4.+November+6th+-+PM+Session+-+EPAVL-A


 * PAV - GROUP A - TEAM MEETING LOG - 11-6-09**

Members Present: Michael Babcock, Julie Zimmerman, John Daniel, Art Young, Hope McGee, Gail Moore, Lynn Langford, Pam Zackel


 * __Team Goals and Questions:__**
 * Set up Wiki for group goals and participation for future meetings.
 * Why is the mental health component not valued as much in altenative placements as compared to other factors?
 * Review the reading and relate it to personal experiences.

__**Essential Concepts and Learning:**__
 * 1) It is essential for staff to role model good behavior with the students.
 * 2) Staff also needs to acknowledge a prior incident and discuss it appropriately(instaed of moving on in hope of avoiding conflict)
 * 3) Teacher must recognize body language while talking -as a trigger to past experiences- and how it can hinder progress.

__**Team Reflections and Decisions:**__
 * 1) By bringing in our own apprehensions and stereotypes towards certain students we effect the learning environment for all students.
 * 2) It is important to have a "check in" with students, how they are feeling, and why - sharing personal experiences as a staff bring a personal "leveling" of the school environment.
 * 3) There are great benifits from a "Grief Group", sharing and reflecting in a personal manner, acknowledging thoughts and feelings that are noe allowed in their normal routine creates empathy.


 * __Emerging Questions:__**
 * Could a therapeutic classroom be incorporated into our sites?
 * What are some benefits of a therapeutic classroom?
 * How can a classroom address the emotional needs of the student?

__Plans for the Next Meeting:__
 * Read chapters 12,13,14 - Questions about the reading to apply and implement at sites
 * Establish connections on the Wiki - generate a bio for the Wiki