PCI Company Culture » Special Education and Learning Differences

In the name of the CUSTOMER

Sep 192011

(*Of course, the word “customer” takes on a whole new meaning when your customer is a child struggling to learn and it makes the difference in them having a better, more fulfilling life.)

Where to begin? The summer has been a whirlwind for the Sales and Marketing Team at PCI. The Fall Catalogs are out, the web has new offers and PCI began the year-long celebration of our 20th Anniversary in business.

With so many highlights to write about, I will focus on one for this post – our 2-day leadership seminar with Howard Hyden. Howard is a fascinating speaker that has worked with hundreds, nay thousands of companies in every imaginable industry from food service to major NASA contractors. He is also the founder of the Center For Customer Focus – NOT customer service, he says, customer FOCUS - there is a difference. Simply put, customer focus is getting input from the customer first about what they want or need. Sounds so simple that everyone should be doing it, right? Yeah, not so much. Howard warned everyone that once the seminar was over we would all be hyper-aware of lack of customer focus when we see it and, oh boy, I could write an entire blog about that! Alas, I digress.

Howard pointed out opportunities, shared experiences and gave all of us some great ideas that we can implement in our departments. It was a very enriching two days and during that time I realized that the spirit of PCI is incredibly customer-focused.

It was a great feeling to recognize that some of the key principles that Howard spoke about are things that PCI does quite naturally. For example, when a new product concept is developed, (Bwooop, bwooop, please remember the person writing this is merely a web manager, not an educator / thanks) the Product Development Team takes great pain to see how it will work for a student with any variety of special needs. Will the student be able to hold the card, will the color contrast be enough, are there too many words on the page? Years and years of classroom experience and research are all brought together to address the smallest detail.

In a similar way, when the sales team attends a curriculum fair or presentation, a great deal of work goes in to asking what the customer needs before we start packing. Based on the needs of the student, sometimes the team will customize a group of products into a kit solution specifically for the district or classroom.

No organization can be perfect is every aspect, but I believe PCI has a huge lead over so many companies today, simply because we measure our success by the success of our students.

A Moment of Insight

Janie Haugen-McLane Series: 20 Years, PCI Company Culture, Special Education Classroom 1 Response »

May 022011

by Janie Haugen-McLane, Co-Founder PCI Education (as told to Denise Jacks)
(Third in a Series: 20+ Years Building PCI Education)

Me: “Janie” . . . “JANIE?”

Janie: “Yes”

M: “Sorry to interrupt but, I need to get a blog post from you. You know, about the process of starting PCI. It’s a follow-up to the one about your first experience in the classroom.”

J: “I can’t right now, I’m working on the Life Skills Games. On a deadline.”

M: “Aren’t those the products you started PCI Education with 20 years ago?”

J: “Yes, actually. We’re refreshing the games, they need updating to today’s world.”

M: “Cool. Well, why did you create the games to begin with?”

J: “Well, at the time, I was working in group homes with adults with intellectual disabilities and needed a way to get them to remember and follow the rules.”

M: “Hmmm, seems simple enough.”

J: “Not really! There were like a bazillion rules that staff and people that lived there had to follow.”

M: “Ohhh, I see.”

J: “Right, and that’s why four games turned into 16 games!”

M: “So, why a game?

J: “It was a fun way to get everyone at the group home to remember the rules without having to tell them over and over. They enjoyed playing the games and it gave them reinforcement and reward for following the steps and remembering the tasks they needed to carry out.”

M: “Well, I guess I better let you get back to your work”

J: “Okay”

M: “Thanks for the blog post, Janie”

J: “Huh?”

Morgans Wonderland Contest Finalists

PCI Company Culture, Special Needs Community, students with autism No Responses »

Nov 082010

Morgan’s Wonderland, PCI Education and WeAreTeachers are thrilled to announce the top 10 finalists for the Morgan’s Wonderland Contest. Nearly 250 teachers nominated a student and his or her family for a chance to win a free trip to Morgan’s Wonderland. Located in San Antonio, Morgan’s Wonderland is a 25-acre park designed specifically for children and adults with special needs, their families, caregivers, and friends.

Voting began on Oct. 4, when the submitted nominations were available online at WeAreTeachers. During the three-week period, the nominations received more than 56,000 votes, with the top 10 finalists receiving 35,000 votes, and the top two receiving 17,000 votes. We never expected this level of response for a first-time contest. In my humble opinion, the most awesome aspect of this contest is that not only did families and friends get behind each of these students – entire schools and communities rallied votes and support on TV and online! Over 56,000 people took the time to learn more about and vote for a student with special needs.

