unfortunately many states have not yet moved in the direction of mandatory education. Our goal as educators (and I hope I'm not speaking out of turn) is to assist all preparing for the exam. You will often find students of programs (whether they be college programs, private programs or distance/self-taught programs) as well as those who have chosen to " self-study " using this site. Sometimes a different perspective will help a person grasp a concept. Personally - my goal has always been to help protect what I do and who I work with - and if sharing my knowledge does that, I am happy to share. I am more afraid of the damage those who are " out there on their own " can do, than those that at least attempt to broaden their knowledge base via a service such as this. I am hopeful that time will give us the changes - education, higher salaries, greater respect. I have been fortunate enough to see progress, but also I've seen some " backslipping " . I am very happy and proud that Louisiana (as of Jan. 1) will now require a technician trainee to be in a State Board Approved structured program before they can get a permit to complete 600 training hours. Will we see a change in salaries - eventually, and probably not soon enough for the techs in the field, but we have raised the bar - and I'm happy with one step at a time. I often encounter people who ask why a tech needs to be educated. My response is rather simple, would you prefer someone responsible for assisting a family member or loved one to have knowledge that could assist in preventing a medication misadventure and protect the one they care for, or is someone who just woks the counter OK??? More and better educated eyes, better patient safety. Most people don't think about it - but when you make them think about it - they appreciate the enlightenment. Unfortunately - you will always have the people " looking for the shortcuts " - and I'm hopeful that through us they may change their tune. Being a Pharmacy Technician is not something to be taken lightly and it no longer is a " job " to tide one over. Through our many voices we can continue to help move our field forward. Please, if you are not a member of a national organization - and I don't care which one - join one. Become a voice. Contact your State Board of Pharmacy, become active in open hearings, let your voice be heard. Let's all continue to move forward in a positive way. Respectfully, Anne LaVance, BS, CPhT Director - Pharmacy Technician Program Delgado Community College New Orleans, LA TEXPERT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2005 Report Share Posted January 9, 2005 Dear Mark, Please realize first that there is no national education requirement for pharmacy technicans. Most states do not even recognize the technician as a member of the pharmacy staff - they are merely denoted as peripheral personnel. Instead of berating the technicians that come here to learn because an education and/or registration is required by the state in which you live you and not by the states where they live you should applaud their efforts to " educate themselves " as it may be. You're right, most people of average or above average intelligence could probably pass this exam without help from an outside source. But please, don't overlook the fact that these are educational sites, where students come to learn or to be taught, and no they aren't paying for the service but would charging for admittance to this site make the educational lessons more valuable? I think not. Diploma mills are available far and wide across this country where they will gladly take your tens of thousands of dollars and in return " graduate " you as a pharmacy technician. Think of this as the college study group. I don't think I would have survived a few college classes without my dear study group friends (physics and organic chem II come to mind right away). Sometimes a student needs a fresh view, a little support, or a shoulder to lean on. I, for one, having my college education, years of experience and having the passed the national exam still learn something new nearly every day due to this site and the others I belong to. Did you catch the thread about the Glucagon Drip this week? And I, for one, am glad to offer my assistance to those who once in my shoes. Sincerely, Lynch-Brunozzi, CPhT -- To love what you do and feel that it matters - how could anything be more fun? -- Graham . . . for my heart rejoiced in all my labour . . . Ecclesiastes 2:10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2005 Report Share Posted January 9, 2005 The post below really upset me, not everyone on this list is here just to study for the PTCE, I have worked in a pharmacy for over 16 years and passed the PTCE with a score of 835. I have been training pharmacy personnel for over 10 years and am now working at a college to train pharmacy technicians. This site, my experience but mostly studying my b** off helped me to get those high scores and the position I have today. Looking at my qualifications why am I on this site? Because there is always room to grow and learn. I don't need this site to study for a test but I am still here because of the information and networking this site provides. I love the questions others ask and think of them as a challenge to test my knowledge and keep me on my toes. So many times a simple post will have me spending hours researching and learning more. I enjoy teaching and at this moment have no desire to go back to work in a pharmacy full time but with the use of these pharmacy sites, I have the option and knowledge to change my mind. Yes there will always be someone who gets by with as little work as possible but than there will be those techs who