2015 Special Education Leadership Academy Beyond Legislation ...
2015 Special Education Leadership Academy Beyond Legislation: From Regulations to Practice July 27 to 30, 2015 Bedford Springs Conference Center Bedford Springs, PA
Description:
Agenda:
The Special Education Leadership Academy is designed to increase the knowledge and skills that are vital for special education leaders. The role of a special education leader requires establishing and maintaining a balance between managing compliance and leading improvement. This Academy provides sessions to address both of those areas. The Academy provides the opportunity for networking with, and learning from, others whose responsibilities focus on special education leadership. Connections made at the academy provide support throughout the year.
Monday, July 27 1:00 p.m. ‐ 1:15 p.m. Opening 1:15 p.m. ‐ 2:45 p.m. Keynote 3:00 p.m. ‐ 4:30 p.m. General session 5:00 p.m. ‐ 6:30 p.m. Reception
Learner Outcomes: The focus of the Leadership Initiative is to increase the knowledge and skills that are vital for special education leaders. Participants who attend the Leadership Academy will: Develop a deeper understanding of compliance procedures to follow for special education services and programs. Get answers to questions surrounding issues such as: specific learning disability determination, assistive technology (AT), traumatic brain injury (TBI), identification and interventions for students struggling with literacy, engaging families, and effective conflict resolution. Understand how to avoid mistakes that lead to due process. Learn strategies to effectively manage their workscope.
Audience:
New and aspiring special education leaders Veteran special education leaders Anyone responsible for providing leadership to those who work with students with disabilities
Credit: Individuals attending this event must arrive on time and stay the duration of the event to receive Act 48 Professional Education hours. Requests for exceptions must be brought to the attention of the individual’s Superintendent or IU Director prior to the event. [19] Act 48 hours are offered for this event. Act 48 Clock Hours
Tuesday, July 28 8:15 a.m. ‐ 10:00 a.m. Concurrent sessions 10:15 a.m. ‐ 12:00 a.m. Concurrent sessions 12:00 p.m. ‐ 1:00 p.m. Lunch (provided) 1:15 p.m. ‐ 2:45 p.m. Concurrent sessions 3:00 p.m. ‐ 4:15 p.m. Concurrent sessions
Wednesday, July 29 8:15 a.m. ‐ 9:00 a.m. General session 9:00 a.m. ‐10:15 a.m. General session 10:30 a.m. ‐ 12:00 p.m. Concurrent sessions 12:00 p.m. ‐1:00 p.m. Lunch (provided) 1:15 p.m. ‐ 2:45 p.m. Concurrent sessions 3:00 p.m. ‐ 4:15 p.m. Concurrent sessions Thursday, July 30 8:15 a.m. ‐ 9:45 a.m. General session 10:00 a.m. ‐ 11:30 a.m. General Session 11:30 a.m. ‐ 12:00 p.m. Closing
You must attend all days in order to obtain ANY credit.
Registration: Please register for this event at: www.pattan.net There will be a $125 registration fee required for each participant. Make checks payable to: MCIU 23/PaTTAN and mail to: PaTTAN, Attn: Lisa Traviline, 200 Anderson Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406. Checks or Purchase orders must be received on or before July 10, 2015.
Registration Deadline: July 10, 2015 By registering for this event, you agree to pay the $125.00 registration fee required for each participant. If you cancel before July 10, 2015, your fee will be refunded. Cancellations after July 10, 2015 and “no‐shows” will be charged the full registration fee.
For registration information contact:: Lisa Traviline at 800‐441‐3215 ext. 7215, [email protected]
For content information contact: Judy Ball at 800‐441‐3215 ext. 7263, [email protected]
Presenters:
Location Information:
Throughout the week there will be multiple presenters from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education (BSE), Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN), local educational agencies (LEAs), higher education and other agencies providing services for students with disabilities.
