Region 4 Education Service Center s1

Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 TOPIC RESOURCES SIGNIFICANT POINTS NOTES Announcements/Information

Welcome and Introductions

Resources:   New R4 Staff: o Ashley Jackson, Access to the Curriculum Education Specialist  District/Charter o New Directors

Resources Provided to Districts

Resources Provided to Districts Throughout the 2016-2017 school year, resources have been provided to districts to support the provision of services to students with disabilities.

To date, more than $1,397,083.27 in resources have been distributed to Region 4 districts!

Assistive Technology Team Seminars (ATTS) and Consortium

 Contracts 2017-2018  Date Changes for Fundamentals 1 and Systemic Applications

ATTS 17-18 Contracts were mailed the week before Harvey. If you either did not receive yours, received it and it has been lost/damaged, or are just not sure and need another copy, please contact Angela Standridge, [email protected], 713-744-6831.

Some ATTS training dates have been changed to accommodate for Harvey Recovery.  The first day for Fundamentals 1, Sessions A, B and C was originally early October. We have shifted those dates to being in November.  Fundamentals 2, Session A and B dates did not begin until late October and are not changing.  The first day for Systemic Applications was September 26, 2017. We will have a brief 1 hour webinar on the original date with AT information that will be helpful for Harvey Recovery and to handle 1st of the year logistics. We are rescheduling the first Systemic Applications face to face meeting for a later date in October.  We will email invitations to register with the new dates to the participants you entered in the application last June and send contract amendments to Special Education Directors.

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 1 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 For more information, please contact Angela Standridge, [email protected], 713-744- 6831.

Support for Students with Disabilities

Region 4 ESC would like to support the districts and charters by providing a promo code for Special Education staff to attend General Education trainings at Region 4.

General Education departments do not have the advantage of grant funds to help underwrite the cost of their offerings. Therefore, their fees are often higher than the traditional $35/day of Special Education trainings. The promo code will bring the fee for the General Education training down to $35/day.

We feel that it is important to ensure that our Special Education staff have mastery of the instructional content in order to support the progress of students with disabilities, including access to the general curriculum. Promo code=SPEDAGC2018

Please share with us the positive impact for students with disabilities as a result of the vouchers and promo-codes to Dr. Ginger Gates at [email protected] .

For further information, contact Dr. Ginger Gates, [email protected] or 713.744.6586

IEP Analysis Project and Stakeholder Input Project IEP Analysis Project and Stakeholder Input Project  Weblink: http://tea.texas.gov/Academics/Special_Student_Populations/Special_Education/Speci al_Education/  Webinar Slide Deck – (PDF) o This is the slide deck shared on the webinar. Any LEA or region also can set up a call with Matt ([email protected]).  Frequently Asked Questions  Interest Survey – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdea0DUfU4fnVqs8qNRyux71f4Rs- i4TxGJD_9KNwHdtA1rLw/viewform o Districts that are interested in participating my complete this online survey to express interest.  Data Sponsor MoU Template Update: TEA has extended the timeline to participate in the IEP Analysis Project for districts to express interest to participate by sharing their documentation. SPEDx has reached out to IEP documentation vendors and has worked with TEA to create a process to retrieve data, a sample MoU Template and a FAQ document. Matt Moeller of SPEDx has shared that the process should take the district minimal time (e.g. 10-15 minutes in most cases with the time being getting signatures on the MoU) and bear no cost.

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 2 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 Project Point of Contact –Please do not hesitate to reach out to Matt Moeller ([email protected]).

Funding High Cost Funds/ Nonpublic Day/ Residential Placement Application  TEA Nonpublic School Monitoring and Guidance Resources for Special Education weblinks: http://tea.texas.gov/Student_Testing_and_Accountability/Monitoring_and_Interventions /Program_Monitoring_and_Interventions/Nonpublic_School_Monitoring_and_Guidance _Resources_for_Special_Education/  http://tea.texas.gov/Academics/Special_Student_Populations/Special_Education/Progr ams_and_Services/Nonpublic_Day_and_Residential_Guidance/

The 2017-2018 Nonpublic Day and Residential TEASE application will open on October 1, 2017, and close on June 1, 2018.  All continuing and new nonpublic placements with instructional code 50 or 60 need to be entered into the application for notification and/or funding.  Contracts with approved nonpublic schools can be dated for no more than 365 days during the school/fiscal year between July 1, 2017, and August 31, 2018.  Please note that, as of September 1, 2017, there is a new daily rate for residential services set by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) per the 85th Legislature not to exceed $277.37. If the days in the contract before September 1 are at a lower daily rate and a higher daily rate after September 1, then the amounts should average out for the funding application. Be sure the amounts are reflected in the nonpublic school’s Cost Analysis.

 An updated PowerPoint will be posted on the TEA website.  If you have any questions, please contact the Nonpublic/Residential team at 512- 463-9414 or [email protected].

Region 4 ESC contacts: Linda De Zell Hall, Ph.D., at [email protected] or 713.744.6399 or Jerry Klekotta at [email protected] or 713.744.6393.  Verify TEAL TEASE access for appropriate staff prior to the October 1, 2017 opening date  Complete all ARDs and Contracts for students in NPDay/Res placement and have documents ready to upload Noneducational Community Based Funds Links:  TEA information available including a Question and Answer document at http://tea.texas.gov/index2.aspx?id=2147497817  Legal Framework http://framework.esc18.net/display/Webforms/ESC18-FW- Summary.aspx?FID=176&DT=G&LID=en * included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 3 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017  The 74th Texas Legislative (1995) appropriated funds for families of certain students with disabilities. This money is noneducational (noned) community-based support services help them care for their children and to help them better cope with having an individual with a disability at home. These funds are used for noned support services in the home and allow a student currently in a residential placement for educational purposes to return home or prevent a student at risk for residential placement for educational purposes from being placed residentially. The intent of state legislation is for local education agencies (LEAs) to provide services that are not allowable purchases from education funds, to help families of this population care for the student, and to enable families to better cope with having an individual with a disability at home. These services are not intended to be intensive or long-term but rather, periodic and short-term.  Parents wishing to access services should contact their child’s school and request a meeting to discuss the need for non-educational services. School districts and charter schools that choose to apply for non-educational funds must have a planning meeting to discuss options for non-educational services. Persons attending and participating in this meeting should include district staff knowledgeable about the student, and representatives from the local mental health agency or the local Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRCG) of Texas, or other service providers, and the parents.  Only LEAs may request noned funds. Parents or other parties who contact the ESC will be directed to the LEA contact.  The student’s admission, review, and dismissal committee may not serve as this planning group and should not make the decision regarding services.  Once it has been determined what services are needed, the local education agency contacts the regional education service center to obtain directions and procedures for applying.  The current support services include the following: o Attendant Care o Psychiatric and Psychological Consultation o Management of Leisure Time o Peer Support Group o Parent Support Group o Socialization Training o Individual Support o Family Support o Family Dynamics Training o Respite Care o Transportation to access approved non-educational services o Generalization Training

