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Description: The purpose of this policy statement is to highlight the important role of principals in implementing inclusive and effective special education services and to offer policy recommendations to support additional training and ongoing professional learning for school leaders.
Description: These educational resources were created by and for educators and instructional leaders. They include: eBook: How to Create a Coaching Program That Works eBook: Feedback Strategies for Coaches & Administrators eBook: Using Video to Achive High Performance And More!
Description: What you'll learn from this article: How are ADHD and substance abuse in teenagers connected? Why do teenagers with ADHD use drugs? Are ADHD medications connected to substance abuse? How can parents help teenagers with ADHD avoid substance abuse?
Description: Arts integration can inspire children with a lifelong love of learning and of the performing arts. When you bring the arts into the classroom, you create joyful, active learning experiences that engage children in ways that can increase academic and social-emotional development for all kinds of learners. Wolf Trap Institute’s professional development empowers infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten teachers to integrate the performing arts into their classrooms. For more than 35...
Description: The teenage years have a lot in common with the terrible twos. During both stages our kids are doing exciting new things, but they’re also pushing boundaries (and buttons) and throwing tantrums. The major developmental task facing both age groups is also the same: kids must pull away from parents and begin to assert their own independence. No wonder they sometimes act as if they think they’re the center of the universe. This makes for complicated parenting, especially because teens...
Description: Mental Health Disorders and Teen Substance Use What you'll learn from this article: Why is substance use more dangerous for teens with mental health disorders? Why do teens with mental health disorders use substances? Why does substance use make a mental health disorder worse? Experts note that to encourage teens to reduce or stop substance use, it’s important give them other coping strategies to manage their problems without turning to substances.
Description: Guide to Transition for Families of Youth with Disabilities in Virginia - When young people move from high school to adulthood, a lot of things change. It’s an exciting but also stressful time and we want to help. The Guide is for families and students who want a one-stop resource on the many things related to transitioning from high school to adulthood in Virginia. The Guide provides important information about decisions that may need to be made for and with your child. Topics Include:...
Description: The purpose of the Early Intervention Reading Initiative (EIRI) is to provide early reading intervention services to students in kindergarten through the third grade who demonstrate substantial deficiencies based on their individual performance on a literacy screener provided or approved by the Virginia Department of Education. Virginia’s provided literacy screener is a part of the Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) provided by Virginia Literacy Partnerships (VLP).
Description: For 57 years and counting, the Autism Society, including our nationwide network of affiliates, connects people to the resources they need through education, advocacy, support, information and referral, and community programming. Mission: We create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. Vision: Creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it.
Description: This webinar, featuring Drs. Donna Sacco, John Hoover, and Tracy Spies, illustrates considerations for implementing data-based individualization (DBI) with ELs that accounts for their unique academic, social, behavioral, linguistic, and cultural experiences, assets, and needs. They share why it is important to (a) deliver instruction that represents culturally and linguistically sustaining best practices, and (b) distinguish the needs and assets of learners to improve progress (i.e.,...
Description: Getting along with others, paying attention, following directions, making responsible decisions, and managing emotions are challenges for many students who require intensive intervention, and may be linked to difficulties with executive functioning, communication, behavior, and academic learning. In this webinar, presenters Mara Schanfield and Zach Weingarten shared an overview of how social emotional learning (SEL) relates to intensive intervention and offer sample strategies and resources for...
Description: The U.S. Department of Education announced the release of new guidance from its Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) to help public elementary and secondary schools fulfill their responsibilities to meet the needs of students with disabilities and avoid the discriminatory use of student discipline. These newly released resources are the most comprehensive guidance on the civil rights of students with disabilities concerning student...
Description: People with Autism and other developmental disabilities and their families are disproportionately impacted by the ongoing public health and economic emergency caused by COVID-19. The Autism Society of America believes that increasing vaccine confidence is a crucial step towards improving the lives of people with Autism, their families and communities as we all work towards ending the pandemic. Through its Vaccine Education Initiative (VEI), the Autism Society is committed to increasing vaccine...
Description: Toolkit for Schools: Engaging Parents to Support Student Health and Emotional Well-being - This toolkit was created to help raise parent awareness about school connectedness and its role in supporting student health and emotional well-being, and why family engagement both in and out of school is important. It is a resource for CDC Healthy Schools partners, education leaders, and other collaborators. Partners and schools can use this toolkit to let parents know how healthy and supportive school...
Description: Preschool LRE Reference Points and Discussion Prompts is a summary of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) provisions of the IDEA as it applies to preschool aged children with disabilities can be used as both a quick reference guide and training tool. Topics under the five sections outline reference points and discussion prompts. Reference points are drawn from several sources such as IDEA regulations and Federal Register comments. Discussion points are intended to help state and local teams...
Description: This guide outlines a four-step program evaluation process that provides a framework for coordinating SEL programs that are feasible, appropriate, and effective.
