Professional Resources
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Description: Solving K-12 Professional Learning Challenges in 2023 - Although school districts have made significant investments in educator professional learning over the past decade, these efforts have not always resulted in improved outcomes for students or increased retention rates for teachers and staff. For professional learning to advance employee growth and positively impact students, it must be meaningful, ongoing, and tied to real practices. So, how can district leaders be assured their...
Description: What is Teacher Self-Care and How to Practice It - Because teaching is such an intensive job, educators can greatly benefit from learning about activities for practicing self-care. Unfortunately, teachers may worry that taking care of themselves can lead to self-absorption and distract them from their students. However, despite the misleading title, self-care isn’t at all about selfishness. In fact, practicing self-care can be in the best interest of everyone in your classroom....
Description: Building a Partnership with Your Child’s Teacher - Research shows that children thrive when their families are involved in their care and education. This article provides some ways you can collaborate with your child’s teacher to create and maintain a great relationship.
Description: Self-care for teachers: 5 strategies to prevent compassion fatigue - Educators are some of the most passionate people you’ll meet in any profession, and it’s easy to understand why. Teachers get to introduce children to concepts, people and places that will shape their lives forever. When your lesson goes well and the class is engaged and attentive, it can feel like you’re on top of the world. But teaching is also an emotionally, mentally and physically taxing job that...
Description: This one page document is a compilation of HLP tools, guides, rubrics, videos and module with brief descriptions.
Description: Mentoring Virginia is a statewide mentoring initiative intended to prepare exceptional school-based teacher educators for work in a variety of mentoring roles, including but not limited to work with 1) teacher candidates in preparation for the profession, 2) new teachers who are completing on the job internships, 3) teachers in their first three years of teaching, and 4) veteran teacher engaged in coaching cycles. Across partnerships, communities, states and international contexts, myriad terms...
Description: Mentoring Virginia is a statewide mentoring initiative intended to prepare exceptional school-based teacher educators for work in a variety of mentoring roles, including but not limited to work with 1) teacher candidates in preparation for the profession, 2) new teachers who are completing on the job internships, 3) teachers in their first three years of teaching, and 4) veteran teacher engaged in coaching cycles. This site houses the online, fully asynchronous foundational “Essentials...
Description: This webinar provides information and strategies to support children with disabilities and their families through planned transitions. Learn how to use relationship-based practices to strengthen family engagement and contribute to successful adjustments.
Description: As we get to know the children and their families in our program, we share their joys as well as their challenges. And sometimes there’s a child who we feel worried about. Maybe it’s something about their behavior, or maybe their development and skills. We all know it can be challenging to talk about worries like these with parents. But we also know how helpful intervening early can be when we have a concern. We’re going to look at raising a concern with a parent about their...
Description: In this 1-hour webinar, learn how you can flatten the learning curve for new teachers through a system intentionally designed to promote accelerated—yet effective—professional development. Review aspects of effective professional development for new hires who may not have had the benefit of a traditional teacher preparation program. Attendees will explore how to plan appropriate content for a “teacher acceleration program” that scaffolds learning quickly and effectively.
Description: In this webinar, we’ll discuss how to multiply the value of the time you spend on professional development by becoming part of a learning “team” known as a professional learning community. Professional learning communities (sometimes called PLCs) offer a range of benefits, including empowering leaders to harness the experience and expertise of their own faculty and staff members while also tailoring the experiences to meet the specific needs of their program. We will explore...
Description: When children can fully access their learning environment, they participate and learn. Discover how disability services coordinators can help program staff think about ways to give children with disabilities or suspected delays access to a full range of learning experiences and activities. Explore how to support educators to recognize each child's level of participation. Learn how to set up the learning environment for full participation and when to modify activities and materials, including...
