Professional Resources
Skip to search results Showing Results 751 - 800 of 1249
Description: Impact Feature Issue on Self-Determination and Supported Decision-Making for People with Intellectual, Developmental, and Other Disabilities - This issue looks at how people with disabilities are experiencing self-determination in the U.S. and other countries today, and at the emergence of Supported Decision-Making (SDM) as one way to support individuals with disabilities to exercise self-determination. Articles include discussions of self-determination and SDM in education and human...
Description: Reading Tip Sheets for Parents - Reading, and a love for reading, begins at home. Our one-page Reading Tip Sheets are available in thirteen languages and offer easy ways for parents to help kids become successful readers. Even though these tips are divided by age, many of them can be used with children at various ages and stages - parents are encouraged to choose the ones that work best for their child. These tips were created with the generous support of the American Federation...
Description: The Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) program seeks to empower young people with developmental and other disabilities to further develop their leadership skills. Students, serving as Delegates from communities throughout Virginia, participate in a wide range of activities and learning experiences during this summer program set on a university campus. The Youth Leadership Academy is Virginia's premiere opportunity for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with disabilities to...
Description: The VCPD Inclusive Practices Task Force has compiled a list of state and national resources in support of inclusive practices for young children birth to age five. The "VCPD Inclusive Practices State and National Resources November 2019" includes awareness and rationale, evaluation of inclusive programs, high quality inclusive practices, and systems level supports. Websites, books, and technical assistance center resources are described. If you cannot locate it through the link below, search for...
Description: This section includes videos on the topics of Assessment, Employment, Postsecondary Education and Training, Independent Living, Collaborative Partners, and Virtual Transition.
Description: Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign, designed to educate the public, law enforcement and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases. Blue Campaign works closely with DHS Components to create general awareness training and materials for law enforcement and others to increase detection of human trafficking, and to identify victims. Located within the Office of Partnership and Engagement, Blue...
Description: Meeting the Challenges of Early Literacy Phonics Instruction - Learning to read can, at times, seem almost magical. A child sits in front of a book and transforms those squiggles and lines into sounds, puts those sounds together to make words, and puts those words together to make meaning. But it’s not magical. English is an alphabetic language. We have 26 letters. These letters, in various combinations, represent the 44 sounds in our language. Teaching students the basic...
Description: NetSmartz is NCMEC's online safety education program. It provides age-appropriate videos and activities to help teach children be safer online with the goal of helping children to become more aware of potential online risks and empowering them to help prevent victimization by making safer choices on- and offline.
Description: From the big picture to the nitty gritty, learn more about CLASS® (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) from their free resources. This section includes: Webinars Videos Info sheets Research Case studies Crosswalks E-books Tutorials
Description: Assistive Technology for Math At a Glance Assistive technology (AT) can be a big help for people who struggle with math. Some AT math tools are very common—like calculators. Others—like digital graphing tools—are lesser known, but can be just as helpful.
Description: Raising and Working with Children and Youth in Foster Care or Living with Kin: Your Guide to Resources in Virginia Checklist for Kinship Caregivers - Are you raising or providing primary care for a child or youth of a relative or family friend? This checklist is for kinship caregivers who are enrolling students and working with schools. Checklist for Schools Working with Kinship Caregivers - Are you working with families of students living with extended family or relatives who are not...
Description: Android accessibility overview You can customize your Android device using accessibility settings and apps. Turn on Chromebook accessibility features You can make your Chromebook easier to use by turning on accessibility features that work best for your needs.
Description: Livescribe smartpens breathe digital life into your handwritten notes and empower you to do incredible things with them. Every meeting, every lecture, every interaction, every word – make them count even more with Livescribe. Livescribe smartpens can record voice while you write, adding a new dimension of information to your notes Recorded notes are accurately transcribed and made ready to share across your cloud services from the Livescribe+ app With Livescribe your notebooks are...
