Professional Resources
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Description: Valerie C. Williams, director of the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), released a blog series on discipline and behavior. The newest blog addresses OSEP’s priorities of calling on “state and local leaders to double down on their efforts to reduce their reliance on exclusionary discipline practice,” and “creating safe, predictable learning environments for students and educators.” In addition to sharing how OSEP’s discipline...
Description: The effective special educator wears many hats. One key responsibility is leading meetings with colleagues and family members. Because of our specialized knowledge about practice, assessment, and decision making, but also the delegated responsibility to run IEP meetings, the ability to organize and run a coherent meeting is essential.
Description: This module defines and discusses the purpose of interagency collaboration and addresses the importance of partnering with agencies to improve outcomes for students with disabilities who are transitioning from high school (est. completion time: 2 hours).
Description: Report on Unlocking Futures: Youth with Learning Disabilities & the Juvenile Justice System - NCLD has long sought to enter the juvenile justice space and lend our unique voice as leaders in the disability community to the existing conversation. Recent data clearly indicates that youth with disabilities, and learning disabilities, are disproportionately impacted by and involved in the juvenile legal system. Our current juvenile justice system fails youth with disabilities by not...
Description: Free Creative Learning Resources! Everyone who signs up will get FREE video activities and downloadable Thinking Sheets.* And the best part? It isn't limited to just 7 days. Every educator will have free access to digital resources for cross-curricular creative learning fun all year long! Giveaways! With giveaways, challenges from celebrity creators, and virtual classroom visits, it's a celebration the whole school will want to be a part of! Create Connections! Share students’ ideas,...
Description: This module provides information for counselors and other education professionals to assist high school students with disabilities in the transition from the school environment to a post-school setting (est. completion time: 1.5 hours).
Description: The Virginia resources include: Virginia Events 2022-2023, Articles & Reports, Books, Websites, Podcasts.
Description: Literacy is the cornerstone of all learning and the key to lifetime success. Every child has the right to learn to read. The Equitable Access to Literacy (EAL) plan ushers in a new era of literacy education to ensure all students have the skills and confidence they need to succeed. It provides an action plan for continuous improvement in PreK -12 literacy by: Using evidence-based practices grounded in science based reading research. Expanding learning opportunities that intentionally support...
Description: Value Series: Virginia Assessment for Literacy - Updated and Expanded - Learn about topics grounded in science-based reading research. This series scaffolds learning about each topic by presenting short introductory videos, infographics, recorded webinars, instructional resources, and finally additional readings for each of the key components of effective instruction. A Professional Learning Guide is included for each topic. This guide provides a step-by-step comprehensive implementation...
Description: Pear Deck allows teachers to create interactive slide decks. Students can respond to activities directly on the slides and teachers can see responses via a dashboard. Can be used synchronously and asynchronously or “student paced.” Audio recordings can be included.
Description: Flippity is a web-based flash card tool that can be used as a blending board. Perfect for asynchronous instruction!
Description: This handout provides possible intervention strategies to incorporate into a comprehensive behavior intervention plan based on the function of the behavior behavior.
Description: Behavior Change: Professional Learning Opportunities - Some students in our classrooms have challenging behavior. Teachers and parents can address those behaviors in positive and powerful ways that improve the behavior and the lives of the students we support. This website is intended to help teachers and families create a positive behavior support plan to address challenging behaviors in effective and helpful ways.
Description: Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, the portfolio-based VAAP was replaced with a new multiple-choice assessment in the content areas of reading, mathematics, and science that was administered to students in an online or paper format. The new VAAP is based on academic content standards derived from the Standards of Learning (SOL) in reading, mathematics, and science that have been reduced in depth, breadth, and complexity. These content standards are referred to as the Virginia...
Description: The 2021 Virginia General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1288 that amended Section 22.1-298.1 of the Code of Virginia. Every person seeking renewal of a license as a teacher shall complete training in the instruction of students with disabilities that includes (i) differentiating instruction for students depending on their needs; (ii) understanding the role of general education teachers on the individualized education program team; (iii) implementing effective models of...