LEAs wishing to request funds may Linda De Zell Hall, Ph.D., at [email protected] or 713.744.6399 or Jerry Klekotta at [email protected] or 713.744.6393.

Accountability/Compliance Performance-Based Monitoring Update: Data Validation Manual Posted Web link:

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 4 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 http://tea.texas.gov/pbm/DVManuals.aspx

The 2017 Discipline Data Validation Manual is now available. The 2017 Discipline Data Validation district reports are scheduled to be posted to the TEASE Accountability application on Tuesday, November 21, 2017.

Technical Assistance: Performance-Based Monitoring (PBM) contacts are available at each education service center (ESC) to provide technical assistance to school districts. ESC PBM contacts can be found at http://tea4avholly.tea.state.tx.us/tea.askted.web/Forms/Home.aspx using the Search RESCs function. Region 4 contacts:  Bilingual/ESL: Itzil Welch at [email protected] or 713.744.4487  ESSA: Danette Thornton at [email protected] or 713.744.6578  CTE: Monelle Rougeau at [email protected] or 713.744.6581  SPED: Jerry Klekotta at [email protected] or 713.744.6393 or Linda De Zell Hall, Ph.D., at [email protected] or 713.744.6399  Disproportionality: Clynita Grafenreed, Ph.D. at [email protected] or 713.744.6345

For questions about the manual or the indicators described in the manual, please contact: Performance-Based Monitoring (512) 936-6426 or [email protected]

For questions about interventions, please contact: School Improvement (512) 463-5226 or [email protected]

The IRIS Center Accountability: High-Stakes Testing for Students with Disabilities Online Module Module link https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/module/hst/ The IRIS Center, as part of the Peabody College of Education at Vanderbilt University, has produced a FREE module designed to assist campus principals in their efforts regarding accountability and high-stakes testing for students with disabilities. Within the module, participants engage in a dynamic learning experience through text, videos of implementation, and interviews with actual campus principals, instructional staff, and parents who are implementing the strategies.

Topics covered include how to:  Ensure shared high expectations for all students * included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 5 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017  Encourage staff to assume collective responsibility for all students  Promote collaboration between teachers and campus administration  Encourage collaboration among teachers  Support collaboration between staff and parents  Collaborate effectively when designing testing accommodations for students with disabilities  Prepare adequately students with disabilities for high-stakes testing  Monitor data and use data to guide decisions  Evaluate campus plans regularly to ensure students with disabilities are making progress

The module takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. Consider using it as part of your professional development efforts.

Parent Coordination Network Resources  Surrogate Parent Training Modules –Online – NEW!  TEA Hotline for displaced parents  Texas Project First Website  Foster Care Collabora-tives  2016-17 Texas Parent Involvement Survey Results Web link: www.texasparent.org The Parent Coordination Network is a leadership function of the Texas Education Agency with Region 9 ESC serving as the state’s lead. The Website has recently been updated with several resources:  NEW Surrogate Parent Training Modules found on the main website under the Surrogate & Foster Parents link at the bottom of the homepage - https://www.texasparent.org/projects  Texas Education Agency Hotline for Parents displaced by hurricane Harvey 512-463- 9603. Additionally links are provide for school resources and additional parent resources: o School Resources - http://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Other_Services/Weather_and_Disaster/Hurrican e_Harvey_Resources/ o Parent Resources - http://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Other_Services/Weather_and_Disaster/Hurrican e_Harvey_Parent_Resources/  Texas Project First Website – A project of the Texas Education Agency committed to providing accurate and consistent information to parents and families of students with disabilities - http://www.texasprojectfirst.org/  Foster Care Collaboratives - Collaboratives have been initiated around the state between regional foster care agencies and special education personnel to share

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 6 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 information and troubleshoot needs for foster care students with special needs - https://www.texasparent.org/copy-of-reading-strategies  2016-17 Texas Parent Involvement Survey Report - https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/76ac8d_f3cdea6bda06462f9b8dcbb1fb2cc561.pdf

For additional information, contact Susan Parker at [email protected] or 713.744.6398.

Texas Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRCCG) State CRCG webpage: https://crcg.hhs.texas.gov/  Region 4 CRCG District Contact list 2014-15 *  Region 4 Regional CRCG Contacts *  Community Resource Coordination Groups are groups of local agency partners, community members (including local LEAs) that work with parents, caregivers, youth, and adults to make a service plan. The service plan helps a person with special needs receive benefits and services.  Please reference the Region 4 ESC CRCG District contact list 2014-15 and email necessary updates for your district to: [email protected]  Included in the packet is the updated list of CRCG contacts for the Region 4 ESC area.

For additional information, contact Susan Parker at [email protected] or 713.744.6398.

Child Find/Student Evaluation Region 4 Child Find Resources

Region 4 Child Find webpage: http://www.esc4.net/services/special-education-solutions/child-find

Region 4 provides the following resources to assist with the Child Find Process:  Frequently Asked Questions  Child Find Flyers  Helpful Resources

For additional information, contact Kara Zwolinski at [email protected] or 713.744.6562.

Legal Framework: Notice of Procedural Safeguards: Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilities (Procedural Safeguards) Link:

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 7 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 Notice of Procedural Safeguards http://framework.esc18.net/display/Webforms/LandingPage.aspx Translations of Notice of Procedural Safeguards and ARD Guide http://www.spedtex.org/resources/

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) posted the Notice of Procedural Safeguards: Rights of Parents of Students with Disabilities (Procedural Safeguards) to the Legal Framework on the Region 18 ESC website. Translations are available on the SPEDTex website (Region 10 ESC).