Description: This is a compilation of resources from NCII. Progress Monitoring Progress Monitoring Overview, Academic Progress and Behavior Progress Monitoring Tools Chart & Student Monitoring Tool for Data Collection and Graphing (Excel) (NCII) Self-Paced Modules: What is Progress Monitoring?, How Do I Select an Academic Progress Monitoring Measure? & Graphing and Analyzing Academic Progress Monitoring Data (NCII) Intensive Instruction Intensifying Literacy Instruction: Essential Practices &...
Description: The AEM Takeaway series is a collection of short and engaging learning modules on topics related to providing and using accessible materials and technology. Each module includes a brief video featuring an AEM Center team member explaining a term, concept, or practice, followed by a professional from the field who provides a practical perspective. With each module you’ll also find additional resources related to the topic. Use these to extend the video for training and professional learning...
Description: Addressing Challenging Behaviors (Part 1, Secondary): Understanding the Acting-Out Cycle Developed specifically with middle and high school students in mind, this module—the first in a two-part series—discusses challenging behavior in terms of the phases of the acting-out cycle and offers strategies and tips for responding to students in each phase (est. completion time: 2.5 hours). Addressing Challenging Behaviors (Part 2, Secondary): Behavioral Strategies The second in a two-part...
Description: The ultimate goal of teaching a student to use their AAC device is to achieve communication competence. This resource, The 5 Areas of AAC Competence is a reminder to target all of these areas to promote independent use of a system.
Description: This poster is an example of how to teach using the Descriptive Teaching Model.
Description: Curated in conjunction with Mary Anne Prater, the author or co-author of seven books and dozens of academic journal articles on teaching students with developmental difficulties as well as special and general education topics, this search tool contains information and synopses of children’s and young adult literature about or having to do with people with disabilities. This information includes the name of the author and illustrator, year of publication, publisher, appropriate grade...
Description: Early Childhood Recommended Practice Modules are developed for early care and education, early intervention, and early childhood special education faculty and professional development providers to use within their coursework and trainings. These modules are designed to support the implementation of the Division of Early Childhood Recommended Practices. Specifically, there are modules to support the use of 7 of the DEC Recommended Practice topic areas. The modules support your learners in:...
Description: This module offers a general overview of the concepts that principals should consider when creating inclusive schools (est. completion time: 2 hours).
Description: Everyone deserves to experience intimate relationships if they would like to. However, parents and educators need to teach individuals with autisms the skills to keep themselves and others safe. These skills can help to reduce the likelihood of behaviors that can lead to negative consequences including social isolation, misinterpretation of social cues, and victimization. We must consider the need for age- and developmentally-appropriate instruction and support to address these skills.
Description: To support efforts to rectify learning loss in early elementary literacy and secondary math, Hanover Research (Hanover) created this benchmarking report to provide examples of how peer and spotlight districts are implementing accelerated learning strategies. When possible, Hanover also discusses the effect accelerated learning strategies have had on student academic outcomes.
Description: The goal of the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Division of Education is to provide quality instruction to meet a student’s academic and career-related goals to enhance their re-entry into the home community. The Commonwealth of Virginia ensures that educational services are not suspended during the student’s involvement with DJJ through provisions in the Code of Virginia, including the transfer of scholastic records. Between entry and discharge, students receive...
Description: Strategies for Increasing Student Engagement - Hanover Research reviews best practices for increasing student engagement at both the classroom and school levels. This research is intended to support a member district in identifying program models and best practices to ensure engagement and access to core instruction for all students. This report includes the following sections: Section I provides an overview of student engagement, including definitions of student engagementand research on...
Description: SDI Spotlights in Mathematics focus on research- and evidence-based Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) method in mathematics practices in whole number operations, rational numbers, place value and decimals, algebraic concepts, and geometry. Brief videos demonstrating specific CRA method strategies and lesson plans are shared. Explicit Instruction Checklist, Progress monitoring forms, and other information about the strategy are shared. Information and resources from...