Description: The holidays are an exciting time for children, and we often work overtime to make them live up to our kids’ expectations. But they can be challenging for kids, too, when all those things they look forward to — free time, sweets, presents, cousins! — can get overwhelming. This week we round up resources to help prevent festivities that are supposed to be fun from being stressful instead. Big family get-togethers can tax kids’ ability to behave. Talking to relatives...
Description: Families are a child’s first teacher and an essential factor in the cultivation of social and emotional competencies throughout a child’s life. When schools and families work together, they can build strong connections that reinforce social-emotional skill development. In fact, research suggests that evidence-based SEL programs are more effective when they extend into the home. This discussion series was developed to support schools and community partners that wish to engage parents...
Description: Happify App - How you feel matters! Whether you're feeling sad, anxious, or stressed, Happify brings you effective tools and programs to help you take control of your feelings and thoughts. Our proven techniques are developed by leading scientists and experts who've been studying evidence-based interventions in the fields of positive psychology, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy for decades.
Description: The Institute for Mindful Leadership provides free content, located under the resources tab: Mindful Leadership Blog Videos Guided Meditations Little Books Podcasts Press
Description: As an educator, you’re constantly navigating changes and challenges. From dealing with sudden schedule shifts to managing student behavior, you have a lot to juggle each day. On top of it all, you’re trying to keep up with the needs of your students and your own life. It’s understandable if you feel overwhelmed. You may be looking for ideas on how to practice self-care — or how to find time to practice self-care.
Description: Self-care matters. If you are constantly giving your all to everyone else, you are going to eventually burn out. Please take a moment to schedule ways to nurture yourself every week. It will be one of the best things you can do to show up and show out for your students. I’ve created an infographic with a list of 50 self-care ideas for teachers and specialists to get into the self-care zone.
Description: In the video, "Getting to Know Your Brain: Dealing with Stress," test your knowledge about stress and the brain. Also learn how to create and use a “stress catcher” to practice strategies to deal with stress. I'm So Stressed Out! Fact Sheet - Is it stress or anxiety?
Description: Mindful Parenting - Parenting can be stressful. Parenting kids with special needs can be even more stressful, and it can cause anxiety, depression and marital problems. A mindfulness practice can help alleviate stress and prevent these problems. And it can make you a better parent. Mindfulness is designed to help you notice your emotions and calm yourself down in stressful situations. It includes breathing exercises, guided meditations and taking a step back from difficult situations. These...
Description: Self Care for Teachers - Taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give your students (by Dr. Jane Nelsen & Dr. Kelly Gfroerer). Make a list of the things you like to do that feed your heart, your body, your mind, and your soul. Get out your calendar and make time for yourself EVERY day. Give up all guilt about taking time for yourself, or for taking time to be with people who boost your energy and your joy. Keep a gratitude journal. Ask for help when you need it. After all, you...
Description: Emotional Wellness Toolkit - How you feel can affect your ability to carry out everyday activities, your relationships, and your overall mental health. How you react to your experiences and feelings can change over time. Emotional wellness is the ability to successfully handle life’s stresses and adapt to change and difficult times. Flip each card below for checklists on how to improve your health in each area. Click on the images to read articles about each topic. You can also print the...
Description: Explore the Social Wellness Toolkit - From the time you’re born, your relationships help you learn to navigate the world. You learn how to interact with others, express yourself, conduct everyday health habits, and be a part of different communities from those around you. Positive social habits can help you build support systems and stay healthier mentally and physically. Flip each card below for checklists on how to improve your health in each area. Click on the images to read articles...
Description: Why Self-Care Is Essential to Parenting What you will learn: What are the symptoms of caregiver burnout? What can parents do to take care of themselves? What is “respite care” and how can parents find out more about it? ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center They assist and promote the development of quality respite and crisis care programs, help families locate respite and crisis care services, and serve as a strong voice for respite in all forums. How Parent Support...