The Procedural Safeguards explains parents ‘specific rights and responsibilities under the IDEA 2014. The Procedural Safeguards fulfills the current legal requirements for the federally prescribed content of this notice. When districts distribute this notice, other than adding local contact information in the designated space, they must not change the wording and format of the document. The Procedural Safeguards are available in English and Spanish.  Dissemination: IDEA requires that school districts and charter schools provide the Procedural Safeguards to parents. They must disseminate it once a year and on the following occasions: o upon initial referral or on request for evaluation; o upon the first occurrence of the filing of a due process hearing complaint or special education complaint during a school year; o upon a disciplinary change of placement; or o upon a request by a parent.  Documentation: Local Education Agencies (LEA – districts and charters) must continue to document the provision of Procedural Safeguards in a student’s eligibility folder. Documentation is subject to compliance review through the State’s monitoring system.  Language Requirements: LEAs must provide the Procedural Safeguards to parents in their native language or other mode of communication unless it is clearly not feasible to do so. If a parent’s native language or other mode of communication is not a written language, the school must translate the notice orally or by other means so that it is understood by the parent.  Production: Each LEA is responsible for downloading, printing, and distributing the Procedural Safeguards. The Procedural Safeguards document reflects current requirements. Schools should incorporate the Procedural Safeguards into their referral process for special education evaluation. The newly revised version of the Procedural Safeguards is available at http://tea.texas.gov/index2.aspx?id=2147497556.  Contact Information: LEAs are provided spaces on the back page of the Procedural Safeguards to list local contact information for the LEA, Education Service Center and Parent Training Information (PTI) Center. o Please enter ESC information as noted following. Please do not list specific names of staff at the ESC as this may cause delay in responding. o TEA requires that the PTI be listed unless there is an alternate advocacy organization located closer to the LEA than the PTI. In that case the closer parent advocacy, ARC, or other organization, may be listed.

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 8 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 o In addition, the new Special Education Information Center contact information is printed on the back page. The Special Education Information Center provides information related to special education to parents, school personnel, and other members of the public. The contact number is 1-855-773-3839 (1-855-SPEDTEX).

For information or assistance, contact Kara Zwolinski at [email protected] or 713.744.6562 or Susan Parker at [email protected] 713.744.6398

Guidance on Parent’s Guide to the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Guide (Parent Guide) Production and Required Dissemination Link: TEA Guidance on ARD Guide and dissemination http://tea.texas.gov/index2.aspx? id=2147496922

The Parent's Guide contains information that parents need to effectively participate in an ARD committee meeting for their child.  The Parent's Guide is intended to be a companion document to, not a replacement for, the Procedural Safeguards, which identifies parents’ rights and responsibilities in federal law.  The purpose of the Parent's Guide is to create a common understanding for parents, school personnel, and communities of the IEP process for a student with disabilities.  The Parent's Guide is a living document and is reviewed on a regular basis to reflect timely and accurate information. The Parent's Guide contains a production date on the cover and in the footer of the document.  LEAs must provide the most current version of the Parent's Guide to parents of students with disabilities before the first ARD committee meeting or when a parent requests it.  LEAs are responsible for the initial dissemination of the Parent's Guide; however, LEAs may provide updated versions to the parent when requested.

For information or assistance, contact Kara Zwolinski at [email protected] or 713.744.6562. * included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 9 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017

Full Individual Evaluation

IDEA mandates that in the evaluation of students, a variety of assessment tools must be used and that those instruments must be technically sound. In order to assist LEAs with this task, Region 4 is providing the following evaluation tools along with a PROMO CODE for ONE (1) FREE REGISTRATION to the training (date to be determined). The test kits will be distributed to each Region 4 LEA (school districts and charter schools) with a Diagnostician or LSSP as an employee at the first Student Evaluation & Psychological Services Leadership Network on October 6, 2017.

 FAR (Feifer Assessment of Reading) – The FAR examines the underlying cognitive and linguistic processes that support proficient reading skills.  FAM (Feifer Assessment of Math) – The FAM examines underlying neurodevelopmental processes that support proficient math skills. Along with the test kits and training, each district will receive one copy of Dr. Feifer’s books related to assessment of reading and math: Integrating RTI With Cognitive Neuropsychology: A Scientific Approach to Reading and The Neuropsychology of Mathematics: An Introduction to the FAM.

Special Education Instruction and Services Making Connections I-IV: TEA Approved Innovative Course Making Connections I-IV TEA Approved Innovative Course Document The Making Connections I-IV course sequence is a series of electives developed in Klein ISD that serves students with autism and related disorders by assisting with the development and generalization of social and soft skills that improve postsecondary outcomes. Each elective course allows students to earn .5 state elective credits for a total of up to 2 credits.

For additional information, please see the included TEA Approved Innovative Course document and/or contact Laura Henderson at 832.249.4387 or [email protected].

TEA Student Assessment: STAAR Accessibility Training http://tea.texas.gov/student.assessment/training/

The final STAAR Accessibility training from TEA held September 12, 2017 is posted at http://tea.texas.gov/Student_Testing_and_Accountability/Testing/Student_Assessment_Ov erview/Accommodation_Resources/2018_Accessibility/ (scroll down to Trainings and Presentations.

The Accessibility Resources are at the following link: http://tea.texas.gov/student.assessment/training/  2017 policies are effective through December 2017  2018 policies are effective January – December 2018

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 10 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 o All policies for 2018 are posted. Changes are highlighted in the PowerPoint presentation referenced above.

o 2018 Highlights of New/Updated Policies:

. Accessibility Features (available for all students) (September 2017 TETN PPT Slides 9-10)

. Locally Approved Designated Supports (September 2017 TETN PPT Slides 11-25)

. Designated Supports Requiring TEA Approval – (September 2017 TETN PPT Slides 26-31)

. New! Technology Use Guidelines (September 2017 TETN PPT Slides 32-44)

o Information regarding the following is also included in the STAAR Accessibility Training PowerPoint Presentation: . Requesting Paper Copies, Accommodations Request Forms (ARF), Special Situations, FAQs, Accessing STAAR Online Tutorials and STAAR Online Released Tests, and the list of documents that will be posted soon (slides 45-75),

TETN Video Conferencing, you may contact the Videoconferencing Network Department if you wish to contract Region 4 to video stream the TETN to your site and receive TETN recordings, by calling 713.744.6318 or email Marcy Kay Harris at [email protected].

