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Description: Anne Beninghof presented two training sessions on Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) for the T/TAC at William and Mary on February 22, 2024 and March 6, 2024. (These recordings will be available for one year.) Note: TTAC Online does not provide certificates of completion for these presentations.
Description: New Video: Introducing the Office of Special Education Program's Assistive Technology Guidance and the 2024 National Educational Technology Plan (2:46 mins.) IDEA: Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Children With Disabilities Under the IDEA (Jan. 22, 2024) - The Office of Educational Technology and the Office of Special Education Programs are pleased to share the guidance in support of children with disabilities who need assistive technology (AT) devices and services for meaningful...
Description: Co-teaching teams and administrators are invited to observe model co-taught lessons and exemplary practices in action at demonstration sites across the Commonwealth. Regional TTAC representative contact information is provided to schedule an in-person or virtual visit to one of these exemplary demonstration sites. If you are interested in becoming a demonstration site, please contact: Dwana Cooper, Coordinator, Specially Designed Instruction, Virginia Department of Education,...
Description: Each self-paced professional learning session is offered at no cost to Virginia public school educators and provides 3-5 hours of professional learning. These sessions guide educators in learning about specific HLPs through videos that model exemplar teacher behaviors. Educators may enroll in any of the following professional learning sessions described below: Enroll in School Leaders, Administrators, and Instructional Coaches: Strategies for Teacher Retention & Support...
Description: VDOE's Assistive Technology Network has a newly updated Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) section of their website. What is AAC? When to consider? Assessment Information Gathering Current Communication Skills Access Direct Selection Indirect Selection Decision Making Trials Develop a Plan Prompting Data Collection Tool Selection and Funding Implementation Planning and Support Training Device Set-up Customization Vocabulary Selection And more!
Description: Based on the work of the CEEDAR Center and Council for Exceptional Children, the GMU TTAC Team has created High Leverage Practice Crosswalks in the areas of Math, Literacy and Transition to support stakeholders in developing personalized professional learning and targeted support, with the goal of bridging research into “practical” classroom practice to improve performance outcomes. The HLP Crosswalks are dynamic documents that will be periodically updated with the most current...
Description: VDOE's Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) webpage - With the passage of the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) in the 2022 General Assembly, Virginia is taking the lead nationwide to improve early literacy outcomes for Virginia’s young learners. Through the VLA, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) will support school divisions through a multi-year effort with tools, resources, technical assistance and funding.
Description: Collaboration HLP Pillars: Rubric - HLP 1 Collaborate with Professionals to Increase Student Success, Rubric - HLP 3 Collaborate with Families to Support Student Learning and Secure Needed Services Embedded HLPs Rubric - HLP 2 Lead Effective Meetings with Professionals & Families DATA-Driven Planning HLP Pillar: Rubric - HLP 6 Use Assessment Data, Analyze Instructional Practices and Make Necessary, Adjustments that Improve Student Outcomes Embedded HLPs: Rubric - HLP 4: Use Multiple Sources...
Description: Collaboration HLP Pillars: HLP Highlight Tool - HLP 1: Collaborate with Professionals to Increase Student Success, HLP Highlight Tool - HLP 3: Collaborate with Families to Support Student Learning and Secure Needed Services Embedded HLPs HLP Highlight Tool - HLP 2: Organize and Facilitate Effective Meetings with Professionals and Families Data-Driven Planning HLP Pillar: HLP Highlight Tool - HLP 6: Use Student Assessment Data, Analyze Instructional Practices, and Make Necessary Adjustments that...
Description: Text and Online Acronyms Parents Need to Know - When it comes to texting, parents and children don’t speak the same language. Texting often includes acronyms. An acronym is an abbreviation, that consists of the initial letters of the other words and is pronounced as a single word. When you look at your child’s text messages or online chats, you likely won’t understand these acronyms. But they are popular on the internet and found mostly on social media platforms because they...
Description: The Brain Architects Podcast: Building Resilience Through Play - These days, resilience is needed more than ever, and one simple, underrecognized way of supporting healthy and resilient child development is as old as humanity itself: play. Far from frivolous, play contributes to sturdy brain architecture, the foundations of lifelong health, and the building blocks of resilience, yet its importance is often overlooked. In this podcast, Dr. Jack Shonkoff explains the role of play in supporting...
