Upcoming Workshops

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Beat the Heat 2020 | June 17-19

Professional Learning Communities!

Life Skills Literacy Leaders Professional Learning Community

The Literacy Leaders Professional Learning Community (PLC) of Region 13 is designed to enhance literacy instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities, as well as provide membership in a learning community for teachers, speech-language pathologists, and other team members who work with students with significant cognitive disabilities.

GOALS

  • Increase the number of educators in Region 13 who are skilled in the implementation of quality literacy instruction.
  • Build capacity in districts across the Region.
  • Provide examples and models for professional development for educators across Region 13.

As a part of this program, PLC members will participate in 5 face-to-face trainings throughout the 2018-19 school year. ESC Region 13 staff will provide rapid and ready assistance and modeling to the PLC. Follow-up coaching through a virtual platform will allow members to ask questions, comment, and upload implementation artifacts in a private PLC. In addition to training, participating teachers will receive materials for use in literacy instruction as a part of participation in this program.

Meeting dates

  • August 29, 2019
  • September 17, 2019
  • October 10, 2019
  • November 14, 2019
  • January 9, 2020
  • March 5, 2020

Inclusive Practice for Therapy Services Professional Learning Community

The Inclusive Practice for Therapy Services Professional Learning Community (PLC) of Region 13 is designed to support collaborative, classroom-based therapy intervention. This PLC will support SLPs, teachers, and other related service providers in developing professional working relationships, write inclusive goals, tie intervention to curriculum, and co-instruct therapeutically enhanced content. This PLC will have four, face-to-face meetings, a minimum of six implementation assignments, and online activities including uploading reflections and artifacts of work.

Meeting dates

  • August 27, 2019
  • October 3, 2019
  • January 13, 2020
  • April 28, 2020

Online and Ongoing!

Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training Online Courses

The Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training has a large catalog of free online course too numerous to list here. These courses are housed in ESC Region 13's eCampus system for ease of registration.

Communication Partnership: Exploring the Ethics of Roles and Responsibilities

Before we can speak, we have to listen. Before we can give output, we need lots and lots of input. Regardless of whether the modality of communication will be oral, sign, or AAC, children need to be immersed in a communication-rich environment with speakers of their language.

This session takes an ethical approach to understanding our roles and responsibilities as educators, not only to provide our students with AAC access, but also to become proficient speakers of their new language while encouraging others to do the same. Just as typically developing children spend the first several years of their lives listening and mastering the use of oral language, students who use AAC will need time, patience, and lots of communication partners to become fluent.

Notes

This course meets the criteria for TSHA Ethics, 2.0 CEUs.

Co-Teaching with Confidence

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Including students with disabilities in the general education classroom is both a challenge and an opportunity. Educators will need to collaborate to successfully meet the needs of these diverse learners. Region 13 Education Service Center is offering this online co-teaching training to help teachers address the challenges of co-teaching in a standards-based learning environment with a diverse group of learners.

This course will focus on the 6 different co-teaching approaches that best utilize two professionals in one classroom.

COURSE DETAILS

Online, self-paced course to provide Co-Teachers with the knowledge of how and when to implement the six co-teaching approaches.

Co-Teachers who complete this course will be able to:

· Define the six co-teaching approaches

· Identify the advantages and cautions of each approach

· Determine which approach(es) are appropriate for the given content to be taught

· Describe how to implement each approach in the classroom

· Identify strategies for co-planning with a co-teaching partner

To receive full credit for the course participants must earn an 80% for higher on the end of course test.

IEP Best Practice: An e-Learning Course

This seven module course has been designed to provide you with the appropriate tools and skills to create a balanced, data-driven, practical, and ultimately a student-focused Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Notes

We have titled this course IEP Best Practice because it will provide you with the building blocks of developing an IEP. So, regardless of which electronic IEP system you may use, these core principles and ideas will work across software programs, districts, and even the state you may currently work in.

Special group discounts are available, please click on the contact name below if 50 or more participants wish to register. Each module will be updated as they are created, participants will be notified by email. Full course credit (13 hours) will be earned once all 7 of the modules have been completed.

Online Course Registration & Navigation Help Guide

Workshops!

Basic PECS: Picture Exchange Communication Systems

PECS is a unique augmentative/alternative communication intervention package for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities. PECS does not require complex or expensive materials. It was created with families, educators, and resident care providers in mind, so is readily used in a range of settings.

PECS begins by teaching an individual to give a picture of a desired item to a “communicative partner", who immediately honors the exchange as a request. The system goes on to teach discrimination of pictures and how to put them together in sentences. In the more advanced phases, individuals are taught to answer questions and to comment.