Bedford Springs is conveniently located just 4 miles off the PA turnpike. Guest room reservations for registered conference attendees can be made as follows: Indicate to reservation staff that you will be attending the Special Education Leadership Summer Academy. Single Occupancy ($155/night) – Contact Bedford Springs Conference Center at 814‐623‐8100 Training Materials: Save a Tree! Information about the Academy as well as handouts can be Double Occupancy for two Conference Attendees ($70/night, found at http://2015spedldrshpacademy.wikispaces.com after per person) ‐ Contact Bedford Springs Conference Center at July 15, 2015. 814‐624‐5676 or [email protected] Special Needs: Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate individuals Alternate Hotels in Bedford who have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Hampton Inn Bedford Disabilities Act and who need assistance at this training. Contact: 4235 Route 220 Lisa Traviline at [email protected] or 1‐800‐441‐3215 ext. Bedford, PA 15522 7215. (814) 624‐0101 Certificate of Attendance: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Bedford Participants may print certificates of attendance for all 4436 Business Route 220 successfully completed PaTTAN events. Go to www.pattan.net Bedford, PA 15522 and click on “Training” then “Transcripts and Certificates.” (814) 623‐3444 Directions are shown for viewing and printing transcripts and certificates of attendance. Note: Certificates become available approximately 30 days after the event. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Tom Wolf Governor
Leadership Academy Sessions July 2015 Monday, July 27, 2015 1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Welcome
1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Opening Keynote Word Choice and Tips: Working with Building‐Level Administrators What you say can get you in trouble. This session will highlight words that special education leaders should use (and not use) in working with building‐level administrators regarding the education of students with disabilities. The session will conclude with specific tips for special education administrators about working together with parents and building‐level principals to reduce the likelihood of litigation.
David Bateman, Ph.D., Shippensburg University 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. General Session
Data‐Informed Practices Student achievement is the highest priority for everyone as we work together to support and enhance learning for students with special needs. The data discussed in this session will highlight the achievements and progress of the 268,640 school‐age (5‐21) students who received educational services during the 2013‐14 school year. Opportunities will be provided for participants to reflect upon the data and make connections to their local LEA. Tuesday, July 28, 2015 8:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions Case Law: What Would You Do? (Repeated on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.) A perennial favorite! This session will provide participants with an opportunity to review special education regulations and requirements. Brief scenarios of actual Pennsylvania special education due process and court proceedings will be presented, and participants will be asked to analyze how they would “judge” the case. Additional information will be provided from the regulations of IDEA and Chapter 14 to support the decision from the scenario. Rebecca Fogle, PaTTAN Paula Schmitt, PaTTAN March 16, 2015
Page 1
UDL and AT: Resources for Serving Students with High‐Incidence Disabilities This session will focus on the concepts of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and assistive technology (AT) as they relate to students with high‐incidence disabilities. School leaders will learn about the three principles of UDL. Particular emphasis will be given to ways that commonly available tools can be employed to meet individual student needs. Scott Dougherty, PaTTAN 10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions Promoting Student Outcomes and Self‐Determination with RENEW This session will provide an overview of RENEW (Rehabilitation for Empowerment, Natural Supports, Education, and Work), which is a person‐centered planning process that supports students at risk of dropping out and focuses on strengthening post‐secondary outcomes. RENEW provides individual students with the opportunity to create goals and develop and implement action plans to achieve those goals. This session will highlight the relationship that RENEW has with secondary transition and school based behavioral health to promote student growth. Mike Minor, PaTTAN Co‐Teaching for Administrators: Leading Implementation of Effective Co‐Teaching Are you interested in implementing co‐teaching practices in your school or district? Are you interested in expanding your existing co‐teaching efforts in your school or district? This session will include discussions regarding how to develop, enhance and/or promote effective co‐ teaching practices such as: forming co‐teaching teams, moving beyond one teach‐one assist, examining co‐teaching models, co‐planning time, scheduling, and program evaluation. Opportunities to network with other administrators to ask questions and share co‐teaching experiences will be embedded into the topic discussions. Karen Grammas, PaTTAN Gifted Service Options: Acceleration and Enrichment According to Chapter 16, there are there legal service options available to students who are gifted: acceleration, enrichment, or a combination of both. In this presentation, we will explore each of the options and provide information as to how best to determine which service option is appropriate for each individual student based upon their academic strengths. Shirley Curl, Ph.D., Bureau of Special Education Cheryl Everett, Chester County Intermediate Unit #24 March 16, 2015
Page 2
1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions Promoting Access and Appropriate Assessment of Students With Disabilities in Virtual Education
This session will provide leaders with insight on how to more effectively address the online learning needs of students with disabilities while improving accessibility and engagement. The session will include a discussion on how to apply principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to course development. A special focus of the session will be online assessment: how to differentiate and accommodate assessments online for various students with disabilities.
