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Description: The film clips on this DVD were designed to introduce or review specific techniques or concepts on the following topics: Actions Speak Louder Than Words, Little Room Adaptations, Materials for Active Learning, and Literacy and Deaf-Blindness ("effective practices").
Description: The Virginia Purple Star Designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Schools that earn the award will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display onsite. A school will be honored with the Purple Star Award if it completes all the required activities, plus one optional activity. The Virginia Department of Education’s Military Student Support...
Description: Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF) is pleased to partner with the Virginia Department of Education in implementing the $9.9 million federal Preschool Development Grant Birth to Five awarded to Virginia earlier this year. Through this grant, Virginia seeks to understand the current state of early care and education and what it will take to provide children with quality care, support, and a strong start in life. Today, critical first steps in this process - a statewide Needs...
Description: This series of videos features six key elements to engage families in Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports (VTSS). Designed for use by educators and families, the three videos highlight specific strategies for school teams to consider as they build momentum around family-school partnerships and strengthen skills to meaningfully engage families in multi-tiered systems. Produced by Formed Families Forward, family partner to the VTSS project, in conjunction with Atom Stream Communications, LLC.
Description: This module, a DEC-recommended resource, includes information on how to create developmentally appropriate behavior rules for early childhood classrooms so that they link to a given school's behavior expectations. The importance of communication with families about rules and expected behaviors is also stressed (est. completion time: 1.5 hours).
Description: Across the United States, educators are changing the way they teach STEM courses. Students collaborate to investigate local phenomena in science class and work out intriguing problems in mathematics class. Across STEM courses, students attempt explanations, justify their positions, question and challenge one another’s ideas, and build new understanding together. This focus on students’ meaning-making represents an important shift. Rather than focusing on memorizing formulas and...
Description: Resources for Instruction Just in Time Mathematics Quick Checks Mathematics Vertical Articulation Tool (MVAT) Mathematics Instructional Plans Co-Teaching Mathematical Instructional Plans Mathematics Word Wall Cards Learning Disabilities in Mathematics Rich Mathematical Tasks Desmos Online Calculator And more
Description: The Career Switcher Alternative Route to Licensure Program is designed to provide an option for career professionals to enter Virginia’s classrooms. The career switcher program recognizes the life experiences of qualified individuals and provides participants with skills needed to pursue a teaching career in Virginia. Individuals interested in enrolling in a career switcher program must apply for admission directly to a certified program provider.
Description: At University Headquarters we are an industry-leading, independent educational organization. We have compiled a comprehensive set of information for students who wish to pursue higher education. We are your all-in-one source for information on colleges, entrance requirements, and career paths. We provide career guides that will help you navigate all of the requirements to gain entry to programs, become certified, or move up the career ladder in your chosen field. If you are unsure about your...
Description: The Parent and Educator Guide to School Climate Resources (Guide) is intended to provide parents, teachers, administrators, and other interested parties with a general understanding of school climate, school climate improvement activities, and the availability of additional resources. It should serve as a starting point from which the reader may choose to do further research; ultimately, it may result in the identification of practices or strategies a school, district or State may wish to...
Description: "Instead of intervention in children with disabilities, let’s do some intervention in the way we teach math.My vision is to create classrooms in which all kids are able to become mini mathematicians, modeling their world through mathematics. This requires that we design an intervention into how we currently teach mathematics to children. This website is a place to learn about innovative approaches to disability (neurodiversity, Universal Design for Learning, and Disability Studies in...
Description: Algebra Readiness Remediation Plans - 2016 serve as sample remediation plans that teachers and Algebra Readiness Initiative teachers and tutors may use in providing intervention or remediation with their students. Algebra Readiness Formative Assessment Items - 2016 serve as sample formative assessment items that teachers and Algebra Readiness Initiative teachers and tutors may use in assessing student learning after student remediation.
Description: Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, students will only use the Desmos Virginia Calculator within TestNav during an online growth assessment or SOL test. Hand-held calculators will only be used by students completing a paper test or by students with disabilities who have an IEP or 504 accommodation that requires the use of a hand-held calculator. For questions regarding other scenarios where a student might use a hand-held calculator, contact your Division Director of Testing....
