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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: 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 Virginia Assistive Technology, Tools, and Strategies (VATTS) Resources will guide the IEP team through the consideration and documentation process. These resources replace the previous versions of the AT Consideration and Resource Guide. VATTS: Consideration and Assessment Guidance Document (PDF) - Guidance for school divisions in the consideration and assessment of AT, including planning and implementing those services for students with disabilities. VATTS: Consideration...
Description: 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: Register for Professional Learning Series on High Leverage Practices, HLPs - Each self-paced course is offered at no cost to Virginia public school educators and provides 3–5 hours of professional learning. The courses guide educators in learning about specific HLPs through videos that model exemplar teacher behaviors. Educators may enroll in the six courses described below. School Leaders, Administrators, and Instructional Coaches: Strategies for Teacher Retention...
Description: Rubric – HLP 1 Collaborate with Professionals to Increase Student Success, Rubric – HLP 2 Lead Effective Meetings with Professionals & Families, Rubric – HLP 3 Collaborate with Families to Support Student Learning and Secure Needed Services, Rubric – HLP 4: Use Multiple Sources of Information to Develop a Comprehensive Understanding of a Student’s Strengths and Needs, Rubric – HLP 6 Use Assessment Date, Analyze Instructional Practices and Make Adjustments...
Description: HLP Highlight Tool - HLP 1: Collaborate with Professionals to Increase Student Success, HLP Highlight Tool - HLP 2: Organize and Facilitate Effective Meetings with Professionals and Families, HLP Highlight Tool - HLP 3: Collaborate with Families to Support Student Learning and Secure Needed Services, HLP Highlight Tool - HLP 4: Use Multiple Sources of Information to Develop a Comprehensive Understanding of a Student’s Strengths and Needs, HLP Highlight Tool - HLP 5: Interpret and...
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: Getting a job is an exciting experience that takes planning. There are important documents you may need before you can get a job. There are skills you will need to prepare you for employment, and actions that you may need to take to be successful. This checklist can help you prepare for employment. This list does not include every item needed and some of these may not apply to you since your employment goals are unique to you.
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 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 on...
Description: ‘Model as a MASTER PAL’ was developed to help shape behaviors and belief systems of communication partners supporting individuals who use AAC. It was developed from the premise that 1) AAC implementation is not intuitive, and 2) communication is not compliance. This training series assumes topics related to core vocabulary instruction and explicit creation of communication opportunities have already been covered, and communication partners require additional information to...
Description: All people with a disability of any extent or severity have a basic right to affect, through communication, the conditions of their existence. Beyond this general right, a number of specific communication rights should be ensured in all daily interactions and interventions involving persons who have severe disabilities.
Description: This project began with a desire to identify the vocabulary words that were most important to support the success of beginning communicators participating in the Dynamic Learning Maps® alternate assessments in English language arts and mathematics. Through the years, the list first led to the development of the DLM First 40 and eventually to the Universal Core vocabulary for Project Core. The resulting Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) and Universal Core Vocabulary Sort is a list of words that...
Description: VDOE's Assistive Technology Network has created new a new 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
Description: Check out these Professional Learning Possibilities: Mindset Article: Five Signs Your Child Needs Augmentative and Alternative Communication **Webshop: [TechKnowledgy 2017-18] Archived Webinar: Implementation of AAC: Debunking Common Myths and Road Blocks Article: Communication Bill of Rights (ASHA) Article: AAC Myths: Busted (Small Talk Speech Therapy) What device is needed? **Webshop: [TechKnowledgy 2017-18] Archived Webinar: Necessary Components of Successful AAC...
Description: This resource contains frequently asked questions about English Orthography.
Description: The Brain Injury Association of Virginia 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 Association of...
Description: Facilitated Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) Handout What is a Facilitated IEP? A voluntary process that may be requested when the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team agrees that the presence of a neutral third party would assist in facilitating communication and problem-solving. Find this additional information on this handout: Who is a Facilitator? What can you expect from a Facilitator? When might you use a Facilitatr? How can a Faciitated IEP be requested?
Description: Camp List for Children and Adults with Disabilities 5.2023 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 Your Child! Articles on Choosing a Summer Camp for your...
Description: $1,500 Standard Application $3,000 Income-Qualified Application Virginia Department of Education Service Provider Pre-Registration The Virginia Department of Education is now accepting applications from parents for tutoring microgrants for their children through Governor Glenn Youngkin’s K-12 Learning Acceleration Grants program. Youngkin created the program to help Virginia families address the impact of the pandemic on student learning. The $30 million program provides $1,500 grants...
Description: 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 established practices. We encourage you...
Description: Headspace 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: 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: Mental health 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 to Do in a Crisis Featured Videos...
Description: 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 stock now while it’s fresh in your mind...
Description: VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - SY 2023 - FAMILY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY - ENGLISH VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - SY 2023 - FAMILY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY - En Español All parents of school-aged children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in Virginia are requested to complete the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) annual Parent Involvement Survey. This survey will remain open through December 15, 2023. Please complete one survey for each...
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: English language learners (ELLs) represent one of the fastest-growing population segments in the United States. Yet many of the challenges these kids have while learning English – reading struggles, difficulty associating letters to sounds, and lags in rapid naming of objects – are also signs of dyslexia. This makes diagnosing dyslexia in non-native speakers especially difficult. Hear from Fumiko Hoeft M.D., Ph.D., professor of psychiatry at the Weill Institute for Neurosciences at...