Description: Brain-Building Through Play: Activities for Infants, Toddlers, and Children - From infancy on, play is an important part of a child’s life. This handout series, developed with support from the LEGO Foundation, provides suggestions games and play-based activities based on a child’s age. The activities for younger children are designed for adults to engage in with children. Activities for later ages allow the adults to step back, enabling children’s independence to blossom...
Description: Virginia's students, families, and educators have long deserved a system that prioritizes high expectations for every child and provides clarity on how each school is preparing students for success. Virginia’s new accountability system, the School Performance and Support Framework, builds trust among schools, parents, and communities through transparent, easy-to-understand reporting on a school’s performance. The Framework shows how students are mastering grade level content,...
Description: College Options for Students with Disabilities - College programs for students with disabilities are as unique as the students they support. Programs differ by awarded credentials, admission requirements, costs, and the levels or types of support, just to name a few. There are many different options for students with disabilities to access college. The three main categories of college options for students with disabilities are college accommodations, supported education programs, and Inclusive...
Description: Counseling on Educational and Training Options is one of the five pre-employment transition services (pre-ETS) categories. Providing students with counseling on educational and training options after high school opens multiple pathways for future career and financial stability and success. Students should receive guidance on the full variety of options available to them, such as college, vocational programs, and apprenticeships. Providing students with education and training guidance helps...
Description: What are the Diffferent Kinds of Learning Disorders? This article talks discusses: What kinds of learning disorders can kids be diagnosed with? and What are some common signs of learning disorders? Early Signs of Learning Challenges - This article answers the following questions: What are the earliest signs that a child might have learning challenges?, How old do kids have to be to be diagnosed with a learning disability? and What can parents do to help?
Description: Tips for Recognizing Learning Disorders in the Classroom - This article discusses: Why is it hard to spot some learning disorders?, How do learning disorders afect kids in school? and What signs should teachers look for? How to Help Kids Talk About Learning Disabilities - This article answers the questions: Why is it important for kids to talk about learning disabilities?, Why is it hard for kids to talk about learning differently? and How can parents help kids speak up?
Description: College Readiness for Neurodivergent Students shares the results from the 2024 survey of 50 leaders of U.S. college austism and neurodiversity support programs. There is a Summary of College Readiness Survey that is downloadable for free and an e-Book that costs $17.99.
Description: Classroom accommodations for dyscalculia - Dyscalculia can make it hard to understand math concepts or do tasks that involve math. Explore this list of accommodations that can help. Download and print the list to use at school — and even at home. Introducing new concepts and lessons Giving instructions Completing assignments Completing tests More resources
Description: Asking children simple questions about the world around them can reinforce math skills and help them apply their math knowledge in new ways. Young children who have lots of opportunities to develop and apply their mathematical knowledge are more likely to achieve in school and in life. Helping families understand the importance of math and of supporting their children's math learning outside the classroom is one way to set children up for success.
Description: Dyscalculia is a learning disability in math. People with have trouble with math at many levels. They often struggle with key concepts like bigger vs. smaller. And they can have a hard time doing basic math problems and more abstract math. Snapshot: What dyscalculia is Dyscalculia signs and symptoms Possible causes of dyscalculia How dyscalculia is diagnosed
Description: Recorded Videos: Dr. Brad Witzel – Rational Number Acquisition (8:48 minutes) Dr. Brad Witzel – Building Computational Fluency Webinar (61 minutes) Dr. Brad Witzel CRA with Explicit Instruction in Fractions (4:25 minutes)
Description: MTSS-R Implementation Guide - Multi-tiered systems of support in reading (MTSS-R) are comprehensive and integrated systems of instruction and intervention designed to ensure that all students meet essential literacy academic and behavior goals and objectives. The purpose of this guide is to lead schools through the process of implementing MTSS-R focused on five major MTSS-R elements. The MTSS-R implementation process occurs across multiple years and is fueled by a continuous...
Description: SES Virginia Survey - The Commission on Youth (vcoy.virginia.gov), a bipartisan legislative commission of the Virginia General Assembly, is conducting a study on how to improve Virginia’s special education dispute resolution system. The Commission has hired Special Education Solutions, LLC (SES) (SpEdSolutions.com), a leading special education compliance, training, and dispute resolution expert, to assist with this study and survey. The Commission is seeking the perspective of parents,...
Description: People with disabilities often encounter challenges when seeking out effective and accessible mental health care, whether it’s in-person or virtual communication barriers making it difficult to interact with a mental health professional or the lack of reliable transportation for a person with a mobility-related disability. Warning Signs and Symptoms - Trying to tell the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental...