A panel of judges will review the top 10 finalists listed below, and select the grand prize winner, plus five runners-up, which will all be announced on Nov. 10. – STAY TUNED – THAT’S THIS WEDNESDAY!!!

The teacher who nominated the grand prize winner will receive a suite of PCI Education Curriculum products, including the PCI Education Reading Program and Environmental Print Series. Teachers who nominated the five runners-up will have the opportunity to select one of the following products from PCI Education: PCI Reading Program or Environmental Print Series.

We are in awe of every amazing student, parent and teacher who participated in this program, and we know that you will also be inspired by these incredible and touching stories. Without further ado, here are the top 10 student finalists and a little bit about each:

Brenden Baker – Abilene, Texas

Brenden is like any other seven-year-old boy who loves to go to school, eat chicken nuggets and play at the playground. However, Brenden is not average in size, as he is approximately 18 pounds and 26 inches tall. Brenden has Desbuquois Syndrome, an extremely rare form of Dwarfism. According to Brenden’s teacher Marsha Stewart, “Brenden is a very special part of our family at Bassetti Elementary School, and he reminds us often that it really is the “little” things in life that bring us real joy!”

Katherine Hobson – Stuart, Florida

Katherine has a delightful personality that motivates others around her. She is eager to please others and never gives up, despite living with Cerebral Palsy. Katherine has no functional use of her arms and legs, and is severely limited in her speech. Relying on others for her life sustaining care, Katherine appreciates each and every little thing that is done on her behalf. According to her teacher Doris Davis, “Katherine inspires me every day with her positive attitude and tremendous effort.”

Casey Rohrer – Hermosa Beach, California

Casey has a genuine smile and infectious laugh that has turned classmates into friends. He is unable to walk or speak on his own due to Cerebral Palsy, but with the help of a mobility and communication device, Casey is able to participate in the activities of every day school and home life. “Thanks to Casey, the students and staff at our school have developed an enhanced sense of empathy and understanding about his disability by learning to include him, speak with him and involve him as they would any other child at school,” said teacher Jeannine Madden.

Jose Mendez – Cicero, Illinois

Jose has a positive attitude and a creative imagination, despite his learning disability. He doesn’t let us difficulties impede his success, regardless of the challenge. Jose’s family is extremely involved and supportive, and works hard to ensure his success both in the classroom and at home. As he grows into a young adult, he is starting to become aware of his special needs. According to his teacher Julie Mensik, “This trip would help him gain more self-confidence, and illustrate that a goal is attainable with focus and drive.”

Presley Sones – Minden, Louisiana

Presley enjoys every bit of life and those around her. She has Cerebral Palsy, and uses a wheelchair for mobility and splints on her hands and feet for stability. Her family spends a huge amount of time and effort to support the needs of Presley, along with their other two daughters. “Presley comes to school with a presence about her that positively affects everyone around her,” said teacher Amy Lee, “and those that have met her hold a special place in their heart for Presley.”

Ellis Nesby – Mounds, Illinois

Ellis has Angelman syndrome, which is characterized by intellectual and developmental delays. He is learning to walk and uses a wheelchair, unless he is in his walker. Ellis is fortunate to have an outstanding mother and grandmother who see beyond his disabilities and recognize the wonders of this special child. “I enjoy working with Ellis because his eyes light up when I ask him to complete his work,” said teacher Gayla Dial. “Ellis can make me smile even though everything around me is pulling me down.”

Jacob Ingham – Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Jacob has real zest for life. In spite of the many medical treatments and setbacks he has endured, Jacob always remains positive. His special needs result from a brain tumor that negatively impacts his physical mobility, memory, vision, and stamina. “Jacob has inspired me to be a more creative teacher,” said Tina Mansfield. “I’ve learned so much about working from someone’s strengths and interests versus focusing on remediating someone’s weakness.”

Ryland Reese – Amarillo, Texas

Ryland is a joy to everyone in his entire school district. He was born premature with Down syndrome and has been very sick over the past two years. However, Ryland is a fighter and has persevered through the challenges with his health, and is now doing extremely well. According to his teacher, Sherry Lawrence, “His parents take care of him like he’s a king. In fact, to everyone in our school district, he is king. We cherish and love this kid so.”