The new e-mail for TEA Student Assessment, Special Populations: [email protected]

Note: Region 4 ESC Special Education Solutions is providing a professional development session titled Updates on State Assessment for Students with Disabilities  November 29, 2017 – Session ID: 1348408  February 27, 2018 – Session ID: 1338461 For more details about this session, see the professional development section at the end of the weekly update.

For more information please contact Cynthia Barrett, Ph.D. at [email protected] or 713-744-6343 or Kirsten Omelan, Ph.D. at [email protected] or 713-744-6361.

IEP Facilitation Resources and Information ARD Committees and Alternatives for Dispute Resolution

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 11 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 Under federal (20 USC § 1414; 34 CFR Part 300) and Texas state (Texas Education Code, 19 TAC Chapter 89) law, a public school district or public charter school is required to establish an admission, review, and dismissal (“ARD”) committee to develop an individualized education program (“IEP”) for each student served by the school district or charter’s special education program.

TEA Resources on IEP Facilitation  TEA web link for information on Local and State IEP Facilitation: http://tea.texas.gov/index2.aspx?id=25769817763  In 2013, the 83rd Texas Legislature passed Senate bill (“SB”) 542 relating to alternative dispute resolution methods regarding educational services for students with disabilities, including Individualized Education Program (IEP) facilitation.  Under the provisions of SB 542 o 19 TAC § 89.1150 was revised to include facilitation as an option for dispute resolution o 19 TAC § 89 1196 added for local voluntary IEP facilitation o 19 TAC § 89.1197 added for state IEP facilitation were added

Region 4 Developed Resources for Voluntary Local IEP Facilitation Link for resources:  Region 4 resource: Resources for Facilitating the IEP Process available for download at: https://esc4.box.com/v/Region4-FIEPResources  Region 4 has provided training, technical assistance and resources for implementation of IEP Facilitation. The Resources for Implementing the Facilitated Individualized Education Program (FIEP) Process includes: o Program Guidelines o Parent Information o Sample Request Forms o Sample Letters o Sample Contract o Facilitator Survey

 For information or assistance, contact Linda De Zell Hall, Ph.D. at 713.744.6399 or [email protected].

TEA: Special Education Dispute Resolution Process and Handbook Links:  Dispute Resolution Process at http://tea.texas.gov/index2.aspx?id=2147497560  (TEA Division of Legal Services resources available at: http://tea.texas.gov/About_TEA/Legal_Services/Special_Education/Office_of_Legal_Se rvices,_Special_Education_General_Information/  The Texas Education Agency (TEA) offers three formal processes for resolving disputes related to special education: mediation, special education complaints, and due process hearings.  TEA Office of Legal Services, Special Education General Information and resources include

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 12 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 o Special Education Dispute Resolution Systems Handbook o Free and Low Cost Legal Services - This Free and Low Cost Legal Services List contains information about free or low cost legal service providers in the State of Texas in accordance with 34 CFR §300.507(b). The list is not exhaustive and TEA, its employees, and contractors cannot provide recommendations on which provider, if any, should be choose. o Special Education Parent Attorneys and Advocates - For a list of attorneys and advocates who represent and/or assist students in special education disputes, please contact TEA Legal Services. The list is not exhaustive. TEA, its employees, and contractors cannot provide recommendations about which attorney or advocate, if any, should be chosen. This list is provided for the information and convenience of the parties and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by TEA, its employees, or contractors..

For questions related to special education complaints, please contact the Division of Federal and State Education Policy: Phone (512) 463-9414 Fax (512) 463-9560

For questions related to mediations or due process hearings, please contact the Division of Legal Services: Phone (512) 463-9720 Fax (512) 475-3662.

Help a Fellow Director! Please complete the Facilitators for the IEP Process Survey (2017-2018) Please go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W5GRVRZ and help us by providing information on people that you have used as independent/neutral Facilitators.

 In order to help Local Education Agencies in Facilitating the IEP Process, Region 4 needs information to compile an updated list of persons districts and charters are utilizing as independent/neutral Facilitators.  The survey will go to Linda De Zell Hall, Ph.D. She will contact the people to verify that they want to be included on the list.  The list will be available to district and charter directors of special education upon request.  Being on the list is not an endorsement of the person nor is it a recommendation from any other district or charter. Any district or charter will need to review the person’s credentials, experience, vita/resume, documented training, level of experience in working with ARD/IEP Teams on consensus, and other information.  Rates of reimbursement will also need to be reviewed by the district or charter.

If you have questions, please contact Linda De Zell Hall, Ph.D. at 713.744.6399 or [email protected] . We appreciate your help and sharing of information.

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 13 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 DON”T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY! Ingrid Bens Facilitation Tutor Online Special Education Director Nomination Survey (2017-2018) Please complete the online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RK9VCGG  In order to help Local Education Agencies in Facilitating the IEP Process, Region 4 has collaborated with Ingrid Bens, National Facilitation Expert, to utilize IDEA funds to provide access to the online Facilitation Tutor Core Skills Program training at no additional cost for a limited number of participants.  The Facilitation Tutor Core Skills Program has been designed to teach the essential skills needed to become an effective group facilitator.  The course is organized into ten lessons demonstrating core skills. Each lesson is supported by downloadable workbook pages.  Each participant will have access to the online course for six months. Good news you say? How do I sign me or my staff up?  Please complete the online survey with information on you as Director and information on participants.  Please note that only Directors of Special Education may nominate staff. Region 4 will provide login information to you via email.