continue to grow and learn and become better techs. That is what I feel these sites are for. I often hear students and other employees complain about what others can get away with but it never fails as time goes on those who work hard are always rewarded. Sometimes it takes awhile, things are changing and there are several pharmacists who understand the value of a good tech and are willing to pay for it. Jeanetta this is a great site as well as several others that I also subscribe to, I just wish I had learned about these sites many years ago, I could have done so much more and gone so much farther than I have. Thank you and the others who often contribute for helping me to grow and allowing me to help others grow! Joe Medina, by helping people pass the PTCE I feel you are supporting the cause. The more people who become certified the more recognition and support it will receive. Several pharmacies I visit knew nothing about the PTCE until I started studying and talking to other techs about it, I have gotten several of my coworkers to take and pass the test, not to mention the several students I have taught and encouraged. They are now supporters of the exam and stand apart from other techs, they have met a higher standard and are encouraging others to do the same. First we must value ourselves, and encourage others to do the same, then others will recognize our value. Jule Barta Message: 1 Date: Sat, 08 Jan 2005 22:30:47 -0000 From: " Mark " <brick1mas@...> Subject: education These sites I thought wre for technicians to communicate with one another across the Us and elsewhere but they have turn into all out schooling. If you were to charge for this information , you probably would not have a taker. Just giving the people info just to pass the test then it only show the professional board that there is no need for education in this professsion and in turn we will continue to get paid the same as the employees that flip burgers down at your local hamburger joint. I paid good money and spent time in class rooms and took exams to pass the exam and be prepared for the pharmacy world....... if I would have known about this site I could have saved myself alot of trouble right............I thought that being a CPhT was something to be proud of and also feel the importance of our posistion working along side the pharmacist. As you know we are very responsible in the pharmacy setting, basiclly everything gets done by us. While the pharmacists are making (millions) $$$$$$$$,we are shown that our responsiblities there are not worth very much.( pennies) . It sounds great to be registered as I have to be here in Texas......Oh yes I get status ....Woopeee.... I have to pay more money but in turn see know salary increase......I know its not all about money ....but you need to look at the responsibilities of lives we deal with........my son-in-law cleans ot gutters for the city and gets paid more tham me and gets better benifits and retirement. There is an overall problem here......... those who want to make this field their profession and is looking for the easy way into it and really not concerned about being unified throughout the nation as being certified and registered....then you are setting your own self up in the future as you continue to be paid very little and increase your responsibilities....we desire so much to improve this program but we are continuing to live 10 years in the past.. Advice is good to give, stories around the nation benifit each other, standing firm with each other as a strong group but to give all the answers and give free schooling in these sites is only hurting the profession in the long run....... All I read in here is what do I need to pass, help me with the answers, is there a quicker way to learn this material....then you read about the stress before the test ...then the stress on if I passed the test...then the " I passed " :....and last but not least is there and easy way that I can get hired. All it does after that is that it starts all over again. Quicker and easier way to get certified ....nobody wants to earn nothing........ Sorry about this letter but to see the way some people are about this profession..sure don't make me proud to be certified and registered....it is becoming a fiasco...... I do enjoy the info on the sites , it is very informative Someone who really cares............Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2005 Report Share Posted January 9, 2005 Thank you Jule. You have been an asset to this study group not only as an educator but also as a member who has asked a question here and there to learn something, not just to teach. You are a brave educator to admit to that and I respect this. While Marks post was disturbing to many of us who work hard on this site to provide a study tool, it none the less was a valid question, and as HE points out at the bottome of his post he is SOMEONE WHO CARES. I think that all of the positive posts and hopefully including mine, will allow Mark to begin to understand the purpose in sites such as this, Techlectures, and Pharmacy Island and the many others that I have failed to mention. I actually can see or feel the concern or anger that Mark had as he wrote that it seems unfair to pay and then find it free. But I think we, including you, have done our best to explain to Mark and others that what this site provides is not the same as a paid for program. I have known Mark for a long time and he has addressed this concern in a softer personal private email before. I think if he had these thoughts then it is possible that others may have them too, and therefore the topic needed to be addressed. I only hope that Mark does feel that he did the right thing to voice