Description: TTAC Online Flyer- Please share! TTAC Online User Guide Includes: Introduction to the Home Page, How to Register/Create an Account, How to Log in, When you are Logged in, What is My TTAC Online?, How to Search the Entire Site, How to Search Particular Topic, Refine Your Search, Search Tips, Events Calendar. The TTAC Online Site Map includes links to each section of the website. (It is also located at the bottom of each page of the website.)
Description: Evidence-Based Reading Instruction for Grades K-5 - This paper features an innovation configuration (IC) matrix that can guide teacher preparation professionals in the development of appropriate use of evidence-based reading instruction for grades K-5. Evidence-Based Reading Instruction for Grades 6-12 - This paper features an innovation configuration (IC) matrix that can guide teacher preparation professionals in the development of appropriate use of evidence-based reading instruction...
Description: The Virginia Department of Education has launched a new online tool, the VQB5 Portal, to help families learn about early childhood programs across the state. With information on over 3,000 publicly funded early childhood sites, the portal makes it easy to check the quality, curriculum, and safety of programs for children from birth to age five. Families can search by location and review important details to choose the best option for their children. This tool is designed to help families make...
Description: TTAC Online is designed for teachers, administrators, paraeducators, related service providers, and families looking for resources and information to support the education of children and youth with disabilities (birth to 22). The TTAC Online Flyer provides an overview of each section of the website: Resources, VA Assessments, Disability Info, Online Training, Events, VA Projects, Fast Facts and My TTAC Online. Please share!
Description: Growth mindset printables for STEM - A growth mindset is a way of viewing challenges and setbacks. People who have a growth mindset believe that with hard work, their skills can improve over time. Having a growth mindset is important for students. It helps them face challenges and learn from mistakes. It’s essential for students who learn and think differently to have opportunities to practice a growth mindset. And is the perfect place to practice this. This includes printable resources:...
Description: Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) includes; Adapting Content Adapting Methodoloy Adapting Delivery This site includes descriptions of these components and short videos on SDI.
Description: The Early Childhood toolkit includes learning boosts on communication and social skills topics in less than ten minutes. The Toolkit: Requesting Help The Toolkit: Negation The Toolkit: Making a Choice
Description: Videos from Youth with Disabilities (Partnership for People with Disabilities, VCU) - These Public Service Announcements can be used during the month of October, which is Disability History and Awareness Month, or anytime throughout the year. Topics include: Ways to Communicate I Want To Be Did You Know? Choice Inclusion Awareness Disability History Museum hosts a Library of virtual artifacts, Education curricula, and Museum exhibits. These programs are designed to foster research and study...
Description: Teaching Vocabulary - This article provides some excellent lesson models for teaching vocabulary, explaining idioms, fostering word consciousness, instruction for English Language Learners, and mnemonic strategies.
Description: Five Research-Based Ways to Teach Vocabulary - What Research Says about Effective Vocabulary Instruction: Vocabulary instruction must be explicit. Explicit vocabulary instruction includes an easy-to-understand definition presented directly to students along with multiple examples and nonexamples of the target word, brief discussion opportunities, and checks for understanding. Vocabulary instruction must include multiple practice opportunities for using words within and across subjects....
Description: Vocabulary words: An evidence-based literacy strategy - In this article, you’ll learn how to explicitly teach vocabulary using easy-to-understand definitions, engaging activities, and repeated exposure. This strategy includes playing vocabulary games, incorporating visual supports like graphic organizers, and giving students the chance to see and use new words in real-world contexts. The goal of this teaching strategy isn’t just to increase your students’ vocabulary....
Description: 4-8 Years Old Brilliant Bea: A Story for Kids with Dyslexia and Learning Differences: Despite her struggles with reading and writing, Beatrice is a natural and brilliant storyteller. With the help of a kind-hearted teacher, Beatrice uses an old-fashioned tape recorder so she can speak her words and then play them back, as a technique for learning in whole new way. With her new approach, Beatrice is able to show her classmates who she really has been all along. 6-8 Years Old A Walk in the...
Description: Virginia's Collaborative Model for Pre-Employment Transition Services offers the resources necessary to enrich Pre-ETS initiatives in the state. We provide the tools for collaborating, communicating, and coordinating services with student teams to improve postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities. Explore resources spanning all five Pre-ETS categories, and join us in empowering every student's journey to success! The five Pre-ETS categories include: Job Exploration Counseling...