Description: As you teach content areas to ELLs of diverse backgrounds, you may find that they struggle to grasp the content, and that they approach the content from very different perspectives. Drawing on your students' background knowledge and experiences, can be an effective way to bridge those gaps and to make the content more accessible. This article offers a number of suggestions to classroom teachers as they find ways to tap into the background knowledge that students bring with them.
Description: To be effective, a program of vocabulary instruction should provide students with opportunities for word learning by: encouraging wide reading; exposing students to high-quality oral language; promoting word consciousness; providing explicit instruction of specific words; and providing modeling and instruction in independent word-learning strategies. Each of these components contributes to helping students overcome the major obstacles to vocabulary growth.
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: Register for Spring 2023 (through May 1, 2023) - Learning Your Way is Formed Families Forward’s free online learning portal for parents, caregivers, youth and professionals. Participants enroll and can access course on-demand, learning at their own pace. Registration for Spring 2023 access to Learning Your Way is open February 1 through May 1, 2023. Access to the modules runs mid-February through June 2023. As of Spring 2023, Learning Your Way includes Five Courses: Special Education 101...
Description: Brain Injury Awareness Month is a time for education, connection, and awareness. The More Than My Brain Injury campaign, created by BIAA, provides a platform for educating the public about the incidence of brain injury. It aims to de-stigmatize the injury, highlight the diversity of the brain injury community, and empower those who have survived. Self-Paced Online Courses The Brain Injury Association of Virginia is excited to provide our new library of self-paced online courses! ...
Description: Less than 1% of school aged students with disabilities are identified with traumatic brain injury. OSEP‘s latest Fast Facts takes a closer look at data from the data collections authorized under IDEA Section 618, including those collected through child count, educational environments, discipline and exiting data collections with a lens on students identified with traumatic brain injury. Highlights from OSEP Fast Facts: Educational Environments of School Aged Children with Disabilities...
Description: Preparing Your Child with a Disability for 3rd Grade SOL Tests: Factsheet for Virginia’s Parents What are Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOLs)?The SOLs are the standards for achievement for students in grades K-12 in English, math, science, history/social science, technology, fine arts, foreign language, health and physical education, and driver education. Sometimes you will hear SOLs referred to as the general education curriculum. The SOL curriculum establishes the specific...
Description: Testing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: A Resource Document Testing/Assessment accommodations provide students with disabilities access to state assessments and away to show their knowledge and skill on academic content. Accommodations are designed to reduce or eliminate the effect of the student’s disability without changing expectations or providing the student with an unfair advantage over her peers with or without disabilities. (1/23) Accommodations...
Description: The SEL Innovations series aims to help the field imagine new, more expansive and equitable approaches to SEL and wellness to ensure that all children, adolescents, and adults feel safe, supported, and seen so that they can thrive. This report focuses on the conditions and guiding actions to foster authentic school-family partnerships.
Description: PYD’s Mentoring Program has served youth with disabilities since 1985. Its goal is to help young people with disabilities meet their full potential for personal development and independence by matching them with a caring adult mentor. Matches work on goals relating to building positive and healthy relationships, community involvement, self-esteem, independent living skills, and educational/career skills. We currently offer a few forms of mentoring: one-to-one mentoring and our virtual...
Description: Virginia's CTE Resource Center - Each year, the CTE Resource Center assists the VDOE in developing curriculum-related publications that address specific courses or programs, encourage collaboration between career/technical and academic disciplines, foster collaboration between career and technical education at the secondary and postsecondary levels, correlate with national standards and industry certification requirements, and enhance comprehensive school-improvement efforts. Staff...
Description: It is very important, when expressing concerns about your child’s educational services or when requesting something from the school division, that you do so in writing. That way, you have a record of your request. Sometimes it can be hard to know exactly what to include in your communication with the school division. To make things easier, PEATC has developed a series of sample emails/letters in a variety of areas that you can use as the basis for your request(s). The templates include the...
Description: Connecting grammar and writing in meaningful ways can be done. Steps to show that grammar is a tool to benefit writing include: Acknolwedge Previous Lessons Use the Correct Terminology Grammar is a Postive Tool Conference Explain the "Why"
Description: Teaching young students how to write by hand before moving on to keyboarding can help improve their reading fluency as well.
Description: The Science of Reading Professional Learning Series - These Science of Reading slide decks are intended to be a resource for school leaders who provide professional development for staff in the area of literacy. We know that each educator is in a different place in their understanding of what is meant by the phrase The Science of Reading and how that science informs what we teach and how we teach it. These slide decks provide a brief overview of each of the topics. These serve as a starting...
Description: 2022 Virtual Reading Symposium Recordings Keynote by Emily Handord: Discovering The Science of Reading: A Reporter's Story Concurrent Sessions: Resha Conroy- Literacy Achievement: Historical & Systemic Barriers to Equity Holly Lane- Practical Strateies for Decoding an Encoding Margie Gillis - The Syntax Attuned Educator: Supporting Students' Ability to Comprehend and Write Sentences Claude Goldenberg - Literacy for English Learners: What's "Reading Science" Got to Do With It? Kim St. Martin:...
Description: High-Leverage Practices in Special Education is available for download at no cost.
Description: This resource provides routines and resources for guided and extended practice in word recognition.
Description: GMU TTAC compiled a list of free phonological awareness resources, including: Professional Learning & Resource Websites, Professional Learning Webinars, Videos on Phonology, Articles, IES Practice Guides, Teaching Resources, EL Resources: Phonological Awareness for Spanish Speakers, Professional Learning Library, and Podcasts.
Description: This is a step by step instructional routine for addressing irregular or high frequency words.