Description: The School-Based Services (SBS) Comprehensive Guide to Medicaid Services and Administrative Claiming was released in May 2023. The HHS's Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched the SBS Technical Assistance (TA) Center. This center will continue to be developed in conjunction with the Department of Education (ED). It will: Support State Medicaid agencies, local education agencies (LEAs), and school-based entities seeking to expand their capacity for providing Medicaid...
Description: This toolkit has been created to help families, and the professionals that support them, understand one of Virginia’s dispute resolution processes: the due process complaint system. This toolkit is not all-inclusive; you can review the VDOE Parents’ Guide for more information or contact the VDOE Office of Dispute Resolution and Administrative Services (ODRAS). There may be legal or other terms in the toolkit you are unfamiliar with. Check out the glossary at the end of this document...
Description: SDI Spotlights in Mathematics focus on research- and evidence-based Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) method in mathematics practices in whole number operations, rational numbers, place value and decimals, algebraic concepts, and geometry. Brief videos demonstrating specific CRA method strategies and lesson plans are shared. Explicit Instruction Checklist, Progress monitoring forms, and other information about the strategy are shared. Information and resources from...
Description: SDI Spotlights in Mathematics focus on research- and evidence-based Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) method in mathematics practices in whole number operations, rational numbers, place value and decimals, algebraic concepts, and geometry. Brief videos demonstrating specific CRA method strategies and lesson plans are shared. Explicit Instruction Checklist, Progress monitoring forms, and other information about the strategy are shared. Information and resources from VDOE’s...
Description: The Virginia Concussion Initiative (VCI) aims to protect and support all young minds by sharing knowledge, tools, and practical guidance that promotes the tailored implementation of concussion best practices in homes, schools, and communities. VCI Resource Library- Whether you want to learn about reducing concussion risk, helping a child recover from a concussion, or improving your concussion program, VCI has resources to meet your needs. The VCI Resource Library contains resources based...
Description: Brain Injury Association of Virginia (BIAV) is a statewide, primary source of information and personal support for individuals, families, and professionals whose lives have been impacted by brain injury. Community Resource Directory Looking for a brain injury service or program in your area? Search our database for support groups, therapists, rehabilitation providers, attorneys and more. You can search by keyword, category, and/or address. Self-Paced Online Courses The Brain Injury...
Description: Explore 10 Day Mindfulness Challenge - Learn evidence-based tools and techniques that will help you stress less, focus more, and feel more calm. In this 10-day mindfulness challenge we will share a variety of practices that promote healthy management of anxiety, present-moment awareness, and overall wellbeing. The goal of this 10-day Challenge is to kickstart a mindfulness practice for those who are new to the idea and to offer new exercises and approaches for all participants, even those with...
Description: Journeling for Well-Being - Journaling can strengthen your well-being because it allows you to build intention, reflection, and mindfulness into your life. It’s fairly easy to start a habit of journaling. You don’t need a lot of time or supplies for journaling, and you can choose from many different forms of journaling to discover a journaling practice that works best for you. Here are the key well-being benefits of journaling and how to get started journaling for well-being.
Description: Headspace for Educators offers free access to K-12 (primary-secondary) teachers and supporting staff in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Whether you’re feeling inspired to connect more with your students or you’re looking for a new way to bring calm to your classroom, Headspace can help students build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Better focus, less stress, and happier thoughts are just a few minutes away.
Description: Caring for Your Mental Health (available in Spanish) includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others. Mental health is more than the absence of a mental illness—it’s essential to your overall health and quality of life. Self-care can play a role in maintaining your mental health and help support your treatment and recovery if you have a mental illness. About Self-Care When to Seek Professional Help What...
Description: 4 Steps to Help Teachers Reset This Summer - Reflection is a key component of professional growth for educators, but making time for meaningful self-reflection can feel all but impossible amid the flurry of the school day. The end of the year provides a great opportunity to look back on standout moments with students, reflect on challenges you’ve overcome, and celebrate a year’s worth of growth. Most teachers are exhausted by May or June, but carving out a little time for taking...