Sierra Craft – Houston, Texas

Sierra is a special girl who captures the hearts of others. She is confined to a wheelchair and nonverbal due to Cerebral Palsy, but that doesn’t stop her from smiling and trying to communicate with others. Sierra is very observant, and willing to try the same activities as others regardless of her disability. “Sierra inspires me to tell others that even though a child may have special needs, they can still learn and do things that we may think are unreachable. Sierra has changed the minds of teachers and staff as to what students with special needs can accomplish,” said teacher Aimee Erskins.

Lauren Tebbe – Wapakoneta, Ohio

Lauren brings such joy to everyone she meets through her sunny personality and quick wit. She is a twenty-one-year-old student with severe delays in the areas of cognition, communication and academics. Lauren arrives at school each day, entering door with a smile, a vigorous good morning to all, and a handshake for each of the staff. According to teacher Nancy Maute, “We should all strive to be a little more like Lauren and this world might be a little better for it.”

Overwhelmed by the support of the student’s teachers, family and communities, PCI Education and WeAreTeachers are seeking additional resources to possibly send more than one child to Morgan’s Wonderland. In addition, the sponsors are seeking more special education materials to send to classrooms across the country.

Due to the success of this year’s contest, Morgan’s Wonderland, PCI Education and WeAreTeachers have committed to hosting the competition again next year.

What are you doing in your classroom or community to support students with special needs? Post a comment and let us hear your thoughts!

PCI Buys 5 Products From Kaplan K12

PCI Company Culture, Special Education Classroom, Special Education Resource, Special Needs Community No Responses »

Sep 152010

(Cross-posted from The Education Business Blog, by Lee Wilson, President and CEO of PCI Education)

“With the right support and intervention…people with learning disabilities can succeed in school and go on to be successful later in life.” Wikipedia

Last week PCI acquired SpellRead, Momentum Math, Text Connections, Summer Ventures, and an unreleased Algebra program from Kaplan. Given that this is an unorthodox move in these economic times I thought I’d lay out the case for the acquisition.

These intervention programs target reading or math and they fit snugly into our line of products for academically challenged students. They are age appropriate for middle and high school students who are significantly behind grade-level expectations and need intensive, small-group instruction.

They also have some outstanding research results – in fact SpellRead was the small group intervention program rated the highest by the What Works Clearinghouse.

Really? In this economy?

It may not seem like the optimal time to be making a move like this with the economy and education budgets looking like they will stagnate or decline for the next several years.

But as we look ahead we see an ongoing emphasis on serving all students and in particular reaching those students that traditional approaches have failed. A quick review of the policy directives coming out of the Obama Department of Education makes clear that accountability is not going to be sacrificed to short term economic pressures. That in turn means schools will continue to invest in reaching students who are struggling.

Evidence also shows that companies that invest wisely during downturns emerge stronger than competitors who pull back. We have increased our catalog distribution, hired sales reps, and boosted our on-line presence in the last 18 months. These new products fit nicely into our channel mix and should help fuel our market beating growth record of the past couple of years.

The Strategic Context

The supplemental publishing world has been in transition for several years. The traditional market for small scale ad-ons to basal materials is still there, but alongside it a world of comprehensive targeted intervention curricula has sprung up. In fact, most of the growth has come from the comprehensive side – examples include Read 180 and Wilson in reading and Carnegie Learning and TouchMath in mathematics.

The reason for this is rooted in student outcomes. Educators have figured out that instructional materials designed specifically for the job at hand are much more effective in reaching these students where they are. It is possible use adaptations and modifications of the basal textbook materials – but it isn’t optimal.

All of these products fit into this new category.

A More Complete Product Line

Kaplan-Anncouncement-masthead1 PCI has traditionally served both the Learning Disabilities (LD) market and the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) market. For the past 3-4 years our internal product development focus has been on filling a huge gap for IDD focused academic programs. The PCI Reading Program and Environmental Print are behind our rapid expansion in 2009 and 2010.

The acquisition refreshes our line on the LD side with 5 top notch programs. Our Development Team’s first reaction on seeing the materials was “this is exactly what we would have written.” We were impressed by the simplicity of design and the thoughtful structure provided for instruction in the materials.

If you are interested in seeing where we go with them be sure to tune into our web site for further developments. We have some pretty cool ideas about how to take rock solid programs and wrap them with innovations that build on 19 years of expertise in serving these students.