Description: RocketBook - The Rocketbook system connects traditional handwriting surfaces with the power of the cloud. Combine our extensive line of reusable notetaking products with our free app to take off into the digital future! Use any of our reusable notetaking products for a traditional handwriting experience - which actually makes you smarter. We worked with several experts to develop our patented, futuristic technology, while keeping an authentic pen and paper feel. No more notepaper guilt!...
Description: Microsoft Accessibility - In today’s connected world, access to technology is central to the way we operate, and it is fundamental to a more equitable future. Accessibility is the vehicle for inclusion of people with disabilities. Vision - Need a larger screen? A brighter screen? A narrator to read text? Find out about accessibility tools and features for people who are blind, color blind, or have low vision. Hearing - For those who are hard of hearing, have...
Description: You can hear full pages read aloud with Chromebook’s built-in screen reader or hear parts of a page, including specific words, read aloud with Select-to-speak.
Description: Narrator is a screen-reading app that's built into Windows 10, so there's nothing you need to download or install. This guide describes how to use Narrator with Windows so that you can start using apps, browsing the web, and more.
Description: Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. When implemented with fidelity, PBIS improves social emotional competence, academic success, and school climate. It also improves teacher health and wellbeing. It is a way to create positive, predictable, equitable and safe learning environments where everyone thrives. Mental Health/Social-Emotional-Behavioral...
Description: Google Documents Speech to Text Type with your voice You can type and edit by speaking in Google Docs or in Google Slides speaker notes. Note: This feature is only available in Chrome browsers.
Description: Office 365: Step by Step Directions for Dictation Dictate your documents: Word for Office 365, PowerPoint for Office 365, Word for the web and more... This feature is available to Office 365 Subscribers only.
Description: Immersive Reader Offline Extension - With this extension, you can use Immersive Reader without an internet connection. Microsoft Immersive Reader is a free tool that supports literacy development for learners regardless of age or ability. Immersive Reader uses proven techniques to enhance: Reading comprehension Language learning Decoding for readers with dyslexia Immersive Reader also powers Grammar Tools and Dictionary for Microsoft Edge.
Description: Assistive Technology Internet Modules - Accessibility is often the key to independence. Because each person’s needs are different, it is important to carefully assess what assistive technologies (AT) are necessary and how to effectively use them. Designed for educators, professionals, families, persons with disabilities, and others of all ages, the Assistive Technology Internet Modules (ATIM) guide users through case studies, instructional videos, pre- and post-assessments, glossaries,...
Description: Snap&Read offers the most complete toolkit available to meet the different ways students learn today, from students with reading challenges to advanced students who need organizational supports. Snap&Read offers the most complete toolkit available to help students comprehend everything they read with tools to assist reading, organize information, and annotate PDFs.
Description: Use dictation to talk instead of type on your PC Use dictation to convert spoken words into text anywhere on your PC with Windows 10. Dictation uses speech recognition, which is built into Windows 10, so there's nothing you need to download and install to use it. Note: To use dictation, your PC needs to be connected to the internet.
Description: EquatIO is an advanced equation editor used by millions of K-12 teachers and students. It makes math digital and accessible. Students can speak, draw, or type problems and equations directly onto their devices. Teachers can use Equatio to save time when it comes to creating accessible math lessons and assessments.
Description: Executive function and self-regulation skills are like an air traffic control system in the brain—they help us manage information, make decisions, and plan ahead. We need these skills at every stage of life, and while no one is born with them, we are all born with the potential to develop them. But, how do we do that? The Center on the Developing Child created this Guide to Executive Function to walk you through everything you need to know about these skills and how to develop and practice...
Description: This section of the Social Security website includes Audio, PDF and Other Language versions of the following information: What You Need to Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18 Disability Benefits How We Decide if You Still Have a Qualifying Disability Your Right To Question The Decision Made On Your Claim Benefits For Children With Disabilities Disability Benefits For Wounded Warriors If You Are Blind Or Have Low Vision - How We Can Help Your Ticket To Work: What...
Description: 6 Essential Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners 5 Free Video Games That Support English Language Learners 5 Improving Math Curriculum for English Language Learners
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...