Presenters: Donna Day, Facilitator for Special Education

Co-Presenter: Bernadette Baca, Facilitator for Special Education

Participants will participate in discussions and activities that demonstrate best practices for working with students with complex access needs. Ideas and strategies for assisting students with becoming more independent will be presented. Visuals are a key component of the session. Participants will be given access to a Google Drive with a variety of strategies and resources for use when they leave the session.

Objectives: 

1. Identify 3 communication strategies that will increase the ability to initiate independent responses, needs, wants, and clarifications at school. 

2. Will discuss 3 reasons to use hands-on activities when working with students with complex access needs.

3. Will identify up to 3 examples of visuals that were displayed from the shared Google Drive and one way they will utilize the provided resource.

Presenter: Emily Garcia, SPED EC-12

Co-Presenter: Henry Rodriguez, M.Ed.

Join us for an in-depth overview of the newly launched Bridge to Success Center (BTSC) program, designed to equip young adults with essential transition skills for life beyond high school. In this session, we will explore the core components of the BTSC program, highlighting how it supports the personal and academic growth of its participants.

We will also delve into our strategic collaboration with Clint High School’s Peer Tutor group, which plays a crucial role in fostering an inclusive and supportive campus culture. Through this partnership, the BTSC not only enhances the learning experience for young adults but also encourages peer-to-peer mentorship and community building. Attendees will gain insight into the program’s goals, the types of transition skills being developed, and how the collaboration is structured to benefit both young adults in the program and the broader school community.

Objectives: 

1. Participants will outline three specific ways the BTSC program collaborates with the Peer Tutor group to foster an inclusive campus culture at the High School.

2. Participants will list two key transition opportunities provided by the Bridge to Success Center for young adults, and discuss how these opportunities support their integration into the broader school community and how that could be started where they work.

3. Attendees will evaluate and identify at least three different initiatives or activities offered by the BTSC that contribute to creating an inclusive environment for its members.

Presenter: Lisa Marenco, Council member for Texas Council of Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) and parent

Co-Presenters:

Melina Marenco, Artist and Self-Advocate

Mrs. Selma Gonzales, Special Education Teacher

Join us for an informative session that takes you through the personal journey of a mother and her daughter as they navigate ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meetings. This presentation will share valuable lessons learned, practical tips, and actionable ideas for a successful ARD experience. Discover how to effectively prepare for these meetings, and understand the student's role and responsibilities when they are ready to attend their own ARD. Additionally, a special education teacher will provide insights into her crucial role in implementing IEPs, offering strategies that have proven effective for her students. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, this session offers a comprehensive look at fostering successful outcomes in ARD meetings.

Objectives: 

1. Participants will identify at least three key strategies for effectively preparing for an ARD meeting, as demonstrated through a post-session reflection activity.

2. Participants will articulate the student's role and responsibilities in ARD meetings, as measured by their ability to list and explain these roles in an exit ticket.

3. Participants will evaluate and apply at least two strategies provided by the special education teacher for implementing IEPs, as evidenced by a scenario-based assessment conducted during the session.

Presenters: Donna Day, Facilitator for Special Education

Co-Presenter: Bernadette Baca, Facilitator for Special Education

Participants will participate in discussions and activities that demonstrate best practices for working with students with complex access needs. Ideas and strategies for assisting students with becoming more independent will be presented. Visuals are a key component of the session. Participants will be given access to a Google Drive with a variety of strategies and resources for use when they leave the session.

Objectives: 

1. Identify 3 communication strategies that will increase the ability to initiate independent responses, needs, wants, and clarifications at school. 

2. Will discuss 3 reasons to use hands-on activities when working with students with complex access needs.

3. Will identify up to 3 examples of visuals that were displayed from the shared Google Drive and one way they will utilize the provided resource.