Michel Miller O’Neal, Ph.D., Drexel University The BrainSTEPS Program: Updates, Successes and Challenges The BrainSTEPS Brain Injury School Re‐Entry Consulting Program just finished its 8th year working with students who have sustained all severities of acquired brain injuries in Pennsylvania schools. The State Program Coordinator will share updates and accomplishments of the program, as well as discuss surrounding common challenges that intermediate unit BrainSTEPS teams experience over time. In addition, the BrainSTEPS: Return to Learn Concussion Management Team (CMT) model has trained over 800+ school‐based teams to assist in managing concussions for the initial four weeks prior to making BrainSTEPS referral. The overwhelming success of this CMT model will also be discussed.
Brenda Eagan‐Brown
Expanding RtII for SLD Determination in Mathematics and Written Expression K‐12
Participants will discuss the use of Response to Instruction and Intervention (RtII) Methodologies for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) Determination in Pennsylvania to include the addition of Mathematics and Written Expression, K‐12. Implications for training and technical assistance and deliverables will be shared, in addition to a review of Pennsylvania’s RtII/SLD Approval Process and Application.
Karen Brady, PaTTAN
March 16, 2015
Page 3
3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions But Isn’t It the Law? The Special Education Process for Novice Administrators This session is intended to increase the knowledge base of special education administrators who are new (or nearly new) to the world of special education supervision. Participants will have the opportunity to apply regulatory requirements to make decisions in school‐based situations and to discuss the implications of those decisions.
Diane Funsten, PaTTAN Rebecca Fogle, PaTTAN Veteran Voices This interactive session for veteran special education leaders will explore various scenarios and issues that frequently occur and leave you scratching your head. Groups will be given different scenarios to discuss and come up with the best way to respond. Dona Alvino, PaTTAN Nichole Kopco, PaTTAN Paula Schmitt, PaTTAN Wednesday, July 29, 2015 8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. General Session Special Education: Expanding Information, Establishing Support This interactive session with Bureau of Special Education Advisors will focus on questions and concerns of practicing administrators in the field. BSE Advisors 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. General Session Using Effective Communication & Alternative Dispute Resolution to Resolve Special Education Disputes Simple changes in communication by both parents and school personnel can greatly improve the likelihood of reaching agreement on an issue, without the need for a due process hearing. Presenters will discuss and demonstrate ways that parties fail to effectively communicate with one another. Alternative Dispute Resolution options will also be discussed. Kerry Smith, Office for Dispute Resolution Suzanne McDougall, Office for Dispute Resolution March 16, 2015
Page 4
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions State Performance Plan Update and the State Systemic Improvement Plan Overview The State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) provides a framework for continuous improvement in educational outcomes for students with disabilities. This presentation will begin by providing an update on the progress made on the targets of Pennsylvania’s goals. An additional new requirement of the SPP/APR is the State Systemic Improvement Plan (Indicator 17) built around a particular focus area. Pennsylvania worked in collaboration with stakeholders and the Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP) and identified improving school graduation rates for students with disabilities as its focus area. This session will also help participants become familiar with, and be able to discuss, research‐based strategies to help students with disabilities stay in school and graduate with a high school diploma. Ann Hinkson‐Herrmann, PaTTAN Laura Moran, PaTTAN Amy Smith, PaTTAN Pennsylvania's Dyslexia Pilot and Leadership for Literacy This session will provide an overview of the Pennsylvania Dyslexia Screening and Early Literacy Intervention Pilot and the various components of the pilot and why they are essential to preventing early reading failure. The presenters will speak to the essential need for early intervention and identification of struggling students in order to increase literacy and overall achievement outcomes for all learners. The presenters will detail how districts that are not currently part of the pilot can enhance their current practices around early literacy instruction. Considerations for focused administrative leadership will also be shared. Lynn Dell, Bureau of Special Education Monica McHale‐Small, Ph.D., Saucon Valley School District The Special Education Game Show for Charter School Leaders We’re BACK… The Special Education Game Show has returned by popular demand for 2015. Last year’s participants made one thing crystal clear they were ready and up for the challenge! Knowledge of special education policy, procedure, and litigation was gained. Fun was had by all and prizes were given. Your hosts for this year’s event will be Dr. Marvin and Mr. Howard returning with more information and, of course, humor. March 16, 2015
Page 5