Description: High-Quality Mathematics Instruction: What Teachers Should Know - This module describes the components of high-quality mathematics instruction: a standards-based curriculum and evidence-based practices. It also highlights a number of evidence-based practices as well as other classroom practices that teachers can use to teach mathematics (est. completion time: 1.5 hours). Module Objectives • After completing the entire Perspectives & Resources section and reviewing the...
Description: High Leverage Practices for Inclusive Classrooms, Second Edition offers a set of practices that are integral to the support of student learning, and that can be systematically taught, learned, and implemented by those entering the teaching profession. In this second edition, chapters have been fully updated to reflect changes in the field since its original publication, and feature all new examples illustrating the use of HLPs and incorporating culturally responsive practices. Focused...
Description: The National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice (NCAEP) is conducting a systematic review of the current intervention literature targeting individuals on the autism spectrum. NCAEP is a continuation of the evidence review that was completed by the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC) which included research published through 2011. We will review research studies published in the last six years (2012-2017) which examine the impact of behavioral,...
Description: The purpose of this webpage is to provide important information and links to resources that support all educators in providing instruction and services to English Learners (ELs) across the content areas. Divisions across the Commonwealth of Virginia serve over 105,000 ELs, who speak over 240 languages, and come from a variety of learning and cultural backgrounds. These students bring a unique set of assets that have the potential to enrich the experiences of all learners and educators. The...
Description: This online module from the ECTA Center addresses strategies to engage parents in activities to build their competence and confidence in providing learning opportunities for their child. The module is divided into 4 lessons ranging from 10-15 min. each, and includes short video demonstrations, checks a learner's understanding through a variety of interactive formats, and; includes a family capacity-building checklist for self-assessment or planning home visits.
Description: Video games are mostly considered a fun pastime. But, these virtual worlds can also be a powerful learning tool for kids with thinking and learning differences. “Kids that play video games are more likely to be able to read and follow instructions than kids who do not play video games,” says our expert. Watch as Jodi Gold, MD, a board-certified child, and adolescent psychiatrist and author of "Screen-Smart Parenting: How to Find Balance and Benefit in Your Child's Use of Social...
Description: These free 10-minute video challenges engage students in real-world problem-solving and professional skills. The challenges are created by employers and include professionals from organizations. Each video allows teachers to select a lesson plan or create one using a three-segment format. Spark 101 offers teachers access to: Interactive video challenges Teacher-created lesson plans Student engagement resources
Description: Foundations of Coaching in Early Childhood: Partnering with Parents and Professionals is a video training resource for early childhood coaches, based on the 5 key characteristics of coaching as outlined by Dathan Rush and M'Lisa Shelden. These characteristics can be applied to a number of early childhood settings. The video features an early interventionist and family, as well as other types of coaches and coachees. (This video series was created by the following partners: Hartford...
Description: High-Leverage Practices in Special Education: A Professional Development Guide for School Leaders was developed to assist school leaders in planning and implementing professional development about high-leverage practices to K–12 educators. High-leverage practices are frequently occurring, essential educational practices that all K–12 special educators should know how to do. These practices are evidence based, meaning that they reflect effective methods that when successfully...
Description: Mathematics Vertical Articulation Tool (MVAT) – This tool provides support in identifying concepts aligned to the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) that articulate across mathematics grade levels or courses. The MVAT has several possible uses: Instructional planning tool – the STATIC versions of the MVAT can be used to identify the progression of specific content across grade levels or courses in order to connect instruction to prerequisite knowledge and future...
Description: Mathematics Instructional Plans (MIPs) help teachers align instruction with the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) by providing examples of how the knowledge, skills and processes found in the SOL and curriculum framework can be presented to students in the classroom. Co-Teaching Mathematics Instructional Plans utilize the six common co-teaching approaches: teaming, station teaching, parallel teaching, alternative teaching, one teaching/one assisting, and one teaching/one...