The PECS teaching protocol is based on B.F. Skinner’s book, Verbal Behavior, such that functional verbal operants are systematically taught using prompting and reinforcement strategies that will lead to independent communication. Verbal prompts are not used, thus building immediate initiation and avoiding prompt dependence.

PECS has been successful with individuals of all ages demonstrating a variety of communicative, cognitive and physical difficulties. Some learners using PECS also develop speech. Others may transition to a voice output system. The body of research supporting the effectiveness of PECS continues to expand, with research from countries around the world.

Collaborative Teaching with Technology

Learn how to enhance instruction and improve student outcomes by meaningfully integrating technology into your collaborative classroom.

This workshop is designed to address the needs of a variety of collaborative instructional arrangements, whether providing co-teaching, inclusion support, or classroom consultation (AT, ESL, GT, etc.). It is appropriate for those just starting their technology journey and those more skilled.

You will practice using a variety of free technology tools for planning, data collection, formative assessment, differentiated instruction, and instructional accommodations (many that are allowable for eligible students on STAAR).

Also, you will have a chance to explore additional self-selected technology tools relevant to your instructional arrangement and student needs.

Back to School 5-Day Bootcamp for Professionals Who Work with Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilites

Do you work with students with significant cognitive disabilities? | Are you new to the profession? | Are you new to the setting? | Want a refresher?

Join us for 5 days of preparation for the new school year!

Bootcamp topics will include:

  • Classroom organization
  • Setting up effective classrooms
  • Class and individual schedules
  • Challenging behavior
  • Functional routines
  • Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs)
  • Data collection
  • Social skills/peer relationships
  • IEP best practices: PLAAFPS and goal writing
  • Creating successful teams for teachers and paraeducators
  • Functional communication
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

"Make and Take" on days 1 and 2 and access to a plethora of valuable resources included!

Days 1 and 2: Two-day "Life Skills Fundamentals" Course for Life Skills staff, Functional Academics staff, or for those who work with students with significant cognitive disabilities

Day 3: IEP Best Practices: PLAAFP and Goal Writing

Day 4: Creating Successful Teams for Teachers and Paraeducators

Day 5: Teaching Students Who Can't Talk: Supporting Significant Communication Impairments in the Classroom

PPCD Back to School Bootcamp

  • Presenters: ESC Region 13 Specialists
  • Register for Workshop #SU1939137
  • July 29-31 & August 1-2, 2019 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • $135.00
  • Maryteresa Tracy | maryteresa.tracy@esc13.txed.net

Attendees are welcome to join us for all 5 days or choose to attend any number of the individual workshops.

By registering for this event, you will be registered for ALL 5 days for the price of 3!

You will also receive one technical assistance visit in your classroom if requested.

There will be materials provided for each workshop, and you must be present to receive the materials and make and take items.

The Five days will cover:

July 29: SU1940986 IEP Best Practices: PLAAFP and Goal Writing

July 30: SU1939999 Creating Successful Teams for Teachers and Paraeducators

July 31: National Presenter Dan St Romain: SU1940905 From the Ground Up: Building Better Behavior in Our Youngest Learners

August 1 and 2: PPCD Classroom Fundamentals, including Circle Time Set Up!

Life Skills Fundamentals

Two days of training to jump start your classroom! Learn the fundamental skills and strategies necessary to successfully instruct and engage students with significant cognitive disabilities. (Life Skills, Functional Academics, or other similar classrooms)

This training will cover:

  • classroom organization,
  • class and individual schedules
  • routines,
  • evidence-based practices (reinforcement, prompting, visual supports, task analysis, modeling, and more)
  • challenging behavior,
  • data collection,
  • social skills,
  • relationship building,
  • and more!

Create teaching materials that will be ready to use the next day! Make and take and valuable resources included! Bring a bag to take all your new goodies home in!

IEP Best Practices: PLAAFP and Goal Writing

There are many aspects to writing a full Individualized Education Program (IEP). This training will focus on writing powerful Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) statements which will lead to student-focused goals. Participants will leave with easy to use tools to support their efforts for well written IEPs. This intensive instruction will allow time for participant practice. This training is for ANY special education teacher (PPCD to High School) who writes IEPs.

Life Skills Fundamentals

Two days of training to jump start your classroom! Learn the fundamental skills and strategies necessary to successfully instruct and engage students with significant cognitive disabilities. (Life Skills, Functional Academics, or other similar classrooms)

This training will cover:

  • classroom organization,
  • class and individual schedules
  • routines,
  • evidence-based practices (reinforcement, prompting, visual supports, task analysis, modeling, and more)
  • challenging behavior,
  • data collection,
  • social skills,
  • relationship building,
  • and more!

