View more photos from the Decatur City Schools Model Site

Name of Site: Decatur City Schools

Contact Person: Dr. Bobbi Burmester, Coordinator

Address: 1011-A Prospect Drive, SE, Decatur, AL 35601

Phone: (256) 552-3008

Email Address: bobbi.burmester@dcs.edu

FAX: (256) 584-8196

Web Site: http://www.dcs.edu/schools/high_school/decatur_dev/home.html Suggested Access: http://www.dcs.edu Click on Schools, then click on Developmental Program

Designation Date as MOVE Model Site: March 10, 2000

MOVE International Trainers:
Robin Irwin, Physical Therapist
Rachel Poovey, Principal
Anita Towe, Special Education Teacher

Description of Site: 1. Public school settings (2 elementary schools, 1 middle school and 1 high school). 2. Self-contained special education classes, inclusive education as specified in IEP’s. General education students provide support and encouragement. 3. Wing based at secondary level. Peer tutors are active in implementation of MOVE activities.

Number of students/clients using the MOVE Program: 15

Age range of students/clients: 3-21

Number of classrooms using the MOVE Program: 12

Number of trained staff: 20

EP Exceptional Parent Magazine Article: School and Community as Instructional Resources September 2005, volume 35, issue 9, pages 53-54

Other notes of interest: The MOVE Program and Curriculum is infused into the daily activities/routines of its participants. Active steps are taken to train and orient parents, general education teachers, support staff and general education students in the philosophy of MOVE. They learn how they can help students to become more independent. Parents stay active in MOVE by frequent contact (daily journals, telephone calls and classroom visits) with the staff and attendance at training sessions. Local legislators, city government leaders, physicians and various community groups have seen MOVE in operation. MOVE has been supported by Community Service Grants provided by the local legislative delegation. The Rotary Club of Decatur, Daybreak and the River City Eagles Auxiliary Aerie No. 4185 have provided manpower and funds to develop the MOVE Mobility Park. The Decatur Daily has covered MOVE events over the years with success stories and pictures. Three school systems in the area have adopted the MOVE Program and Curriculum since MOVE began in North Alabama. Alabama A & M University and Athens State University routinely send pre service teachers to observe.

Driving directions to the site: From I-65 Northbound: Take Exit 334 and turn left onto Highway 67. Go 6.7 miles on Highway 67 to the intersection of Highway 31 and Highway 67 (Lynn Layton Chevrolet on right corner). Turn right onto Highway 31 North. Go 2.5 miles on Highway 31 North and turn right onto Prospect Drive. Decatur High School Developmental Program is .2 miles on the right side of the road and part of the Decatur High School building. Enter at west end of building. From I-65 Southbound: Take exit 340 and proceed on Highway 20 West. Go 2.8 miles and the road splits. Take the left branch to Highway 31 South. Go over the Tennessee River bridge and continue south on Highway 31 South. Turn left onto Propsect Drive. Decatur High School Developmental Program is .2 miles on the right side of the road and part of the Decatur High School building. Enter at west end of building.