Description: Schools and families can promote and foster kindness all year. These ideas are simple day-to-day acts of kindness to enable our schools, communities, and state to be a kinder, safer, healthier and more inclusive place to live, work, learn and play. The Kindness Classroom Resources include videos with discussion questions and a kindness book list (elementary).
Description: As young adults prepare to move from school to postsecondary education, community living, and competitive integrated employment, effective transition planning can help them become independent, productive adults. Identifying the challenges children and youth will face as adults and preparing and assisting them to meet those demands successfully requires careful transition planning. Beginning at the earliest ages, it becomes imperative to balance realism of current levels of performance and...
Description: Learners thrive when their experience is personal and meaningful. This free tool helps you find research-based strategies that support the whole learner so you can create better learning experiences today. Learner variability is the recognition that each learner is a unique constellation of strengths and challenges that are interconnected across the whole child. Understanding these connections and how they vary according to context is essential for meeting the needs of each learner. It disrupts...
Description: In this revised text, the High-Leverage Practices for Students with Disabilities (2nd Edition) are revised and updated to reflect the challenges of modern classrooms. A core addition is interpretation and analysis of how the HLPs work together (as compared to individual, standalone practices), and alongside evidence-based practices to improve teacher practice and student outcomes. Authors also introduce the terms pillar and embedded HLPs. Pillar practices are six key HLPs that are most...
Description: This checklist guides teachers through considerations that enhance teacher-family communication.
Description: This resource includes a worksheet for recording accommodations for a group of students, a worksheet for recording accommodations by group & SOL and a worksheet for recording Specially Designed Instruction (SDI).
Description: This profile includes: Student Information Baseline Skills Assessment Data Students with Disabilities - Norm Referenced Assessment Data IEP Goals Mathematics iReady Dat PALS Reading Data Behavior & Social-Emotional Skills Academic, Behavior, Social/Emotional Strengths & Areas of Growth Learning Environment Relevant Family Information
Description: This Informal Metacognition Inventory allows you to record each time the teacher models and/or student utilizes one of the metacognitive strategies.
Description: Quality Indicators for Delivering Specially Designed Instruction, SDI - The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) has the following two indicators that need to be met for a student to qualify for special education services: The student must qualify in one or more of the thirteen disability categories. The student requires access to Specially Designed Instruction (SDI). The Quality Indicators for Delivering SDI tool provides guidance for general education teachers, special...
Description: In these videos from an 8-part video series, Stacy Hirt, from the University of Missouri, describes the Great 8 universal classroom management strategies including procedures and routines to help ensure learning. Video: Introduction to Classroom Management for Mathematics (3:58 minutes) Video 1: Class Expectations in Mathematics (4:49 minutes) Video 2: Mathematics Procedures & Routines (2:22 minutes) Video 3: Positive Feedback (4:39 minutes) Video 4: Discouraging Inappropriate Behavior...
Description: Watch an excerpt from Keys to Content Writing training for teachers in grades 4-12. Gradual Release of Responsibility: an instructional approach that gradually shifts understanding and application from teacher to students. Listen to Joan Sedita, founder of Keys to Literacy explain this approach. Visit keystoliteracy.com for more information about us and our programs.
Description: Building on the formative work of High Leverage Practices (HLP) for Inclusive Classrooms, this critical companion explores how HLP can be applied to the education of students with extensive support needs (ESN). Each chapter walks readers through a different HLP, exploring its implications for students with ESN and aligning it with current practice, supports, and terminology. Edited by researchers and teacher educators with decades of experience in serving students with ESN and their...
Description: Sign up for MTSS 101 Course - This course shares information about MTSS implementation in VA (Virginia Department of Education, VDOE).
Description: High Leverage Practice (HLP 17)- Use Flexible Grouping acknowledges the power of the grouping students to improve student outcomes. The Flexible Group Lesson Plan Template guides.