If you have questions, please contact Linda De Zell Hall, Ph.D. at 713.744.6399 or [email protected]

Region 13 IEP Facilitation Resources and Training Link:  Region 13 online resources http://www4.esc13.net/fiep  Online training (FA12198651) at https://ecampus.esc13.net/show_class_info.html? classid=21588%20-%20_=1377553832008&url=/show_class_info.html%3Fclassid %3D19851  Region 13 ESC, Austin, TX has posted resources and an online training opportunity at . o Parent Handbook for Special Education o IEP Checklist o Facilitation Continuum o Consensus Gradient  The Basics: Facilitating ARDs/ IEP Meetings (FIEP Online) is an 18 hour online course intended to provide skills to all members of the ARD/IEP committee including the parents of students with disabilities. This course explores group process, communication, problem solving and decision making. And, because sometimes team work is challenging, the course provides strategies for conflict resolution. The examples relate to special education, but the skills and strategies are applicable to any team. o The online course is provided at no cost to the participant. Register online to take session # FA1219851

Developing Talkers Project  Developing Talkers Project Application We will be hosting a new project designed to help PPCD students build comprehension and vocabulary skills. This project is especially appropriate for our co-teach PPCD classrooms as this supplemental curriculum is designed to support struggling

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 14 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 prekindergarten students. Priority will be given to co-teach teams or PPCD teachers that are going into the prekindergarten classrooms to provide specially designed instruction.  Applications are due soon, Oct. 15  Training dates are Nov. 10, 2017 and Jan. 30, 2018 If you have questions or need more information, please contact Sonja Hollan. at 713.744.6340 or [email protected]

Region 4 ESC 2017-2018 Access to the General Curriculum (AGC) Stakeholder Meetings http://tinyurl.com/agcstakeholder

Discuss current national, state and local information on curriculum, assessment and instructional issues as it relates to students with disabilities accessing the general education curriculum. Identify trends and issues affecting districts/campuses across the region, give feedback on services provided and those needed by Region 4 ESC and network with other professionals across the region. Registration is limited to stakeholder members. This group will be comprised of staff designated by LEA Directors of Special Education. Click on the link below to enter your AGC Stakeholder designee(s). http://tinyurl.com/agcstakeholder

LEAs and Charters may identify representatives to attend our 2017-2018 AGC Stakeholder Meetings. We are able to accommodate (1) representative per LEA/Charter per stakeholder group.

The deadline to submit the name of your designee is October 1, 2017.

2017-2018 AGC Stakeholder Meetings: Secondary  October 10, 2017 8:30-11:30  November 28, 2017 8:30-11:30  February 13, 2018 8:30-11:30

2017-2018 AGC Stakeholder Meetings: Elementary  October 10, 2017 12:30-3:30  November 28, 2017 12:30-3:30  February 13, 2018 12:30-3:30

For additional information, contact Cynthia Barrett, Ph.D., at [email protected] or 713-744-6343 or Townsley Raposa at [email protected] or 713-744-4470.

For Your Information New Director Training Modules

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 15 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017  The 20 Regional Service Center Directors of Special Education have created New Director Training Modules that have open access with no passcode.  Viewers will have video only access and are asked to follow the usage statement. Region 10 ESC will be maintaining the site.

Transformational Special Education Leadership Series 2017–2018 Session ID: 1275200

In a leadership position for Special Education in schools in the state of Texas? Or want to be? Join us for the Transformational Special Education Leadership series. Topics are targeted to build capacity for current and aspiring leaders and will include: o Transformational leadership skills o Developing outstanding staff and working with the educational community o Parents as partners o Fiscal management and budgeting o Crucial conversation, accountability and influencer skills o Instructional leadership o Program supervision o Key components to take the next step in leading for the future

This session is designed for current and future leaders of special education including Directors, Assistant Directors, Administrators, Coordinators, Supervisors, Senior Specialists, Leads, and ARD/IEP Facilitators. Participants will be encouraged to operationalize leadership by identifying and focusing on a personal leadership application and sharing out information. Topic specific resources for each day will be provided during the series. Attendance and participation during each respective session is mandatory for receipt of training materials for that day. This series will be provided throughout the 2017- 18 school year. Registration is limited to 50 participants. Registration fee will not be prorated. Session and materials are partially or fully funded by state or federal grants.

Dates: • October 4, 2017 Cancelled Date • November 7, 2017 – New Start Date • November 8, 2017 • November 29, 2017 • December 5, 2017 • February 7, 2018 • *February 23, 2018 (Possible Date) • March 21, 2018

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Location: Region 4 Fee $350 Contact: Linda De Zell Hall, Ph.D., 713-744-6399 or [email protected]

Autism Satellite Sites Training Autism Satellite Sites Training Information * included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 16 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 Autism Satellite Sites Training is a project created to provide 2.5-hour professional development sessions in the fall of 2017 and the spring of 2018 at various “satellite sites” throughout Region 4. The Fall 2017 training will address Linking Behavior Function to Intervention; the Spring 2018 training will address Teaching Communication Skills Throughout the Day. The document, Autism Satellite Sites Training Information, provides information on district groupings, dates, times, session ID numbers, and locations.

For additional information, contact Cathy Williams, Ph.D., at [email protected] or 713.744.6801.

TSLAT Autism Circuit Cohort 4

Autism Circuit Cohort 4: Call for Applications

Those who work with students with autism have the opportunity to join educators from across the state in learning more about the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for students with autism. This virtual professional learning community provides the opportunity to learn more about EBPs, share and obtain resources, build relationships with other educators, and earn up to 60 CEUs.

For additional information and/or a link to the application, contact Cathy Williams, Ph.D., at 713.744.6801 or [email protected].

Electronic Submission of Local Education Agency (LEA) Policies and Procedures Link:

Legal Framework http://framework.esc18.net/display/Webforms/LandingPage.aspx Pursuant to 34 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §300.220, each LEA must have on file with the TEA its policies and procedures that are consistent with State policies and procedures governing special education. The online policies and procedures format allows districts the opportunity to make this very important information readily available to community stakeholders, as well as provide the State with an effective and efficient way to manage this federal requirement.

You can generate the District Status Report for Policies using the LF Authoring Account system. Start by going to the Legal Framework; click the link on the bottom right for the Administrator link to log in to your LF Authoring Account. Once in the account, select Reporting, Status Report, and report type Policies and Procedures. Review the report and make any needed changes. If you need to review the process for linking, refer to the Resource Library Training Materials.

For information or assistance, contact the Legal Framework at [email protected] or 432.561.4332.