As in years past, the 2014–2015 school year has demonstrated that charter school educators must continue sharpening their tools and skills to provide effective learning environments for the students of Pennsylvania. This is the place to mix lightheartedness with serious content, knowledge, and factual information. The interactive session will focus on giving participants insight into key regulations and advanced problem‐solving scenarios that are aimed to help them to bring their special education program to the next level. We look forward to seeing you. ARE YOU READY? Walter Howard, Bureau of Special Education Margaret Marvin, Ph.D., Bureau of Special Education 1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions What's New with Alternate Assessment in Pennsylvania This session will provide educators with up‐to‐date information regarding Pennsylvania Departments of Education's progress with the development of a revised Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Participants will receive information about item development, field testing and professional development associated with the Pennsylvania Core Standards and Alternate Eligible Content. Additionally, the session will include an interactive segment to discuss alternate assessment needs for new and veteran special education administrators, parent awareness about alternate assessment, and professional development regarding instruction and assessment aligned to the Pennsylvania Core Standards and Alternate Eligible Content. Audrey Kappel, Ph.D., PaTTAN Sharon Leonard, PaTTAN John Machella, Ph.D., Bureau of Special Education Keys to Positive Engagement with Families of Exceptional Students This session will address family engagement practices within the School Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Framework with a focus on positive communication and relationship building. The focus of our session will be geared toward facilitating and encouraging the involvement of parents of students with special needs. Universal practices will be explored including: ways to foster initial positive interactions, utilizing resources available through the Family Resource Center, and tips for involving all stakeholders in positive and encouraging communication. At the secondary tier, we will explain the concept of Positive Family Support‐Family Check‐up and discuss lessons learned through this first year with our Family Resource Center. Partnerships with mental health agencies will be discussed, as well as strategies for partnering with families to address attendance and discipline concerns impacting exceptional students. Finally, we will discuss individual/tertiary supports for families where we explore engaging with families throughout academic/behavioral difficulties that are long‐ standing, counseling support provided to families through the evaluation/IEP process, and tips March 16, 2015
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for sustaining positive communication when addressing challenging, or even traumatic, situations. Lisa Rae Banasick, Norwin School District Maggie Zimmer, Norwin School District Managing Your Workscope Administering special education programs is a complex task. Administrators must address legal requirements and implement effective instructional programs to meet the diverse needs of students with IEPs. This workshop provides information and strategies for fulfilling specific challenging tasks within the administration and management of programs for students with disabilities. Participants will develop strategies to effectively manage these challenging tasks, as well as the broad work scope involved with operating such programs. Emphasis will be given to improving the outcomes of students with disabilities. Joe Sciullo, Riverview Intermediate Unit #6 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions Case Law: What Would You Do? (Repeat from Tuesday at 8:15 a.m.) A perennial favorite! This session will provide participants with an opportunity to review special education regulations and requirements. Brief scenarios of actual Pennsylvania special education due process and court proceedings will be presented, and participants will be asked to analyze how they would “judge” the case. Additional information will be provided from the regulations of IDEA and Chapter 14 to support the decision from the scenario. Rebecca Fogle, PaTTAN Paula Schmitt, PaTTAN Classroom Management Training Modules: A Toolkit for Administrators Classroom management is commonly a topic of interest, as well as an area of concern, for both novice and experienced educators. Addressing classroom related behavior concerns in positive, effective ways can lead to reductions in non‐academic barriers to student learning. Applying clear, consistent classroom management practices and procedures maximizes instructional time and increases opportunities for academic and social success. This session will showcase what was done through one Professional Learning Community around one of the modules. There will be an overview of the other modules in the toolkit. Finally, participants will have the opportunity to develop an action plan about using the modules. Laura Moran, PaTTAN March 16, 2015
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Thursday, July 30, 2015 8:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. General Session Structured Conversations: It’s Not Just a Good IDEA, It’s the Law During this interactive session, participants will have the opportunity to review and discuss various topics related to the provision and supervision of special education services. Topics include: evaluation/reevaluation, educational placement, extended school year and others. The Leadership Team 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. General Session Say What? Regulated Behavior for Special Education Administrators! Demands, regulations, expectations, stressors, responsibilities, lack of time… do these areas impact you on a daily basis? This session will reinforce what you know, what you forgot, and what you need to do in order to be a survivor and successful in your daily work. Must enjoy humor to attend! Gina Scala, Ed.D., East Stroudsburg University
March 16, 2015
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Description:
Agenda:
The Special Education Leadership Academy is designed to increase the knowledge and skills that are vital for special education leaders. The role of a special education leader requires establishing and maintaining a balance between managing compliance and leading improvement. This Academy provides sessions to address both of those areas. The Academy provides the opportunity for networking with, and learning from, others whose responsibilities focus on special education leadership. Connections made at the academy provide support throughout the year.
