1 Southeastern States Pupil Transportation Conference Shreveport, Louisiana July 12-15, 2009

Training: It’s More Than the “Basics” Presented by: George F. Horne Horne Enterprises 5017 Bissonet Drive Metairie, LA July 15, 2009

3 What are the “basics”? State Department of Education core curriculum—e.g.,: State Department of Education core curriculum—e.g.,: –“Rules and regulations” –The school bus –Vehicle inspection –Dealing with emergencies –First aid –Defensive driving –Passenger management

4 What are the “basics”? (cont’d) Local policies and procedures: Local policies and procedures: –Reporting problems –School bus routes –Physical examinations –Drug testing and substance abuse policies –Preparing and submitting reports and forms –Compensation, benefits and payroll procedures –Etc.

5 “I’ve done all that... But is there more?”

6 Think about these topics: Special needs transportation Special needs transportation –Special needs explained –Installation, operation and maintenance of special equipment –Special needs related to special education (evaluation, IEP, ITP, IBP, etc.) –“LRE” as applicable to school bus rides –Available options –Documentation –Individualized passenger manager techniques

7 And think about these: Communication… Communication… –With passengers –With parents –With school administrators and teachers –With chaperones –With other drivers –With attendants (monitors, aides, etc.) –With shop personnel –With other transportation staff –With central office supervisors

8 Is this appropriate? Attitude Attitude –Factors affecting attitudes –Personal perception of selves –Personal beliefs of others’ perceptions –Ways attitude affects performance –How attitude can be changed

9 Don’t overlook this: Confidentiality Confidentiality –Family Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) –Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) –Electronic reports –Written reports –Verbal statements

10 Or these: Bullying Bullying –Physical –Verbal Harassment? Harassment? –Excessive “teasing” (verbal; written) –Sexual connotations Miscellaneous other legal issues Miscellaneous other legal issues

11 How do I know what to select? Be observant Be observant Review complaints Review complaints Talk to school-based staff Talk to school-based staff Listen to parents and students Listen to parents and students Listen to driver and attendant suggestions Listen to driver and attendant suggestions Analyze accident/incident reports Analyze accident/incident reports Read “The Journals” Read “The Journals” Encourage input Encourage input

12 Your thoughts?