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PCI Announcement
Build Instructional Materials for 21st Century Skills

Reading for All – The Environmental Print Story

PCI Company Culture, Special Education Resource, Uncategorized No Responses »

Apr 132010

By Janie Haugen-McLane, Co-founder PCI Education

Exposing students with significant intellectual disabilities to the literacy process is a challenge for teachers in this standards-based climate. I learned this lesson in a profound way at a special education conference in Louisiana.

A classroom teacher stopped by our booth to visit about the PCI Reading Program and the student population with whom she was using the program. I was surprised to learn she had included students with significant intellectual disabilities in the group. We wrote the program for students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. When I expressed surprise that those students could learn to read one word at a time, she replied, “Oh, they can’t even learn the first word, but they are participating in the literacy process. We don’t have a program for them.” And then she kept talking.

This caring teacher was telling me that because there wasn’t a reading program for this level student, the

Response Mat from Environmental Print Series Level 1

teachers were including them in a reading program that did not match their abilities. I began wondering, “What kind of literacy program do students with significant intellectual disabilities need?”

A light went off in my brain. These students need a new program of their own. A reading program that assumes the students are true nonreaders, but offers symbol-supported reading opportunities and standards-based elements infused with real-world applications. And they need a program that allows students who are verbal and nonverbal to participate equally well.

The basis for Environment Print Series was born. This collaboration between our customers and PCI author/educators is what makes PCI tick.

___________________________________________________________________________

Janie McLane Co-Founder PCI Education

Janie Haugen-McLane, creator of PCI’s flagship product, the best-selling Life Skills Programs, Series I and II, draws on her years of teaching to develop real-world, innovative educational products. She has conceived of and developed more than 95% of PCI’s proprietary products and has attracted a number of nationally recognized authors to PCI.

In Your Shoes

PCI Company Culture, Special Education Classroom, Special Education Resource, Teaching Tips No Responses »

Mar 222010

by Leslie Buteyn

A customer called me this week to ask a few questions about some of our products. After we discussed several different titles, she told me how much money she had to spend and asked what I would buy if I were her. What a great question, and I was thrilled to answer it! I loved the opportunity to put myself in the shoes of a middle school language arts teacher working with a group of students reading significantly below grade level; those are the very shoes I wore before I came to work at PCI!

One of the things that I love about working in PCI’s product development group is that our content team is comprised of educators. We have all spent time working in the classroom, and we know what it’s like to be in your shoes. That knowledge and experience drives the development of our products. I hope that you can see and feel that each time you use a PCI product in your classroom.

________________________________________________________

Leslie Buteyn

Leslie Buteyn is tasked with developing products from the idea phase to the marketplace and is responsible for managing the development of many of PCI Education’s bestselling products. She has developed products for students from preschool age to adult in all subject areas.

Prior to her career at PCI, Buteyn was a middle school language arts and reading teacher in San Antonio. She holds a Bachelor’s in English and a Master’s in Teaching. Both degrees were earned at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

What is the Future of Resources for Special Education?

PCI Company Culture, Special Education Classroom, Special Education Resource, students with autism 2 Responses »

Jan 202010

by Lee Wilson

What is the future of instructional resources for Special Education? Two people who will have a huge impact on PCI’s contribution to this challenge joined the company in December.

Erin Kinard is our new Vice President of Product Development/Publisher and she is leading the team that has created best sellers like PCI Reading Program, Environmental Print, and the Non-Readers series.

Tim Holt is the new Content Director for Technology and will be leading our efforts to use technology in innovative and powerful ways for the special needs populations we serve.

Blended Products – Media and Content

What does this mean for our customers? We are betting that the future of classroom resources for special ed will be built on products that are built on blended media and that blend a variety of content.

On the media side this means products that blend traditional print materials with innovative technologies like virtual worlds, social media, and just-in-time professional development for teachers. Different formats will provide greater access to the content to students who struggle with traditional media. The engagement and motivation of video games can keep students focused in new ways.

On the content side, schools are being asked to teach academics while also preparing students with special needs for transition. With Environmental Print Series, PCI delivered on this promise. Core literacy standards like main character are covered in the context of stories that introduce signage. Moving forward more of our products will build on this combination so that you and your students get a “twofer” of academic skills and life skills.

PCI knows how to craft products that address the learning styles of students with special needs – the research proves that. Erin and Tim add expertise in the other areas. Over the next 2-3 years expect to see a series of products that deliver on the promise of high quality print and innovative technology that work together as a complimentary blended system.