Monday, July 27 1:00 p.m. ‐ 1:15 p.m. Opening 1:15 p.m. ‐ 2:45 p.m. Keynote 3:00 p.m. ‐ 4:30 p.m. General session 5:00 p.m. ‐ 6:30 p.m. Reception
Learner Outcomes: The focus of the Leadership Initiative is to increase the knowledge and skills that are vital for special education leaders. Participants who attend the Leadership Academy will: Develop a deeper understanding of compliance procedures to follow for special education services and programs. Get answers to questions surrounding issues such as: specific learning disability determination, assistive technology (AT), traumatic brain injury (TBI), identification and interventions for students struggling with literacy, engaging families, and effective conflict resolution. Understand how to avoid mistakes that lead to due process. Learn strategies to effectively manage their workscope.
Audience:
New and aspiring special education leaders Veteran special education leaders Anyone responsible for providing leadership to those who work with students with disabilities
Credit: Individuals attending this event must arrive on time and stay the duration of the event to receive Act 48 Professional Education hours. Requests for exceptions must be brought to the attention of the individual’s Superintendent or IU Director prior to the event. [19] Act 48 hours are offered for this event. Act 48 Clock Hours
Tuesday, July 28 8:15 a.m. ‐ 10:00 a.m. Concurrent sessions 10:15 a.m. ‐ 12:00 a.m. Concurrent sessions 12:00 p.m. ‐ 1:00 p.m. Lunch (provided) 1:15 p.m. ‐ 2:45 p.m. Concurrent sessions 3:00 p.m. ‐ 4:15 p.m. Concurrent sessions
Wednesday, July 29 8:15 a.m. ‐ 9:00 a.m. General session 9:00 a.m. ‐10:15 a.m. General session 10:30 a.m. ‐ 12:00 p.m. Concurrent sessions 12:00 p.m. ‐1:00 p.m. Lunch (provided) 1:15 p.m. ‐ 2:45 p.m. Concurrent sessions 3:00 p.m. ‐ 4:15 p.m. Concurrent sessions Thursday, July 30 8:15 a.m. ‐ 9:45 a.m. General session 10:00 a.m. ‐ 11:30 a.m. General Session 11:30 a.m. ‐ 12:00 p.m. Closing
You must attend all days in order to obtain ANY credit.
Registration: Please register for this event at: www.pattan.net There will be a $125 registration fee required for each participant. Make checks payable to: MCIU 23/PaTTAN and mail to: PaTTAN, Attn: Lisa Traviline, 200 Anderson Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406. Checks or Purchase orders must be received on or before July 10, 2015.
Registration Deadline: July 10, 2015 By registering for this event, you agree to pay the $125.00 registration fee required for each participant. If you cancel before July 10, 2015, your fee will be refunded. Cancellations after July 10, 2015 and “no‐shows” will be charged the full registration fee.
For registration information contact:: Lisa Traviline at 800‐441‐3215 ext. 7215, [email protected]
For content information contact: Judy Ball at 800‐441‐3215 ext. 7263, [email protected]
Presenters:
Location Information:
Throughout the week there will be multiple presenters from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education (BSE), Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN), local educational agencies (LEAs), higher education and other agencies providing services for students with disabilities.