Description: BrainLine provides: TBI Basics Interactive Brain, What i a TBI? Do I have a Concussion? Newly Diagnosed. Now What? You Are Not Alone Brain Injury Topics A-Z Personal Stories and Blogs Expert Q & A Resource Directory BrainLine is a national service of WETA-TV, the flagship PBS station in Washington, D.C.
Description: Inclusive Schools Week is an annual event sponsored by the Inclusive Schools Network (ISN) and Stetson & Associates, Inc., which is held each year during the first full week in December. Since its inception in 2001, Inclusive Schools Week has celebrated the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students who are marginalized due to disability, gender, socio-economic status, cultural heritage,...
Description: The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) provides information on its website about educational services and resources to support students who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired, or deaf-blind. The following links to information and resources are excerpted from the VDOE’s Sensory Disabilities webpage.
Description: Brain Injury and Concussion Resources includes: RCPS Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion Response Process - Flow Chart Concussion Symptoms and Accommodations CMT-1 CDC Concussion Signs and Symptoms CMT-2 RCPS Concussion Symptom Monitoring CMT-3 RCPS Concussion Notification to Teachers CMT-4 RCPS Concussion Academic Monitoring CMT-5 - Recommendations for Referral to Student Study Due to Long Term Symptoms CDC Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussions And more....
Description: The holidays can be hard for kids who learn and think differently. Things that are supposed to be fun - special holiday meals, chitchat with friends and relatives — can be stressful. There may be unspoken (or even spoken) comparisons to other kids. All these demands can lead to behavior problems. One way to avoid problem behavior is by planning for holiday challenges ahead of time. With these worksheets, you and your child can do that together. The worksheet lists common...
Description: Growth Mindset for 9th Graders (PERTS) - A free, evidence-based program designed to increase students' engagement, motivation, and ultimately success by laying the foundation for a growth mindset. Online program delivered in two 30-minute sessions. Includes survey questions, short reading passages, and brief reflection exercises. Students will learn: Scientific evidence showing that the brain is malleable. Specific behaviors that can rewire the brain and increase one’s intellectual...
Description: Enroll in the VATTS Virtual Virginia Course - The AT Network has developed a short professional learning course on Virtual Virginia that provides an overview of the new Virginia Assistive Technology, Tools, and Strategies (VATTS): Consideration Guide and Resources. IEP team members can access this course at any time and complete the modules at their own pace. A certificate of completion can be earned by those that finish the course requirements.
Description: The 2022 Children’s Mental Health Report looks at the effects of psychological trauma on kids and the most promising ways to treat it. Several key questions are explored, including: What are the most common definitions of trauma? How can trauma affect children and teenagers? What is the evidence base for treatments aimed at mitigating the impacts of trauma? And in a special supplement, we report the results of a national survey of parents’ perspectives on trauma and how it has...
Description: In this practical webinar, kindergarten teacher and education writer Kate Winn will outline five key changes she made in her classroom to move from balanced to structured literacy, resulting in all students leaving the class reading. As a webinar attendee you can look forward to a candid presentation, Q & A, and a shared slideshow packed full of links and ideas to help you bring evidence-based literacy practices to your classroom, school, board or home.
Description: Chalk It Up to Experience! Tips from Real Co-Teachers of Virginia Report This report was created by demonstration site teams to celebrate the first five years of the Excellence in Co-Teaching Initiative. Teams share practical advice for effective co-teaching and practices they consider critical to establishing a strong collaborative relationship. This document will serve as an instructional resource for co-teaching teams and administrators to inform their co-teaching practices. Real Co-Teachers...
Description: The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Head Start are releasing new documents to encourage collaboration between state educational agencies (SEAs), local educational agencies (LEAs), and Head Start programs to effectively meet the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements. These documents make clear that SEAs, LEAs, and Head Start programs all have responsibilities for...