Description: ADHD and the brain - Researchers are learning more and more about brain development and ADHD. Differences in the brain make it harder for people with ADHD to work on a task unless they’re really interested in it. It’s not a matter of being lazy or not being smart.
Description: Social Security - New 2024 Rules On Calculating SSI Benefits - Effective September 30, new rules are in place for how the Social Security Administration (SSA) decides the amount of your (or your family member’s) monthly SSI payment. Right now, SSA looks at all income and support a person receives. This includes income (from a job or other source), resources you have (there are specific limits and exceptions), and in-kind support and maintenance (ISM). ISM is the support you get for...
Description: Questions to Ask Your Child's Teacher About Math - Math skills are essential for life– including daily tasks, problem-solving, creativity, career options and more. This resource is intended for parents of students in Grades 3-8, and includes questions to ask your child’s teacher as well as tips and resources to support math at home. Questions to Ask Your Child's Teacher About Reading - This resource includes questions to ask your child’s teacher as well as tips...
Description: High Impact Co-teaching Approaches for Secondary Math.docx - Research provides guidance on when to use specific co-teaching approaches in the secondary mathematics classroom. High-impact co-teaching approaches lower the teacher to student ratio, providing time for intensive instruction and SDI with frequent teacher feedback. To select the most effective co-teaching approach, co-teachers examine a lesson’s learning goal, students’ IEP goals, learner characteristics, and data about...
Description: Virginia Parent Transition Survey - This updated survey is a way for parents to describe their expectations for their child/youth’s future and their expectations. Completing this survey before or during a transition planning IEP meeting will provide important information that can lead to improved planning and better outcomes after leaving high school. Not all of the sections or choices may be relevant to your child/youth, so please complete those that best describe your concerns and...
Description: Cell Phone-Free Education Final Guidance & Resources - After listening to and reviewing the thousands of comments and suggestions from Virginians on how to bring cell phone-free education to our children’s schools, VDOE has published final guidance for school divisions on policies and procedures to be implemented to establish cell phone-free education and remove cell phones from Virginia’s public school classrooms. The final guidance defines cell phone-free education in...
Description: Back to Basics: Special Education Law Series was developed from a partnership between the Virginia Department of Education and the Center for Implementation and Evaluation of Education Systems (CIEES) at Old Dominion University (ODU). The Back to Basics: Special Education Law series is designed to support Virginia school divisions in the professional development of teachers and division personnel on basic special education laws and regulations. The following modules and associated documents...
Description: Conducting Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team Meetings When Members Disagree - Parent participation and teamwork are fundamental to special education. Parent feedback is a necessity in ensuring that a student is receiving a free appropriate public education. However, team participants do not always agree and conflict is a natural occurrence in team dynamics. Recognizing that conflict will happen, but that a healthy relationship between all members is in the best interest of the student,...
Description: Camp List for Children & Adults with Disabilities 5.2024.docx, 2024 Summer Camps (Northern Virginia, Region 4) Websites to Search for Camps: American Camp Association’s Camp Finder - Lists camps accredited by ACA. The advanced search function allows you to search by disability, distance from home, inclusive camps, and other variables. VerySpecialCamps - Summer Camps & Programs for Individuals with Special Needs MySummerCamps (general finder) - Find the Perfect Summer Camp for...
Description: Submit a Request for Support - VCU-RRTC-ACE provides targeted short-term coaching to educators who support students on the autism spectrum! Classroom coaching aims to equip educators with the tools and evidence-based practices necessary to effectively address the unique needs of autistic students. By implementing strategies in the coaching focus areas, educators can enhance student participation, engagement, and independence, creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. ACE...
Description: Project HOPE-Virginia, Virginia's McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program, has developed new resources for young children experiencing homelessness. HOPE invites you to visit their new website: https://projecthopevirginia.org/ Here are several links that will take you directly to early childhood resources: McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program: Training for Early Childhood Educators in Virginia - This video provides an overview of the homeless...
Description: Autism and Challenging Behaviors: Strategies and Support - Challenging behaviors represent some of the most concerning and stressful features of autism. These behaviors can often cause harm or damage, family and staff stress, isolation, and caregiver burnout. Parents may feel guilty or responsible, but it is important to know that you should not blame yourself for behaviors that you find difficult. Sometimes, the extraordinary steps parents go through for their children with complex needs...