Description: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) offers an integrated and comprehensive range of services consisting of workforce development activities benefiting job seekers—adults, dislocated workers, youth, incumbent workers, new entrants to the workforce, veterans, individuals with disabilities—and employers. WIOA’s objective is to meet employers’ needs by increasing employment, job retention, earnings, and occupational skills among all job seeker populations. Job...
Description: How does WIOA work in Virginia Career Works - Northern Region? SkillSource operates seven (7) One Stop Employment Centers in Annandale, Alexandria, Leesburg, Manassas, Reston, and Woodbridge. These resource centers provide free access to numerous career development, training, and support services to benefit both local employers and job seekers. SkillSource partners include Virginia Employment Commission, Northern Virginia Community College, Job Corps, Family and Social...
Description: This guide is offered as a free resource for attorneys who may work with people with developmental disabilities in the justice system. Our aim is to assist attorneys in understanding the possible presence of a disability in a client, how to fully identify that disability, and offer some ideas on appropriate ways to defend that person in a criminal prosecution. Cases are so individualized that this guide could never hope to be fully comprehensive, but it is meant to offer a solid foundation. The...
Description: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects can include physical problems and problems with behavior and learning. Often, a person with an FASD has a mix of these problems. Cause and Prevention FASDs can occur when a person is exposed to alcohol before birth. Alcohol in the mother’s blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. There is no known safe amount of alcohol during...
Description: FASD United supports individuals, families, and communities living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and other preventable intellectual/developmental disabilities and works to prevent prenatal exposure to alcohol, drugs, and other substances known to harm fetal development by raising awareness and supporting women and their partners before and during their pregnancy. FASD United supports individuals and families living with FASD through referrals, advocacy, training, information...
Description: This is a free, online, on-demand system consisting of three primary components. Through this system, learners will understand the prevalence and impact of toxic stress on youth and those who care for them. Additionally, participants will understand how to infuse the values of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment into various aspects of their existing equitable multi-level system of support. This infusion is what we call the trauma-informed lens.
Description: We've broken down key ideas about how to support your child in their journey toward self-determination at school, home, and in the community. The interactive modules below can be accessed whenever it suits you! Being a parent is tough, and finding ways to support your child can sometimes seem like a big commitment. The Parent Path to Success gives you bite-sized videos that you can watch on your schedule. We hope these videos help you find small opportunities for success with your child!...
Description: The National Association of School Psychologists and the National Association of School Resource Officers have partnered to provide this guidance on armed assailant training. We received input from Safe and Sound Schools: A Sandy Hook Initiative and the ALiCE Training Institute. This document provides guidance on the important factors schools must take into account when considering and choosing to conduct armed assailant drills. It does not constitute an endorsement of a particular approach to...
Description: According to Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia, Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) means that to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with children who are not disabled, and that special classes, separate schooling or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only when...
Description: 9 Steps to Respite Care for Grandfamilies will help you have a better understanding of the resources that are available, what you can expect and how to select a high-quality service that best meets the needs of your family. This fact sheet outlines nine simple steps to help you assess your own needs, identify the different types of respite, and provide information on how to find and pay for services. The information provided will also help you plan and make the most of your...
Description: 11 Easy Tips to Really Engage with Families - Numerous studies confirm that actively engaged families play a major role in improving academic and behavior outcomes for their students. It's time to stop simply involving families and start really engaging them. Barrier #1: Conflicts with Family Life Logistics Every family comes with its own set of logistics – other kids, work schedules, dinner routines. Every logistic represents a possible conflict that makes getting to the...
Description: disAbilityNavigator is a unique web resource created by and for people with disabilities and their families. Topics covered include: Family Caregiving Family Support Health Fitness & Recreation Health Care Settings & Providers Health Conditions & Disabilities Community Community Resources Community Best Practices & State Plans Individual Supports Advocacy Federal, State & Local Laws Protection & Advocacy Transitions Planning Insurance & Benefits Life Skills My Money...
Description: This Self-Assessment provides a list of Quality Indicators of Co-Teaching and an opportunity to indicate your perception of the implementation of these indicators in your school/classroom. It looks at Administrative Support, Interaction of Co-Teachers, and Evalution of Co-Teaching Effectiveness.