Description: This research report summarizes recent surveys conducted from over 15,000 respondents on student and staff SEL competencies, awareness and confidence, impact of SEL instruction, and SEL support and training.
Description: What is the Science of Reading? The Science of Reading is an interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing. This research has been conducted over the last five decades worldwide. It is derived from thousands of studies conducted in multiple languages in cognitive psychology, communication sciences, developmental psychology, education, special education, implementation sciences, linguistics, neurosciences, and school...
Description: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awarenes VDOE Suicide Prevention - Schools can play a key role in suicide...
Description: Teaching vocabulary in middle school can be quite challenging. Not only are the words becoming more difficult, but students are also becoming less and less interested. Creating and finding activities that will help to keep kids engaged and excited about vocabulary instruction is vital to having a successful classroom community. It's also important to switch up the activities from time to time. Therefore, having a strong foundation of vocabulary activities in your teacher toolbox is crucial for a...
Description: Guiding Principles of Structured Word Inquiry (“scientific word investigation”) The primary function of English spelling is to represent meaning. The conventions by which English spelling represents meaning are so well-ordered and reliable that spelling can be investigated and understood through scientific inquiry. Scientific inquiry is necessary to safely guide spelling instruction and understanding. Scientific inquiry is the only means by which a learning community can safely...
Description: Joan Sedita explores the power of writing to support students’ reading comprehension.
Description: Anita Archer shares ways to support intermediate struggling readers through evidence-based practices.
Description: Dr. Deb Glaser’s presentation is on the impact of incorporating morphological analysis into the intermediate grades.
Description: Sometimes kids aren’t ready to go to college. They might need help with things like getting organized, asking for help or managing emotions. Or they might feel burnt out or unmotivated. Taking a gap year might help prepare them for a better college experience. A common worry is that kids will lose momentum if they take a gap year. But for kids who need extra support, a gap year might mean that they are more successful when they do start college. Otherwise they might face a lot of...
Description: College is a time for kids to try out independence. For kids on medication, part of that independence is learning how to manage those meds on their own. Kids should start to practice managing meds well before they leave for college. The first weeks of school will be full of new information. That’s not the time to start figuring out what they need to be taking, when, and how to make sure they don’t forget. For example, kids can set reminders on their phone so they don’t forget....
Description: The question: My daughter has ADHD and is a B minus student. She struggles in school and has poor executive functioning skills. She will be looking for colleges next year. Are there any that have particularly good services for kids with ADHD? answered by A Ruth Lee, MEd, ET/P
Description: Many teenagers with autism do well in high school and head off to college. When they get there, they sometimes run into unexpected challenges. But with the right tools and preparation, college students with autism can continue to succeed. Trouble with organization is common in kids with autism. Because college comes with so many new responsibilities, autistic students may have a hard time managing their time and staying on track. Living independently, taking care of daily needs, managing...
Description: College is an exciting time! You’re surrounded by new friends and new opportunities, and have more independence than ever before. However, college life also presents unique challenges to a student with ADHD. Managing classes, a social life, and extra curricular activities without day-to-day support from parents and a structured school schedule isn’t easy. But there are plenty of things you can do to set yourself up for success. This article provides top ten tips that are a great...
Description: The transition to college can be hard on kids’ mental health. Teenagers living away from home for the first time may experience academic stress while also trying to make new friends, build routines, and stay physically healthy. All these changes at once can be overwhelming for college kids. Parents can help kids prepare for these emotional challenges before college starts. First, try to avoid solving problems for your teen. Instead, let them know that you empathize and you’re there...
Description: Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it hard for kids to read. The workload in college can be challenging for kids with dyslexia, but they can prepare by practicing using reading strategies and tools while they’re still in high school. College students with dyslexia need to be especially careful about managing their time. Keeping a detailed schedule and blocking off time to study can help kids make sure that they don’t get behind. It also helps them learn how much time tasks...
Description: A Guide to Adaptations - Adaptations, such as those shared in this guide, can ensure that each and every child, including young children with disabilities, can fully participate and engage in STEM [and other] learning opportunities and experiences at home, in early childhood programs, and in the community.
Description: This guide highlights evidence-based practices to be used by adults or, in some instances by other children, to facilitate children’s participation in everyday routines, learning experiences, and activities. Each section (e.g., prompting, scaffolding, modeling, descriptive talking, wait time, and reinforcement) includes a description of the practice, examples of how it might be implemented, and links to additional information.
Description: Special educators frequently organize and facilitate meetings. High Leverage Practice (HLP) #2 highlights the importance of educators organizing and facilitating effective meetings with professionals and families. This checklist guides special educators through the process of organizing and facilitating an IEP meeting. Note: ALWAYS check with your special education department chair about your responsibilities and school procedures. This list includes common responsibilities,...