Bedford Springs is conveniently located just 4 miles off the PA turnpike. Guest room reservations for registered conference attendees can be made as follows: Indicate to reservation staff that you will be attending the Special Education Leadership Summer Academy. Single Occupancy ($155/night) – Contact Bedford Springs Conference Center at 814‐623‐8100 Training Materials: Save a Tree! Information about the Academy as well as handouts can be Double Occupancy for two Conference Attendees ($70/night, found at http://2015spedldrshpacademy.wikispaces.com after per person) ‐ Contact Bedford Springs Conference Center at July 15, 2015. 814‐624‐5676 or [email protected] Special Needs: Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate individuals Alternate Hotels in Bedford who have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Hampton Inn Bedford Disabilities Act and who need assistance at this training. Contact: 4235 Route 220 Lisa Traviline at [email protected] or 1‐800‐441‐3215 ext. Bedford, PA 15522 7215. (814) 624‐0101 Certificate of Attendance: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Bedford Participants may print certificates of attendance for all 4436 Business Route 220 successfully completed PaTTAN events. Go to www.pattan.net Bedford, PA 15522 and click on “Training” then “Transcripts and Certificates.” (814) 623‐3444 Directions are shown for viewing and printing transcripts and certificates of attendance. Note: Certificates become available approximately 30 days after the event. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Tom Wolf Governor
Leadership Academy Sessions July 2015 Monday, July 27, 2015 1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Welcome
1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Opening Keynote Word Choice and Tips: Working with Building‐Level Administrators What you say can get you in trouble. This session will highlight words that special education leaders should use (and not use) in working with building‐level administrators regarding the education of students with disabilities. The session will conclude with specific tips for special education administrators about working together with parents and building‐level principals to reduce the likelihood of litigation.
David Bateman, Ph.D., Shippensburg University 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. General Session
Data‐Informed Practices Student achievement is the highest priority for everyone as we work together to support and enhance learning for students with special needs. The data discussed in this session will highlight the achievements and progress of the 268,640 school‐age (5‐21) students who received educational services during the 2013‐14 school year. Opportunities will be provided for participants to reflect upon the data and make connections to their local LEA. Tuesday, July 28, 2015 8:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions Case Law: What Would You Do? (Repeated on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.) A perennial favorite! This session will provide participants with an opportunity to review special education regulations and requirements. Brief scenarios of actual Pennsylvania special education due process and court proceedings will be presented, and participants will be asked to analyze how they would “judge” the case. Additional information will be provided from the regulations of IDEA and Chapter 14 to support the decision from the scenario. Rebecca Fogle, PaTTAN Paula Schmitt, PaTTAN March 16, 2015
Page 1
UDL and AT: Resources for Serving Students with High‐Incidence Disabilities This session will focus on the concepts of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and assistive technology (AT) as they relate to students with high‐incidence disabilities. School leaders will learn about the three principles of UDL. Particular emphasis will be given to ways that commonly available tools can be employed to meet individual student needs. Scott Dougherty, PaTTAN 10:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions Promoting Student Outcomes and Self‐Determination with RENEW This session will provide an overview of RENEW (Rehabilitation for Empowerment, Natural Supports, Education, and Work), which is a person‐centered planning process that supports students at risk of dropping out and focuses on strengthening post‐secondary outcomes. RENEW provides individual students with the opportunity to create goals and develop and implement action plans to achieve those goals. This session will highlight the relationship that RENEW has with secondary transition and school based behavioral health to promote student growth. Mike Minor, PaTTAN Co‐Teaching for Administrators: Leading Implementation of Effective Co‐Teaching Are you interested in implementing co‐teaching practices in your school or district? Are you interested in expanding your existing co‐teaching efforts in your school or district? This session will include discussions regarding how to develop, enhance and/or promote effective co‐ teaching practices such as: forming co‐teaching teams, moving beyond one teach‐one assist, examining co‐teaching models, co‐planning time, scheduling, and program evaluation. Opportunities to network with other administrators to ask questions and share co‐teaching experiences will be embedded into the topic discussions. Karen Grammas, PaTTAN Gifted Service Options: Acceleration and Enrichment According to Chapter 16, there are there legal service options available to students who are gifted: acceleration, enrichment, or a combination of both. In this presentation, we will explore each of the options and provide information as to how best to determine which service option is appropriate for each individual student based upon their academic strengths. Shirley Curl, Ph.D., Bureau of Special Education Cheryl Everett, Chester County Intermediate Unit #24 March 16, 2015
Page 2
1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions Promoting Access and Appropriate Assessment of Students With Disabilities in Virtual Education
This session will provide leaders with insight on how to more effectively address the online learning needs of students with disabilities while improving accessibility and engagement. The session will include a discussion on how to apply principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to course development. A special focus of the session will be online assessment: how to differentiate and accommodate assessments online for various students with disabilities.