Description: Project Lifesaver is the premier search and rescue program operated internationally by public safety agencies, and is strategically designed for “at risk” individuals who are prone to the life threatening behavior of wandering. The primary mission of Project Lifesaver is to provide timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children with the propensity to wander due to a cognitive condition.
Description: This site is for individuals interested in beginning or enhancing literacy instruction for children with combined vision and hearing loss. Its content is also designed to improve literacy instruction for children with multiple disabilities and other complex learning challenges. Our contributors include State Deaf Blind Project staff as well as teachers who want to give back to the field and help more families play a role in educating children with complex learning challenges. The...
Description: The purpose of the Guidelines for Working with Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired in Virginia Public Schools is to provide information for the provision of services to students who are blind or visually impaired to support their educational goals. These Guidelines provide a resource of suggestions for implementing services; they are not regulatory. They are written for any individual interested in serving the educational needs of students who are blind or visually impaired or...
Description: This guide aims to help parents like you understand the flexibility provided to States and school districts in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which amended the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, a landmark Federal education law. We know that parents are the most important advocates for their children. Because States and school districts have significant flexibility in how they meet the requirements of the law, you have an opportunity to influence how they use that flexibility to...
Description: Milestones matter! Track your child’s milestones from age 2 months to 5 years with CDC’s easy-to-use illustrated checklists; get tips from CDC for encouraging your child’s development; and find out what to do if you are ever concerned about how your child is developing. From birth to age 5, your child should reach milestones in how he or she plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves. Photos and videos in this app illustrate each milestone and make tracking them for your child easy...
Description: Position Statement: Facilitated Communication It is the position of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) that Facilitated Communication (FC) is a discredited technique that should not be used. There is no scientific evidence of the validity of FC, and there is extensive scientific evidence—produced over several decades and across several countries—that messages are authored by the "facilitator" rather than the person with a disability. Furthermore, there is...
Description: A cell phone contract is an agreement that outlines what families will do to make sure kids take care of their cell phone and use it responsibly — like not texting while driving. Another goal is to help kids speak up if they see or receive anything on their phone that makes them feel uncomfortable. These contracts include steps that kids promise to take. They also include steps that parents or caregivers promise to take. A cell phone contract can also help set limits on how much...
Description: Bus drivers and transportation staff work directly with students with autism and are responsible for their and others' safety during the routes. Drivers and assistants are the first faces students see in the morning and the last ones in the afternoon. They are critical liaisons between home and school and often have more interaction with parents than other school staff. Beyond simply driving, transportation staff are in charge of managing behavior, implementing accommodations, and collaborating...
Description: Medicaid at a Glance, Virginia Medicaid - The Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) plays an essential role in the Commonwealth’s health care system by offering lifesaving coverage to one in five Virginians, including more than 500,000 newly eligible adults who gained access to care when the program expanded in 2019.
Description: The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed by President Obama on December 10, 2015, and represents good news for our nation’s schools. This bipartisan measure reauthorizes the 50-year-old Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the nation’s national education law and longstanding commitment to equal opportunity for all students. The new law builds on key areas of progress in recent years, made possible by the efforts of educators, communities, parents, and students...
Description: Parents of children with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities are accustomed to paying close attention to their child's physical, cognitive, and emotional development. This proactive approach should also include their child's sexual development, which for many parents may not seem as obvious or urgent, especially to those with young children. Drawing on her unique background as both a sexual educator and mother of a child with Down syndrome, the author blends factual...
Description: What do High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) look like in practice? The HLP Video Series supports teacher educators and new teachers with concrete, easy-to-access examples of HLPs in action, in real classrooms with real students. The videos and supporting resources are easily and freely accessible online, offering a practical, real-world illustration of HLPs by teachers intentionally and explicitly using the practice to meet the specific needs of students in their classrooms. HLP videos highlight...
Description: CTRI- Free Resources include: Stress Reduction Exercises 1-Minute Video Insight Printable Handouts