Description: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible households up to $30/month off internet bills (or $75/month on Tribal lands), as well as a one-time $100 discount off a laptop, tablet, or computer. You can sign up at Get Internet. Nearly 40 percent of United States. households qualify for ACP, but millions of families have yet to claim their benefit. Households are eligible if they make up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($55,500 for a family of four), and are also...
Description: By hiring someone with Down syndrome, you start a virtuous chain: the more that people with Down Syndrome are seen at work, the more they’ll be recognized as valuable employees, and the more they’ll be hired.
Description: Adapted books are a great way to increase student engagement in books, which leads to better reading comprehension. The resources below provide a great way to get started with adapted books. Check out these Professional Learning Possibilities: Webshop Title: [TechKnowledgy 2023-24] Assistive Technology for Early Learners & Learners with Complex Disabilities Webshop Title: [TechKnowledgy 2021-22] Augmentative and Alternative Communication Instruction for Highly Impacted Students with...
Description: Behind every new program is a wealth of good intentions. But it takes more than that to build and launch high-quality, successful K–12 programs. When district and school leaders implement new programs to support students and staff, it’s critical that they have a clear process to follow to ensure they are executed faithfully and with the highest chances of success. Yet it can take significant resources to identify a new program and adopt it correctly across a school or...
Description: This guide will assist school divisions in analyzing transition data, identifying areas of need, and developing an action plan focused on implementing effective transition practices and interventions. The process in this guide focuses data analysis on Indicators 1, 2, 13, and 14 from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).
Description: The RTI Component Module Series are provided by Oregon Response to Instruction & Intervention. These modules provide an overview of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports in Reading (MTSS-R), also sometimes referred to as Response to Intervention (RTI). Each module consists of a short (15-20 min) video describing the general features of each RTI Component, along with additional resources and reflection questions to ask about your school's RTI system. All modules are intended for staff...
Description: More Information & Recordings of the K-12 SOL Institutes in English Language Arts - K-12 SOL Conferences in English Language Arts utilize a train-the-trainer model featuring demonstrations by classroom practitioners, reading specialists, school and division administrators, higher education partners, the Virginia Literacy Partnerships Office (PALS), and the VDOE Office of Student Assessment. Presenters will provide professional development that focuses on continued implementation of engaging...
Description: The UFLI Foundations Toolbox contains all the lesson resources to accompany the lesson plans provided in the UFLI Foundations manual. Every lesson has companion resources that will help you implement the lessons efficiently, effectively, and consistently. Some of the companion lesson resources you will find below include: Lesson slide decks (in PowerPoint and Google Slide formats) Decodable passages Homework sheets Games and activities for additional practice
Description: CHOICE is an innovative professional learning model being developed by Virginia Ed Strategies and partners, and it is funded by a 5-year, $10.8 million EIR grant from the US Department of Education. The goal of CHOICE is to build the sustainable teacher effectiveness capacity of 1600 or more high school mathematics, science, computer science, and career and technical (CTE) teachers statewide through teacher-directed selection of professional learning experiences within a virtual professional...
Description: This webinar, Better Together! Keys to Creating Collaborative, Efficient, and Effective Intensive Intervention Team Meetings, shares the important role teams can play in implementation of intensive intervention and identifies strategies to improve meeting efficiency and effectiveness. Presenters, Sarah Benz, Amy Peterson, and Nicole Bucka, will introduce participants to a series of data teaming tools designed to help facilitators and participants before, during, and after their intervention...
Description: Addressing Challenging Behaviors (Part 1, Elementary): Understanding the Acting-Out Cycle - The first in a two-part series, this module 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, Elementary): Behavioral Strategies - The second in a two-part series, this module describes strategies that teachers can implement to...
Description: Each of the following National Association of Special Education Teachers' (NASET) professional development courses entitle you to CE Study Hour. Each NASET CE Study Hour is based on the requirements of each course which are rated in hour(s) for reading, comprehension and the completion of an exam at the end of the course. Topics include: Classroom Management Disorders and Disabilities in Special Education IEPs Inclusion/Integrated Co-Teaching New Teacher Courses And many more!