Michel Miller O’Neal, Ph.D., Drexel University The BrainSTEPS Program: Updates, Successes and Challenges The BrainSTEPS Brain Injury School Re‐Entry Consulting Program just finished its 8th year working with students who have sustained all severities of acquired brain injuries in Pennsylvania schools. The State Program Coordinator will share updates and accomplishments of the program, as well as discuss surrounding common challenges that intermediate unit BrainSTEPS teams experience over time. In addition, the BrainSTEPS: Return to Learn Concussion Management Team (CMT) model has trained over 800+ school‐based teams to assist in managing concussions for the initial four weeks prior to making BrainSTEPS referral. The overwhelming success of this CMT model will also be discussed.
Brenda Eagan‐Brown
Expanding RtII for SLD Determination in Mathematics and Written Expression K‐12
Participants will discuss the use of Response to Instruction and Intervention (RtII) Methodologies for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) Determination in Pennsylvania to include the addition of Mathematics and Written Expression, K‐12. Implications for training and technical assistance and deliverables will be shared, in addition to a review of Pennsylvania’s RtII/SLD Approval Process and Application.
Karen Brady, PaTTAN
March 16, 2015
Page 3
3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions But Isn’t It the Law? The Special Education Process for Novice Administrators This session is intended to increase the knowledge base of special education administrators who are new (or nearly new) to the world of special education supervision. Participants will have the opportunity to apply regulatory requirements to make decisions in school‐based situations and to discuss the implications of those decisions.
Diane Funsten, PaTTAN Rebecca Fogle, PaTTAN Veteran Voices This interactive session for veteran special education leaders will explore various scenarios and issues that frequently occur and leave you scratching your head. Groups will be given different scenarios to discuss and come up with the best way to respond. Dona Alvino, PaTTAN Nichole Kopco, PaTTAN Paula Schmitt, PaTTAN Wednesday, July 29, 2015 8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. General Session Special Education: Expanding Information, Establishing Support This interactive session with Bureau of Special Education Advisors will focus on questions and concerns of practicing administrators in the field. BSE Advisors 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. General Session Using Effective Communication & Alternative Dispute Resolution to Resolve Special Education Disputes Simple changes in communication by both parents and school personnel can greatly improve the likelihood of reaching agreement on an issue, without the need for a due process hearing. Presenters will discuss and demonstrate ways that parties fail to effectively communicate with one another. Alternative Dispute Resolution options will also be discussed. Kerry Smith, Office for Dispute Resolution Suzanne McDougall, Office for Dispute Resolution March 16, 2015
Page 4
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions State Performance Plan Update and the State Systemic Improvement Plan Overview The State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) provides a framework for continuous improvement in educational outcomes for students with disabilities. This presentation will begin by providing an update on the progress made on the targets of Pennsylvania’s goals. An additional new requirement of the SPP/APR is the State Systemic Improvement Plan (Indicator 17) built around a particular focus area. Pennsylvania worked in collaboration with stakeholders and the Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP) and identified improving school graduation rates for students with disabilities as its focus area. This session will also help participants become familiar with, and be able to discuss, research‐based strategies to help students with disabilities stay in school and graduate with a high school diploma. Ann Hinkson‐Herrmann, PaTTAN Laura Moran, PaTTAN Amy Smith, PaTTAN Pennsylvania's Dyslexia Pilot and Leadership for Literacy This session will provide an overview of the Pennsylvania Dyslexia Screening and Early Literacy Intervention Pilot and the various components of the pilot and why they are essential to preventing early reading failure. The presenters will speak to the essential need for early intervention and identification of struggling students in order to increase literacy and overall achievement outcomes for all learners. The presenters will detail how districts that are not currently part of the pilot can enhance their current practices around early literacy instruction. Considerations for focused administrative leadership will also be shared. Lynn Dell, Bureau of Special Education Monica McHale‐Small, Ph.D., Saucon Valley School District The Special Education Game Show for Charter School Leaders We’re BACK… The Special Education Game Show has returned by popular demand for 2015. Last year’s participants made one thing crystal clear they were ready and up for the challenge! Knowledge of special education policy, procedure, and litigation was gained. Fun was had by all and prizes were given. Your hosts for this year’s event will be Dr. Marvin and Mr. Howard returning with more information and, of course, humor. March 16, 2015