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 17 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 Kara Zwolinski beginning of year information Legal Framework: Identification of District Transition and Employment Services Designee and Web link to Transition Employment Guide Please use the following link to update or submit the information via the authoring system of the Legal Framework: http://fw.esc18.net/FrameworkAuthoringSystem/Webforms/Login/Login.aspx House Bill (HB) 617, 83rd Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2013 amended Section 29.011 of the Texas Education Code. The state law now requires each local education agency (LEA) or shared services arrangement (SSA) to: (1) Designate at least one employee to serve as the LEA or SSA designee on transition and employment services for students enrolled in special education programs. LEAs and SSAs must enter transition and employment services designee information into the authoring system of the Legal Framework and (2) Post the Texas Transition and Employment Guide (Guide) on their district or charter websites, if they maintain a website, and provide students/parents with information on how to access the Guide. LEAs and SSAs must enter the Web link to the Guide on their website into the authoring system of the Legal Framework. A complete instructional guide on how to enter and check the information has been updated and can be found in the Resource Library--Training Material folder in the special education director workbench within the Legal Framework. It is entitled “2015 Transition Employment Designee Information.”

For additional information on Legal Framework, contact Kara Zwolinski at [email protected] or 713.744.6562, or Jerry Klekotta at [email protected] or 713.744.6393.

For information on Transition, contact Townsley Raposa at [email protected] or 713.744.4470. Townsley Raposa beginning of year information Region 4 ESC Core Teams Handout:  Special Education Solutions Department Core Teams Chart* Region 4 Special Education staff are divided into Core Teams in order to better serve districts.

The team members work collaboratively to identify regional and district needs and develop services to address those needs.

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 18 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 Core Team Lead Texas Access to the General Cynthia Barrett, Ph.D. Assistive Curriculum Technology Administration, Jerry Klekotta Network Accountability, Compliance (TATN) Assistive Technology/ Angela Standridge TATN Related Services website: Behavior, Social, Emotional Clynita Grafenreed, Ph.D.  Low Incidence Susan Parker Preschool Sonja Hollan Student Evaluation, Speech Gayla Lutz http://www.texasat.net/ The Texas Assistive Technology Network (TATN) consists of representatives from each of the Texas Education Services Centers, and the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Region 4 Education Service Center provides statewide leadership for the network.  Through a comprehensive planning process, the TATN has developed a framework for statewide collaboration. Priorities in professional development and technical assistance focus on providing training, products and services that: o build district capacity in assistive technology knowledge and skills o promote strategies for building the literacy skills of all students, and o are aligned with statewide literacy initiatives

For additional information, contact:  Angela Standridge, Statewide Lead, at 713.744.6831 or [email protected]  Shannon Paige, Education Specialist at 713.744.6377 or [email protected]  Tricia Peters, Education Specialist at 713.744.6374 or [email protected]  Alisa McCarty, Resource Specialist at 713.744.6339 or [email protected]  Carmen James, Secretarial Support at 713.744.6566 or [email protected]  Linda Moses, Secretarial Support at 713.744.6369 or [email protected]

Texas Behavior Support Network (TBS) TBS website:  http://www.txbehaviorsupport.org/ The Texas Behavior Support (TBS) network consists of representatives from each of the Texas Education Service Centers and the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Region 4 Education Service Center provides statewide leadership for the network.

The focus of TBS is to provide capacity-building trainings and products for Education Service Centers and Child-Serving Agency Network Representatives for regional-level professional development and technical assistance activities with districts/charter schools and child-serving agencies.  The goal of the network is to create a Positive Behavior Support System in the Texas public schools that will enable students with disabilities to receive special education supports and services in the least restrictive environment and to participate successfully in the TEKS-based curriculum and state assessment system.

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 19 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017

For additional information, contact:  Clynita Grafenreed, Ph.D., Statewide Lead, at 713.744.6345 or [email protected]  Shelley Garza at 713.744.4433 or [email protected]  Catherine Landry at 713.744.6555 or [email protected]  Vicki Santos at 713.744.6321 or [email protected]  Justine Osbourne at 713.744.6371 or [email protected]  Chasity Brown, Secretarial Support at 713.744.6868 or [email protected]

Preschool Specialist Leadership Group

To provide technical, support, and leadership to preschool specialists for the state, Region 4 has been named to lead the Preschool Specialist Leadership Group.

For further information, please contact Sonja Hollan, [email protected] 713.744.6340

Region 4 Representatives to Statewide Leadership Functions Web link  http://tea.texas.gov/index2.aspx?id=2147494394

Leadership Function Region 4 Representative Low Incidence Disabilities Susan Parker Region 4 (ESC 3 Lead) Parent Coordination Susan Parker (ESC 9 Lead) Progress in the General Cynthia Barrett, Ph.D. Curriculum PLRE-Sonja Hollan (ESC 20 Lead) Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Sheryl Sokoloski (ESC 11 Lead) Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Kelley Watt (ESC 11, Lead) Texas Secondary Transition and Post School Results Townsley Raposa (ESC 11 Lead) Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Cathy Williams, Ph.D. (ESC 13 Lead)

Representatives to Statewide Leadership Projects Web link:  http://tea.texas.gov/index2.aspx?id=2147494394

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 20 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 Leadership Project Region 4 Representative Region 4 Legal Framework Kara Zwolinski Contact for (ESC 18 Lead) Jerry Klekotta Other TEA Statewide Evaluation Kara Zwolinski Specific Conference (ESC 12 Lead) eGrant Texas Autism Conference Cathy Williams, Ph.D. Funded or (ESC 2 Lead) Special Texas Initiative for Education Disproportionate Gayla Lutz Related Representation in Special Activities Education (ESC 1 Lead) TETN/TWU Speech Pathology Master’s Gayla Lutz Program(ESC 10 Lead)