Create teaching materials that will be ready to use the next day! Make and take and valuable resources included! Bring a bag to take all your new goodies home in!

Creating Successful Teams for Teachers and Para Educators

Are you part of a team of educators working closely together in a special education setting? Then this is the workshop for you!

In this workshop, special education teachers and paraeducators will examine strategies and skills for promoting effective communication, collaboration, and team building. Workshop topics will include ways to improve teamwork, working relationships, communication, leadership, and role clarification. Participants will also learn strategies to support effective problem solving and decision making.

Teachers and paraeducators are encouraged, but not required, to attend as a team.

Teaching Students Who Can't Talk: Supporting Significant Communication Impairments in the Classroom

This session is designed to help teachers support the communication and instructional needs of students with severe communication disabilities. Participants will learn about communication development and best practices for teaching students with complex communication needs.

This is an introductory course for educators that will cover:

  • Communication Development
  • Framework for Supporting Complex Communication Needs
  • Getting Started: Communication Supports in Your Classroom
  • Resources for Continued Learning

From the Ground Up: Building Better Behavior in Our Youngest Learners

As we work to help children be successful in our settings and beyond, it is important to understand how ages and stages of development impact their behaviors. In this interactive session, participants will examine social, emotional, ethical and cognitive aspects of development and learn simple methods for encouraging healthy growth in each.

Dan is a national presenter who is passionate about helping individuals shift their perspective on behavior, understanding the best ways to provide support given the challenges posed in today’s society. He regularly presents on topics impacting school climate, brain-based instruction, and developmentally appropriate educational practices.

PPCD Classroom Fundamentals

The struggle is real! Implementing structure in preschool classrooms can seem an impossible task. Don't worry- we can help. Not only will you learn about organizing the physical space of your classroom, but you will learn how structuring time and learning activities can positively impact the success of your students with disabilities. We will simplify the complex task of structuring your classroom by implementing ten essential components into your daily routine. This is a must-have for new and seasoned teachers. Register today!

Key topics covered in this workshop will be:

  • Classroom Organization
  • Early Childhood Outcomes
  • Classroom Management
  • Evidenced Based Practices
  • Data Collection
  • and new this year.... fundamentals will include the visuals to set up your circle time!!

STAR (Strategies for Teaching base on Autism Research) Comprehensive Workshop

This comprehensive two-day workshop utilizes the researched-based STAR Program (Arick, Loos, Falco and Krug, 2015) to teach participants how to implement three evidence-based instructional methods: Discrete Trial Training, Pivotal Response Training, and teaching through Functional Routines. Implementation methods are taught through detailed examples and hands-on practice activities using the STAR Program, which contains structured lesson plans and a curriculum scope and sequence.

What participants will learn:

  • Developmental curriculum content appropriate for children with autism
  • Curriculum-based assessment techniques for baseline and progress monitoring
  • To use applied behavior analysis (ABA) lesson plans
  • Teach children with autism using the discrete trial training method
  • Be familiar with the method of pivotal response training and the research
  • Teach children with autism to be independent and to generalize skills learned in discrete trial and pivotal response training within their daily functional routines
  • The critical skills students with autism need to learn
  • To teach communication skills, academic skills and social interaction & play skills to a variety of children with autism.

Participants will attend training for two consecutive days. IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT PARTICIPANTS POSSESS A KIT BEFORE ATTENDING and bring at least one level of the kit with them to the initial training.

Literacy for Students with Significant Cognitive Delays (3 Day)

Are you a teacher responsible for providing literacy instruction to students with significant cognitive and/or multiple disabilities? Are you struggling to make literacy instruction meaningful for this population of students? Interested in adding to your special education literacy toolkit? Then, this is the workshop for you! With the right strategies and supports, all students, no matter the extent of their disabilities, can learn to interact with print in meaningful ways.

In this intensive, three day workshop, teachers of students with significant disabilities will learn about the foundations of emergent literacy development in students with significant disabilities. Teachers will also learn how to determine if students require emergent or conventional interventions, and gain strategies to build oral and written language skills.

Topics will include:

  • Shared Predictable Chart Writing
  • Shared and guided reading
  • Emergent and conventional writing
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
  • Alternate pencils
  • Alphabet and print knowledge
  • Phonemic awareness, phonological awareness and phonics
  • Assessment strategies and tools to assist with

Teachers are encouraged, but not required, to attend with their SLPs, OTs and other relevant related service providers.

***Make and take and materials provided!