Robert and The 30 Bears

PCI Company Culture No Responses »

Dec 152009

by Denise Jacks

At PCI, we take our commitment to the students we serve seriously. You may have seen our management dunking booth to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of San Antonio. (There is no photographic evidence of past shenanigans in support of the special needs community – but yours truly will do everything to change that from now on.)

So, every year around the Holidays we work with a local organization to provide gifts to kids and adults with special needs. It just seems like a natural extension to what we do everyday.

Participation in this annual campaign is always swift and certain. Every individual wish was spoken for – within the first 8 hours. Then, the wish list items started to come back – a dremel tool, a DVD, a Tinkerbell t-shirt, etc. and so on. Tons of great gifts poured in, many I wouldn’t mind receiving myself – I have been known to enjoy a good bathrobe or complete Disney bedding ensemble in my day.

Robert and Co-Counder Janie McLane - and The Bears

Robert and Co-Founder Janie McLane - and The Bears

This year, we all received a special gift from one of our long-time employees. Robert, who works in our warehouse, was shopping for teddy bears for a local hospital where his daughter spent a good deal of time – and thought about the campaign for adults with special needs here at work.

The result was nothing less than pure joy for all involved – along with 30 bears for a local children’s hospital, Robert brought in a HUGE box of 30 bears for our adults with special needs.

The entire office was abuzz – anyone who walked by asked, “Where did all these bears come from?” Many bears were scooped up and hugged as we told them the story of Robert’s generosity. You see, working in the warehouse, Robert doesn’t make a ton of money – but he always manages to think of others before himself. A very admirable quality that, I am happy to say, I find in many of my colleagues here at PCI.

Warmest Wishes for the Holiday Season from PCI Education!

Are you an innovator in the Special Education field? We want you!

PCI Company Culture, Special Education Classroom 1 Response »

Dec 072009

Teachers are great innovators. We have to be. We walk into a classroom filled with unique students, each with his or her own strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, abilities, and challenges. We get materials that we’re supposed to use with everyone . . . and then we find out that those materials don’t work. PCI-air-balloon

What do we do when the materials we’ve been provided don’t work for everyone? We make modifications and adaptations. What do we do when even that doesn’t work? We make our own materials. Some of the best PCI Education products have come directly out of this scenario. Teachers created something new and unique to meet student needs because what they had wasn’t working. They sent it to PCI to review and consider for publication, and now those products are commercially available in the marketplace.

You can get your product ideas published by PCI, too! Check out the Product Submissions section of our website at: http://www.pcieducation.com/service/productsubmissions.aspx

Work-Life Balance or, PCI Rocks Halloween 09

PCI Company Culture No Responses »

Nov 032009

Now for a departure from our dialogue about materials for students with special needs. . .

PCI is not a huge company, so when you consider everything our team does – it’s actually quite amazing; we develop products, market those products, design and build several huge catalogs that includes our products and those of other vendors. We also warehouse, ship, bill and process payments, take orders via phone, fax and internet. Many of us wear different hats ~ the web manager doubles as company photographer for example (*wink*).

So when Lee Wilson asked me to write a post about our annual Halloween party (after I gave him a crazy look) – it struck me – we need a break to find BALANCE. There is no doubt that what we do here is serious, building a product that teaches a student to read when all other methods fail – that’s B.I.G. When it’s time to reset that balance – the company backs us up 100%. Once a year, PCI Education closes the office to celebrate a favorite holiday – Halloween. Everyone gathers for food, fun, fellowship and a bit of healthy competition – over costumes.

What follows is a visual timeline of the party of the year . . . Hallowtoons 2009. Enjoy!

Lee Wilson, President and CEO of PCI Education and today, A SUPERHERO!

Have no fear - Lee Wilson, President and CEO of PCI Education, uhh I mean . . . Underdog is here!

A collection of Superheros! (What do you mean you don't know who "Thew Wonder Twins" were? Google it!

A collection of Superheros! (What do you mean you don't know who "The Wonder Twins" were? Google it!)

Bears, Moose and PowerPuff Girls - OH MY!

Well, we couldn't just sit inside the restaurant - no one could see us in there! (No, there were no automobile collisions during this parade - why do you ask?)

Well, we couldn't just sit inside - no one could see us in there! (No, there were no car accidents - why do you ask?)

Well, except for that one incident when I told Woodstock to lay down and look like roadkill - AND SHE ACTUALLY DID IT!

A good time was had by all!