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 21 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 Activity Region 4 Contact Certified Teacher for Students with Visual Impairments Training Sheryl Sokoloski (ESC 10 Lead, Stephen F. Austin State University) Jerry Klekotta Charter Schools Amanda Galvan, Secretarial Support Early Childhood Sonja Hollan Intervention (ECI) Kristina Parr Directors Consortium Facilitating the IEP Linda De Zell Hall, Ph.D. Process Texas Low Functioning Marina McCormick Deaf Stakeholders Group National Center on Deafblindness (NCDB) National Intervener Marina McCormick Certification E-Portfolio System (NICE) Noneducational Community-Based Linda De Zell Hall, Ph.D. Support Services Program Carolyn Kemp, Secretarial (Administration of Flow- Support thru Funds) Nontraditional Deaf Education Certification Kelley Watt Program (ESC17 Lead) Preschool Least Sonja Hollan Restrictive Environment Professional Preparation Sheryl Sokoloski Advisory Group (PPAG) Jerry Klekotta Program Monitoring & Linda De Zell Hall, Ph.D. Interventions SPP 7 Sonja Hollan (PMI)/Performance Based SPP 9, 10 Gayla Lutz Monitoring Analysis SPP 11, 12 Kara Zwolinski System (PBMAS)/State SPP 13, 14 Townsley Performance Plan (SPP) Raposa Marina McCormick Region 4 Regional Day Carolyn Kemp, Secretarial School Program for Deaf Support Cynthia Barrett, Ph.D. Jane Georges Rider 19, Building Kirsten Omelan, Ph.D. Inclusive Schools Initiative Becky Maya, Secretarial * included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide Supportand handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 22 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 Professional Development Opportunities—See attached DATES TO REMEMBER* Transforma-tional Special Education Leadership Series 2017-2018 Session ID: 1275200

In a leadership position for Special Education in schools in the state of Texas? Or want to be? Join us for the Transformational Special Education Leadership series. Topics are targeted to build capacity for current and aspiring leaders and will include:  Transformational leadership skills  Developing outstanding staff and working with the educational community  Parents as partners  Fiscal management and budgeting  Crucial conversation, accountability and influencer skills  Instructional leadership  Program supervision  Key components to take the next step in leading for the future

Session ID: 1275200 Dates:  October 4, 2017  November 7, 2017  November 8, 2017  November 29, 2017  December 5, 2017  February 7, 2017  March 21, 2017

Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Location: Region 4 Fee $350 Contact: Linda De Zell Hall, Ph.D., 713-744-6399 or [email protected]

Webinar for Special Education Evaluation Personnel – A Neurodevelopmental Approach to Assessment  Session ID: 1331400 Learning assessments can and should be about describing students. What can they do well? How can they be successful? If they struggle, what are the specific reasons, or breakdown points? Dr. Craig Pohlman will present a neurodevelopmental framework for planning assessments, * included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 23 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 interpreting results, and communicating findings. He will also discuss tips for revealing a learner's strengths and weaknesses.

Drawing a Blank: Improving Reading Comprehension for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

 Join this session to learn practical strategies for improving the reading comprehension of students with autism. Participants will gain valuable information on 1) how the features of autism affect comprehension, 2) explicit skills to be taught, and 3) evidence-based and practical strategies to help readers who struggle with comprehension. The book, Drawing a Blank: Improving Reading Comprehension for Students with ASD, will also be provided.

Session ID: 1301850 Dates: October 11, 2017 Time: 9:00 – 4:00 Fee: $35 Contact information: Cathy Williams, [email protected], 713.744.6801

Structured Teaching: It’s More Than Just Work Systems, A 3-Day Series

 Join this 3-day series to gain in-depth information on creating a structured classroom to support the learning and behavior of students with autism and other disabilities. Participants will learn 1) the principles and research base for structured teaching; 2) how to apply structured teaching principles to support students of varying ages and ability levels; 3) how to implement structured teaching in a variety of settings including special education classrooms, general education classrooms, and the community; 4) how to teach students to use structured teaching components; and 5) how to “re- structure” systems when students are not responding positively.

Session ID: 1301685 Dates: October 17, October 31, & November 14, 2017 Time: 9:00 – 4:00 Fee: $105 Contact information: Cathy Williams, [email protected], 713.744.6801

Introduction to the New WISC-V Spanish  Session ID 1302895 This session will provide an overview of the new Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fifth Edition Spanish (WISC-V Spanish), for ages 6:0 to 16:11. Participants will learn about the changes from the WISC-IV Spanish to the WISC-V Spanish, including the revision goals, new subtests and test content, the revised factor structure, and new ancillary scores. Research on the test development and equating studies to WISC-V will be presented. Also, a demonstration of the WISC-V Spanish on Q-interactive, our digital testing system, will be conducted as the WISC-V Spanish is only available on Q-interactive.

Date: October 20, 2017 * included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 24 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 Time: 8:30am – 11:30am Fee: $35

Social Skills and Social Communication Activities for Children on the Autism Spectrum

 This session aims to equip teachers, speech-language pathologists, and mental health professionals with abundant, ready-to-use social skills and social communication lessons, activities, and games to be used immediately with children on the autism spectrum.

Session ID: 1313774 Dates: October 20, 2017 Time: 8:30 – 3:30 Fee: $35 Contact information: Gayla Lutz, [email protected], 713.744.8138 or Cathy Williams, [email protected], 713.744.6801

Supporting the English Learner through the Collaboration of the LPAC and ARD Committee  Session ID 1323488 When a student with a disability is also identified as an English Language Learner (ELL), the Admission Review Dismissal (ARD) Committee must collaborate with the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC) to determine appropriate entry, program placement, and services which includes decisions about linguistic accommodations and the exiting process. Participants will also explore how to best meet the affective, linguistic, and cognitive needs of the student.

Date: October 30, 2017 Time: 8:30am – 3:30pm Fee: $100 Contact: Nicole DaSant-Ryan at [email protected] or Kara Zwolinski at [email protected]

Houston Metropolitan Educational Diagnostician Association Conference- Master Classes for Diags: Let’s Take It Up a Notch  Session ID 1292090 Houston Metropolitan Educational Diagnosticians Association (Hou-Met), a local chapter of the Texas Educational Diagnosticians Association (TEDA), promotes professionalism, excellence, and continuing growth for diagnosticians to provide individuals with disabilities quality educational services in the Houston-Metropolitan area. The purpose of this conference is to provide the latest information on evaluation for eligibility and facilitate networking opportunities for school personnel involved in the evaluation of children with disabilities. Attend this annual conference to learn more about current special education evaluation issues.