his concern and that we are all trying to give the reasons why this site is here and valid. So Mark if you are listening/reading please feel free to express your opinion, if it has changed or NOT. You are entitled to it and even if we get upset or disturbed it is your right to vent in a positive constructive way (which you did). Thank you Jule again for voicing your opinion so well. I enocourage anyone who wishes to vent to do so positively and constructively, which includes identifying your feelings: I am angry, I am disturbed, I am hurt, with out hurting others. (which Mark, Jule, , Karin and others have done. I am so very proud of you all. This has been a difficult issue to address since it is so close to my heart. So allow me to apologize now if I have offended anyone. and Thank you all Love and Respect, Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BSChem Founder/Owner > > The post below really upset me, not everyone on this list is here just > to study for the PTCE, I have worked in a pharmacy for over 16 years and > passed the PTCE with a score of 835. I have been training pharmacy > personnel for over 10 years and am now working at a college to train > pharmacy technicians. > This site, my experience but mostly studying my b** off helped me to get > those high scores and the position I have today. > Looking at my qualifications why am I on this site? > Because there is always room to grow and learn. I don't need this site > to study for a test but I am still here because of the information and > networking this site provides. > I love the questions others ask and think of them as a challenge to test > my knowledge and keep me on my toes. So many times a simple post will > have me spending hours researching and learning more. > I enjoy teaching and at this moment have no desire to go back to work in > a pharmacy full time but with the use of these pharmacy sites, I have > the option and knowledge to change my mind. > Yes there will always be someone who gets by with as little work as > possible but than there will be those techs who continue to grow and > learn and become better techs. That is what I feel these sites are for. > I often hear students and other employees complain about what others can > get away with but it never fails as time goes on those who work hard are > always rewarded. Sometimes it takes awhile, things are changing and > there are several pharmacists who understand the value of a good tech > and are willing to pay for it. > Jeanetta this is a great site as well as several others that I also > subscribe to, I just wish I had learned about these sites many years > ago, I could have done so much more and gone so much farther than I > have. Thank you and the others who often contribute for helping me to > grow and allowing me to help others grow! > > Joe Medina, by helping people pass the PTCE I feel you are supporting > the cause. The more people who become certified the more recognition and > support it will receive. Several pharmacies I visit knew nothing about > the PTCE until I started studying and talking to other techs about it, I > have gotten several of my coworkers to take and pass the test, not to > mention the several students I have taught and encouraged. They are now > supporters of the exam and stand apart from other techs, they have met a > higher standard and are encouraging others to do the same. > First we must value ourselves, and encourage others to do the same, then > others will recognize our value. > > Jule Barta > > > Message: 1 > Date: Sat, 08 Jan 2005 22:30:47 -0000 > From: " Mark " <brick1mas@y...> > Subject: education > > > > These sites I thought wre for technicians to communicate with one > another across the Us and elsewhere but they have turn into all out > schooling. If you were to charge for this information , you probably > would not have a taker. Just giving the people info just to pass the > test then it only show the professional board that there is no need > for education in this professsion and in turn we will continue to > get paid the same as the employees that flip burgers down at your > local hamburger joint. I paid good money and spent time in class > rooms and took exams to pass the exam and be prepared for the > pharmacy world....... if I would have known about this site I could > have saved myself alot of trouble right............I thought that > being a CPhT was something to be proud of and also feel the > importance of our posistion working along side the pharmacist. As > you know we are very responsible in the pharmacy setting, basiclly > everything gets done by us. While the pharmacists are making > (millions) $$$$$$$$,we are shown that our responsiblities there are > not worth very much.( pennies) . It sounds great to be registered as > I have to be here in Texas......Oh yes I get status ....Woopeee.... > I have to pay more money but in turn see know salary increase......I > know its not all about money ....but you need to look at the > responsibilities of lives we deal with........my son-in-law cleans > ot gutters for the city and gets paid more tham me and gets better > benifits and retirement. There is an overall problem here......... > those who want to make this field their profession and is looking > for the easy way into it and really not concerned about being > unified throughout the nation as being certified and > registered....then you are setting your own self up in the future as > you continue to be paid very little and increase your > responsibilities....we desire so much to improve this program but we > are continuing to live 10 years in the past.. > Advice is good to give, stories around the nation benifit each > other, standing firm with each other as a strong group but to give > all the answers and give free schooling in these sites is only > hurting the profession in the long run....... > > All I read in here is what do I need to pass, help me with the > answers, is there a quicker way to learn this material....then you > read about the stress before the test ...then the stress on if I > passed the test...then the " I passed " :....and last but not least is > there and easy way that I can get hired. > > All it does after that is that it starts all over again. Quicker and > easier way to get certified ....nobody wants to earn nothing........ > > Sorry about this letter but to see the way some people are about > this profession..sure don't make me proud to be certified and > registered....it is becoming a fiasco...... > > I do enjoy the info on the sites , it is very informative > > Someone who really cares............Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 1, 2008 Report Share Posted September 1, 2008 I am so glad you asked the question because I was sitting here thinking about just that, the level of training and testing compared to my other jobs. first of all my background;; Are you a CPhT? Not yet but definitely working on it. Are you currently studying to be a CPhT? I am continuing my self study. HOW are/did you preparing/studying to take the exam I took a test preparation course for appoximately 7 weeks, definitely not enough What test will/did you take and why? I took the PCTB test because it is required in Texas How old are you? 58 What state are you in and what are the laws/requirements to become a tech in that state? Texas and passing the PCTB test Are you currently working in a pharmacy? yes which type? retail how long? 8 months What is your OPINION? To further explain my background, I was working on becoming a biologist in the far past but life turned my situation around. I worked for years at hospitals doing billing and working on the floors as a ward clerk. Then again my life changed and I worked for over 20 years as a 911 dispatcher/trained in medical dispatching. I retired and found that I had to find more work, too young for social security, but one requirement I had was not to have to work shift work or midnights. I live in a small town and opportunities were scare so I took the course and got hired because it was the height of the flu season and they needed all the help they could get (January seems to be a good time at least in this area to look for a tech job). My medical and science background that I still kept up through reading helped me quite a bit. Now for my further opinion.... 911 dispatchers have to take a compentency test every two years in order to work in the Texas system. Texas also has continuing education related to their particular jobs, whether it be dispatching or records or officers. I do not understand why Texas government doesnt get more involved in the training and educating of Pharmacy Techs. To pass a general test once is not enough. In law enforcement, if you are going to be a dispatcher you take a dispatching test every two years but the tests dont include speeding laws, or probable cause because you dont deal with that part of the job. I really believe that there should be more directed CE's that are REQUIRED pertaining to the pharmacy field you are working in. If 20 hours are required every two years, as in Texas, then there should be certain classes that you must take other than the 2 hrs of law. AND every two years you should be required to take a competency test in your field. Passing a test one time does not keep you competant. It makes many people lazy about keeping up their skills and knowledge. (I heard a veteran tech ask the pharmacist how many mls in a teaspoon) In the past 8 months, I have worked with about 20 different techs and only two of them showed any interest in actually learning from the CE's rather than just getting credit for them to keep their license. (If I am not mistaken, I think Joe said the same thing). The drawback is that Texas had to offer the required classes free and instruct them for dispatching. I don't want my 911 call to be mishandled or my personal information given out or used illegally, but I also want to be sure that the IV placed in my arm is correct and I am getting the right pills from the pharmacy. My personal opinion of the Bottom line...there should be levels of techs... 1. General techs with specializations in retail, mail-order, etc. 2. Hospital and nursing home techs 3. Chemo techs and so on Once they pass a general entrance test, to see if they have the basic skills to do the job, they should then be required directed CE's and pass compency tests every two years to continue or to move to another field of pharmacy. And this should not bother techs already working because they should have the skills to pass the test already. (by the way I am female, when I joined the group I had never joined a chat group and having worked in law enforcement I was leary of giving out too much information, too soon, wanted to say anonymous) I appreciate your encouragement, Jeanetta. I have learned from your site and from others your site directed me to. My career in this field won't span too many years because of my age but I still want to become a skilled and caring pharmacist tech. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2009 Report Share Posted November 12, 2009 Hi Tabatha, I have seen Gaffeney speak at an event, and I have to say, she really does seem like an amazing young women! I don't think that there is a " one-size-fits-all " solution to how to educate our children with DS. I would say that if your daughter is in 1st grade and has already demonstrated strength in reading, then you and her teachers are probably doing something right :-) I think that it's very important to balance family life, activities and school work, just like you will for your other daughter. If Anika needs to sleep, then she needs to sleep! There is only so much you can do in the " after school, before bed " hours, and it shouldn't just be tutoring. Being part of her family is very important too! We tried hard (and still do, and generally it's a struggle to get this info) to understand the METHOD that they are using to teach . For example, there are many ways to teach long division, which is what she's doing at the moment in math. It's obvious that they way and I learned this are NOT how she's being taught, yet it's like pulling teeth to get the RSP to teach us the method. This seems so obvious, because she needs help at home, and we try our way, and then she gets mad at us for not knowing how to do it, LOL. At your daughter's age, we were trained on TouchMath, as that was the method we requested by used to teach her math, so that we could assist at home if needed... obviously, we didn't know how to do that at all. So, certainly, as she grows, ask lots of questions about how she's being taught to do things... when they get to writing a paragraph, what special graphic organizers or other tricks are used to help get the ideas down.... you'll see that there are lots of things you could reinforce at home just by helping her with her homework, if you know what she's supposed to do. We have extra books now, but not in 1st grade. The books were so that didn't have to lug books back and forth every night. I think we started this in 4th grade, when the books were required more nightly for HW... seems like before that they did more worksheets. I agree with the idea of practicing ahead of time, and we've actually requested information for this a number of times, but it never seems to happen, and really, I'm not sure were we'd find time to pre-teach anything at this point. I do agree that reinforcing is important, and it will likely take more repetitions to get a concept, so this is perhaps easier to do than pre-teaching... if you are practicing math facts or spelling words, just keep practicing! doesn't do too many activities on school days anymore... Girl Scouts every other week, and basketball will be starting up again and that's one day per week. In part, we have found that after a long day of school, she really wants some down time, some quiet time. Then, it's time for HW, as the later it gets, the harder it is for her to concentrate... in a perfect world, she'd be done before dinner, but depending on how much help she needs, sometimes that can't happen while I'm cooking :-) does love her books, so I figure if she's reading quietly in her room, she's getting her relaxation time, plus some academics. Also, we look for educational videos or TV... Word Girl was one of 's favorites, and it really increased her vocabulary! It's a juggling act, that's for sure. Do what you can do, and what you think is right, but you know your child best, and if you think she's doing well, and leading a balanced life, then you're good! And use her cues... if she needs a lot of sleep and you can't get all the homework done and still make gymnastics class, then talk to the teachers about reducing the load or giving her more time. Of course, things change every year, as the school work load changes, their sleep patterns change, so you'll be revisiting this many times in your life :-) , mom to (14), (11 DS), and Sammy (10) only9minutes wrote: > > > Hello - > Anika (DS) is in 1st grade and she's my first of 2 girls. I really > want to do what's right for her regarding her education and, since > she's my first, I'm more winging it than planning it. In general, > she's doing really well - primarily reading being her strength. She's > in a Special Day program at her school but we may move to a school > district that is mainstreamed with pull out instead of segregated (at > this time she's " mainstreamed " 33% of her day - recess, lunch, and > assembly). > > I just went to the DownsED conference last week and was reading > Gaffney's website. Ms. Gaffney's parents had her tutored since 1st > grade, exercising everyday, and " As much as possible, her parents > would attempt to get information from the classroom teachers on > assignments and lesson plans to help become more familiar with > the material, " practice ahead of time, " or reinforce concepts. Her > parents requested an additional set of books to use at home for this > purpose. This enabled her parents to practice and reinforce lesson > concepts on " no homework " nights. This also enabled her parents to > work ahead on some concepts. " > (http://www.karengaffneyfoundation.com/academics1_4.shtml > <http://www.karengaffneyfoundation.com/academics1_4.shtml>) I'm > feeling like I'm not exactly on the ball here. > > If your kiddo is in 1st grade or older - what are you doing to > supplement the education she's receiving in school? How do you fit it > in (my daughter goes to bed around 6:30 and gets up around 6 - except > weekends when she gets up about 530!)? How do you keep your kiddo - > and you - from burning out? What about working in chores, playdates or > other fun/family things? Do you feel strongly about mainstreaming kids > versus special day programs? > > Or, if you'd just like me to read your book on how to be the world's > most perfect parent, I'm game! Kidding aside, I do want to do more > than I currently am doing and am not sure exactly how. > > Thanks! > Tabatha > Mom-o-2 > Anika (ds) aged 6 and Sevilla aged 4 > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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