Description: This self-guided webinar series provides professional development intended to help teams new to creating positive behavior support plans to address challenging behaviors. Each webinar focus area addresses different aspects of the behavior change process. Complete the questionnaire at the end of each section to receive a Certificate of Completion.
Description: This 9 minute Family Members on Teams video was produced by Formed Families Forward, as family partner to Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports. The video features a staged meeting and interviews with family members and educators sharing practical suggestions for including family members on decision-making teams.
Description: Many decisions that impact students are made by local school boards. As has been observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these decisions and their resulting consequences significantly impact students with disabilities. The toolkit provides tips and resources to help advocate to the local school board, including learning about issues, identifying decision makers, knowing the process, and messaging.
Description: The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System allows you to submit secure, anonymous safety concerns to help someone who may hurt themselves or others. What Should You Report? You can help save lives by reporting observed threats, behaviors, actions, and harassment. Here are examples of some of the most common behaviors and incidents to report: Acts of violence, with or without weapons Verbal or physical abuse, assault or harassment Sexual abuse, assault or harassment Threats seen on social media...
Description: Learning Paths are small collections of curated activities that focus on an early intervention topic. To learn about the topic, you will complete each activity on the path. Activities might include reading an article, taking an online module, watching a video, etc. Once you complete the learning path, you will take a final quiz to earn a certificate documenting the professional development hours earned. Autism Pathways Functional Assessment Pathways Transition from Early Intervention Pathways...
Description: This booklet defines Special Education Terms (Birth to 22) as well as General Disabilty Terms.
Description: Digital Portfolio for Families - PEATC’s Digital Portfolio allows parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities the ability to organize personal, educational, medical, and legal information and documentation in a portable digital format. The portfolio provides users with easy access, reduced stress, no more binders, and less paperwork to store. Digital Portfolio for Military Families - PEATC’s Digital Portfolio for Military Families allows service members the ability to keep...
Description: View OCR Video Series on Accessibility - The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights announces a video series covering a variety of topics on digital access in education, including how people with disabilities use technology, applicable Federal regulations, and identifying and remediating barriers to access. Whether you are in the educational field or not, these videos have wide ranging coverage for those who want to know: What makes technology accessible for...
Description: When including children with disabilities in regular early childhood programs, it is important to carefully consider class size and the proportionate amount or limits to the number of students with IEPs. This resource outlines requirements and regulations that impact the number of students with IEPs placed in a classroom as well as offers guidance for best practice. This resource should be used to plan and schedule for inclusive classes. This can include VPI, Head Start, Title 1,...
Description: 2022 Annual Conference Session Recordings Keynote: From Science to Poetry in the Teaching of Reading: Reflections in a Digital Culture, Maryanne Wolf Day 1: 1A: The Science of Reading - Definition and Beyond, Stephanie Stollar 1B: Climbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing: Some Children Climb More Slowly While Other Children Leap Up, Nancy Young 1C: Implementation Matters: Literacy Leadership as the Catalyst for Change, Kymyona Burk 1D: Morphemes are Mesmerizing! Deborah Glaser 2A: Calling...
Description: Make text easier to read on small screens. Make reading as effortless as watching a video. Read faster, by reading whole phrases at a time. Speed through any text, with better comprehension. Zoom your screen in or out to adjust the font size. Use the auto-speed or click the next phrase button.
Description: Readsy is a tool to help you skim large amounts of text by focusing your eyes on one word at a time without having to move them. It is powered by Spritz, a speed reading app. To register for higher speeds, click "Login" on the top right of the Spritz box, and create an account with Spritz.
Description: A Student Profile is a way for you to introduce your child to new teachers, related service providers, administrators, and others with whom she will come into contact. By completing the Student Profile every year, you can provide information about your child’s strengths, challenges, and successes. The Student Profile will help everyone see the positive traits that he/she brings to school and where he/she needs help. Of course, you can’t list everything about your child so pick the...
Description: Ready Regions will bring unprecedented levels of coordination, accountability, and family engagement to early education programs in every community in the Commonwealth. Starting in 2022, Ready Regions will help every Virginia community to be: Accountable. Virginia’s early education system must prepare children for success. Parent-centered. Families must be engaged in designing a system that works for them. Responsive. Parents must be able to choose the child care they want and need....
Description: My child with autism is doing well in his academic programming, but I’d like to help him develop social skills with peers. He participates in playdates, but I often worry that we are not making the most of these opportunities. How can I help him learn to play with a friend? Considering the recent pandemic, what are some other things I should consider?
Description: In this recorded webinar, Carla Mazefsky, Ph.D., discusses emotion dysregulation, or difficulty managing the intensity and duration of emotional reactions, in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This talk covers the landscape of emotion regulation research in ASD and highlights key findings from the Regulation of Emotion in ASD Adults, Children, and Teens (REAACT) Program at the University of Pittsburgh. Topics to be covered include the assessment of emotion dysregulation in ASD, the impact of...