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As in years past, the 2014–2015 school year has demonstrated that charter school educators must continue sharpening their tools and skills to provide effective learning environments for the students of Pennsylvania. This is the place to mix lightheartedness with serious content, knowledge, and factual information. The interactive session will focus on giving participants insight into key regulations and advanced problem‐solving scenarios that are aimed to help them to bring their special education program to the next level. We look forward to seeing you. ARE YOU READY? Walter Howard, Bureau of Special Education Margaret Marvin, Ph.D., Bureau of Special Education 1:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Concurrent Sessions What's New with Alternate Assessment in Pennsylvania This session will provide educators with up‐to‐date information regarding Pennsylvania Departments of Education's progress with the development of a revised Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Participants will receive information about item development, field testing and professional development associated with the Pennsylvania Core Standards and Alternate Eligible Content. Additionally, the session will include an interactive segment to discuss alternate assessment needs for new and veteran special education administrators, parent awareness about alternate assessment, and professional development regarding instruction and assessment aligned to the Pennsylvania Core Standards and Alternate Eligible Content. Audrey Kappel, Ph.D., PaTTAN Sharon Leonard, PaTTAN John Machella, Ph.D., Bureau of Special Education Keys to Positive Engagement with Families of Exceptional Students This session will address family engagement practices within the School Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Framework with a focus on positive communication and relationship building. The focus of our session will be geared toward facilitating and encouraging the involvement of parents of students with special needs. Universal practices will be explored including: ways to foster initial positive interactions, utilizing resources available through the Family Resource Center, and tips for involving all stakeholders in positive and encouraging communication. At the secondary tier, we will explain the concept of Positive Family Support‐Family Check‐up and discuss lessons learned through this first year with our Family Resource Center. Partnerships with mental health agencies will be discussed, as well as strategies for partnering with families to address attendance and discipline concerns impacting exceptional students. Finally, we will discuss individual/tertiary supports for families where we explore engaging with families throughout academic/behavioral difficulties that are long‐ standing, counseling support provided to families through the evaluation/IEP process, and tips March 16, 2015
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for sustaining positive communication when addressing challenging, or even traumatic, situations. Lisa Rae Banasick, Norwin School District Maggie Zimmer, Norwin School District Managing Your Workscope Administering special education programs is a complex task. Administrators must address legal requirements and implement effective instructional programs to meet the diverse needs of students with IEPs. This workshop provides information and strategies for fulfilling specific challenging tasks within the administration and management of programs for students with disabilities. Participants will develop strategies to effectively manage these challenging tasks, as well as the broad work scope involved with operating such programs. Emphasis will be given to improving the outcomes of students with disabilities. Joe Sciullo, Riverview Intermediate Unit #6 3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Concurrent Sessions Case Law: What Would You Do? (Repeat from Tuesday at 8:15 a.m.) A perennial favorite! This session will provide participants with an opportunity to review special education regulations and requirements. Brief scenarios of actual Pennsylvania special education due process and court proceedings will be presented, and participants will be asked to analyze how they would “judge” the case. Additional information will be provided from the regulations of IDEA and Chapter 14 to support the decision from the scenario. Rebecca Fogle, PaTTAN Paula Schmitt, PaTTAN Classroom Management Training Modules: A Toolkit for Administrators Classroom management is commonly a topic of interest, as well as an area of concern, for both novice and experienced educators. Addressing classroom related behavior concerns in positive, effective ways can lead to reductions in non‐academic barriers to student learning. Applying clear, consistent classroom management practices and procedures maximizes instructional time and increases opportunities for academic and social success. This session will showcase what was done through one Professional Learning Community around one of the modules. There will be an overview of the other modules in the toolkit. Finally, participants will have the opportunity to develop an action plan about using the modules. Laura Moran, PaTTAN March 16, 2015
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Thursday, July 30, 2015 8:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. General Session Structured Conversations: It’s Not Just a Good IDEA, It’s the Law During this interactive session, participants will have the opportunity to review and discuss various topics related to the provision and supervision of special education services. Topics include: evaluation/reevaluation, educational placement, extended school year and others. The Leadership Team 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. General Session Say What? Regulated Behavior for Special Education Administrators! Demands, regulations, expectations, stressors, responsibilities, lack of time… do these areas impact you on a daily basis? This session will reinforce what you know, what you forgot, and what you need to do in order to be a survivor and successful in your daily work. Must enjoy humor to attend! Gina Scala, Ed.D., East Stroudsburg University
March 16, 2015
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