Dates: November 2-3, 2017 Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm Fee: $125 Contact: Kara Zwolinski at [email protected]

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 25 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 Dyslexia Assessment: Administration and Scoring of the CTOPP-2, GORT-5, and TWS-5  Session ID 1302230 The Dyslexia Handbook-Revised 2014, Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders from the Texas Education Agency outlines the Domains to Assess in a formal Dyslexia Evaluation. This session will train participants on administering and scoring the CTOPP-2, GORT-5, and the TWS-5 The CTOPP-2, Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing, Second Edition, is one assessment tool that may be used to measure phonological domains. The GORT-5, Gray Oral Reading Tests- 5th Edition is a tool that measures areas of reading ability. TWS-5, Test of Written Spelling is a dictated assessment for grade level spelling. These tests are valuable instruments for formal dyslexia assessment. Date: November 7, 2017 Time: 8:30am – 3:30pm Fee: $90 Contact: Jan Cook at [email protected] or Kara Zwolinski at [email protected]

Motor Sensory Labs and Classrooms: Concepts, Strategies, and Applications for the School Environment

 The Ready Bodies Motor Labs are designed to be implemented as an individual activity, as a classroom center or activity, as adaptive physical education, or as part of a campus-wide curriculum. In this two-day training, participants will 1) learn of the essential connection between motor/sensory development and the ability to perform tasks necessary for independence, behavioral control, and academic achievement; 2) receive information regarding the research base for the program; 3) see multiple demonstrations of lab set-up and activities; and 4) practice lab activities. Participants will also receive the curriculum guide for the motor lab: Ready Bodies, Learning Minds: Cultivating the Complete Child ©.

Session ID: 1282115 Dates: November 7 & 8, 2017 Time: 8:30 – 4:00 Fee: $70 Contact information: Cathy Williams, [email protected], 713.744.6801

Webinars for Special Education Evaluation Personnel – Writing Appropriate PLAAFP Statements  Session ID 1331414

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 26 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 The PLAAFP statement establishes the starting points in Strategies for developing annual goals and serve as baseline data points. Helping Because of this, it is important to make sure it includes all the Students with necessary information in a way that ensures all stakeholders can Autism understand the student's unique and current academic and Become functional levels. During the session, participants will review Happy, what must be included in the PLAAFP and how to use Successful information from a Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE) to write Writers data-based objective statements.

 Date: November 14, 2017 Join this Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm session to Fee: $20 learn tips for Contact: Kara Zwolinski at [email protected] helping students with autism and related disorders increase academic achievement and become happy, successful writers. Participants will learn strategies to support reluctant writers by focusing on four aspects of writing that are most problematic for students with autism: 1) language, 2) organization, 3) sensory, and 4) visual motor skills. The book, I Hate to Write!, will also be provided.

Session ID: 1302266 Dates: November 17, 2017 Time: 9:00 – 4:00 Fee: $35 Contact information: Cathy Williams, [email protected], 713.744.6801

Administration, Scoring, and Interpretation of the WJ IV (Cognitive, Achievement, and Oral Language  Session ID 1317688 Participants will gain the skills necessary to administer, score, and interpret the Woodcock Johnson Fourth Edition (WJ IV). The WJ IV provides three independent co-normed batteries: WJ IV Tests of Cognitive Abilities, WJ IV Tests of Oral Language, and WJ IV Tests of Achievement. The three batteries can be used independently or in any combination. This session is designed to address the WJ IV features of a carefully constructed organizational plan, new tests and clusters, an updated theoretical model, and customized interpretive analyses.

Date: November 17, 2017 Time: 8:30am – 3:30pm Fee: $35 Contact: Kara Zwolinski at [email protected]

Administration, Interpretation, and Application of the Woodcock-Munoz Language Survey, 3rd Edition (WMLS-III)  Session ID 1318806 The WMLS-III is a language proficiency assessment that interprets tested performance in light of the linguistic, environmental, and educational history of the student. The WMLS-III provides quick and reliable assessment in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The following topics will be covered during the training: * included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 27 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017  Overview of the WMLS-III  Test and general administration procedures  The fine points of administration and hands-on opportunity for learning  Understanding the computer scoring  Reporting and interpretation, including useful information in dyslexia and special education evaluation.

Date: November 29, 2017 Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm Fee: $35 Contact: Kara Zwolinski at [email protected]

Administration, Scoring, and Interpretation of the WISC-V and KTEA-3  Session ID 1317689 Participants will gain the skills necessary to administer, score, and interpret the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fifth Edition (WISC-V) and Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement, Third Edition (KTEA-3). This session will highlight the new features, test content, and usability of touch-screen digital technology can be used for test administration.

Date: December 1, 2017 Time: 8:30am – 3:30pm Fee: $35 Contact: Kara Zwolinski at [email protected]

Progressive and Systematic Speech and Language Training for Children on the Autism Spectrum

 Join this comprehensive and intervention-focused session to learn more about how children with autism develop speech and language. In this session, participants will learn 1) how to make critical intervention decisions, 2) how to determine whether intervention should focus on developing vocal language or an alternative communication system, 3) which variables to consider when teaching an alternative communication system, and 4) how and when to transition students from an alternative communication system to vocal communication.

Session ID: 1318999 Dates: March 20 & 21, 2018 Time: 9:00 – 4:00 Fee: $70 Contact information: Cathy Williams, [email protected], 713.744.6801

AGC National Presenter Series Featuring: Dr. Thomas Armstrong, Dr. Eric Jensen, Dr. David Sousa, Dan Herlihy, Dr. Kelly Cartwright, Mark Coppin,

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 28 of 29 Region 4 Education Service Center Special Education Directors’ Meeting September 28, 2017 Dr. Michael Wehmeyer, Dr. Karrie Shogren  https://www.escweb.net/tx_esc_04/search.aspx?SearchCriteria=AGC%20national

Providing New Horizons for All Students The devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey has dramatically impacted the students and families in Houston and the surrounding areas. For all students, and especially for students with special needs, this can be a particularly challenging time, with some students displaced, homeless, or in school situations that are unfamiliar.

As we work together to provide new horizons for our students, Region 4 ESC is pleased to offer a set of trainings from our AGC National Presenter Series to assist teachers and administrators with research-based, powerful tools to become masterful brain-changers and to provide instruction that skillfully addresses the wide diversity in contemporary classrooms.

Contact information: Jane Georges, [email protected], 713.744.6860

* included in packet Electronic access to note-taking guide and handouts at http://www.esc4.net/SPEDnetwork Page 29 of 29