Data Points

Hello!

If you are like me you are likely counting the days and possibly the hours until your MUCH deserved 2 weeks off. We have all heard the advice from the 'experts' and know the drill: work smarter not harder, cultivate a life outside of your job, schedule time to do nothing and reflect and celebrate your successes. The quote I share below is from someone who I know practiced these self-care strategies and still lived this quote every day. She taught me we can do both in education and must if we are to be here for those we lead and serve. It is my hope and wish that you will be able to do what is needed these last few days, then turn off your computer and disconnect from 'work' during this much needed winter break! See you in 2021!!

Check out these sessions with some of our most dynamic experts in the field of evaluation! We will be offering these sessions (free to all Region 10 LEA employees) in a hybrid format.

While our presenters will be virtual you have the option of attending the session on-site or via the web. Once your registration is confirmed you will receive an email asking you to complete a form indicating your preference to attend in person. Once completed if in person seats are still available, you will receive an email confirming a seat at Region 10 has been reserved for you. Due to social distancing requirements there will be limited seating here at Region 10, so in person sign up will be first come, first served!

CSEP Interactive Hybrid Sessions with Dr. Ed Schultz

These two three hour sessions will include optional pre and post learning activities with feedback provided. Those who choose to complete the follow up activity will be provided feedback from Dr. Schultz and receive an additional 3 hours of credit for the course.

Session 1: 1/13/2020

Session 2: 2/17/2020

CSEP Hybrid Session (Advanced) with Dr. Sarah Holman

This session is met to challenge experienced evaluators and take their evaluative skills to the next level.

Session: 3/24/2021 8:30-11:30

DUAL DISCREPANCY CONSISTENCY MODEL AND CROSS BATTERY ASSESSMENT HYBRID SERIES with Dr. Gail Cheramie

These three sessions will build upon each other. Dr. Cheramie will begin with providing an in-depth look at the constructs measured for SLD identification and then move into case studies coupled with the use of the updated XBASS software and clinicians will walk away with sample language for use when writing up analysis of results in the FIE.

Session 1 of 3: 1/26/2020 10:00-12:00

Session 2 of 3: 2/9/2020 8:30-11:30

Session 3 f 3: 2/23/2020 8:30-11:30

Bilingual Dyslexia Evaluations with Dr. Sarah Holman

This 3 hour hybrid session is intended for bilingual evaluators and will focus on utilization of assessment tools and resources needed for assessing and determining the presence of dyslexia.

Session: 4/7/2020 8:30-11:30

Difference vs Disorder with Region 10 SLP Evaluation Consultants Dr. Jyutika Mehta and Pam Sepulvado

This 3 hour hybrid session will provide evaluation teams practical tips and tools for assessing language dominance and language proficiency when determining a difference versus as disorder in CLD students

Session: 4/28/2020 9:00-12:00

WPS is offering a free webinar from Dr. Steven Feifer about the academic test series from Dr. Feifer (FAR, FAM, FAW). See below for information from WPS:

Title: Feifer Family of Products

Date: Thurs., Dec. 17, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Presenter(s): Steven G. Feifer, DEd, NCSP, ABSNP, and Terri Sisson, EdS

Description: Earn 1 hour of NASP CPD credit* at a FREE webinar and live Q&A on Thursday, December 17 at 11 a.m. ET and listen to Steven G. Feifer, DEd, NCSP, ABSNP, present the Feifer family of products. Attendees of this webinar will be able to:

• Understand the basics of how neuropsychology impacts academic achievement
• Learn how the Feifer products measure the neuropsychological processes of reading, math and writing
• Gain awareness of the specific areas of dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia

There will be a live question & answer after the presentation.

Qual level required for attendees: B

Register with WPS here.

As more districts move to ARD Managers or ARD Facilitators as the member of the committee who is able to interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results it is important that they have a working knowledge of the various cognitive processes and impact on learning, instructional supports and accommodations.

The following reference found on the Region 10 website breaks down the 'G's and includes quick links to research based strategies that can support a student with a deficit in one of these processes.

QUICK REFERENCE FOR ADAPTING INSTRUCTIONAL IMPLICATIONS AND ACCOMMODATIONS

If you missed or were unable to register for the Statewide Child Find, Evaluation, and ARD Supports Network's latest webinar, Best Practices for Conducting a Virtual Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee Meeting, is now posted and available to be viewed on demand for free.

You can find this webinar (and all previously recorded Network 1 Webinars) on the Network's website here.

Quarterly Chronicle is now available!

This newsletter is produced by Network 1 and intended to highlight updates to the website, inform you of upcoming and recorded webinars and highlight topics critical to evaluation personnel and ARD Managers.

SWEP Future Planning Survey

As you are aware SWEP will not be held this year. During this time TEA has asked us to conduct a survey to gain understanding of the needs of our evaluators in the Regions across the state regarding the best format for future conferences. We have posted a survey for evaluators and educators to complete to assist us with planning for future professional learning. The survey will remain open until February 12, 2020.

WEBSITE UPDATES

• NEW! webpage = Referral to Special Education - this webpage now houses information for student data review guide tools and referral for initial evaluation tools:

• NEW! Student Data Review Guide Tools - we have added an online Video Users Guide for the SDRG and Guidelines When Considering an Initial Referral for SPED for English Learners (supplement). The video is accessible by clicking on the play button and has closed captioning… and the supplement is accessible by completing the access form.

• NEW! Referral for Initial Evaluation Quick Guide and Video - we have created a quick guide with key point and resources for LEAs to consider for receiving referrals and requests for initial SPED evaluations + an accompanying video specifically focused on federal and state rules/regulations, legal requirements and LEA responsibilities.

• Virtual Workshops webpage has been reformatted - there are now drop-downs with “upcoming” virtual workshops and “recorded” sessions.

Capacity Increased for upcoming virtual workshops!

If you previously attempted to register for an upcoming webinar, please try again. As of December 3rd the number of participants has increased from 1000 to 3000. And if you need to cancel your registration please go to the email reminder with the zoom link and look for the option to “cancel this registration” at the bottom of the email or contact kara.zwolinski@esc4.net and request your registration be cancelled.

The Office of Special Education Program's (OSEP) has provided an updated report on their recent monitoring visit to TEA. The report discusses the findings related to their visits, their evaluation of the TEA's Corrective Action Response (CAR) steps thus far, and discusses further CAR recommendations to address issues related to IDEA and Child Find.

You can read the letter and report here.

Last month I had included the following needs assessment, however I realized after the newsletter was published I had incorrectly set up the link for the form.

I know you are super busy, but if you could take a minute to complete this quick assessment linked below it will provide me insight into the types of sessions you most need as we begin to plan for next year!

If you need training or technical support with child find, evaluations or ARDs, please reach out!

Email: amy.smith@region10.org
Website: https://www.region10.org/programs/evaluation-special-education/overview/
Location: Region 10 Education Service Center, East Spring Valley Road, Richardson, TX, USA
Phone: 972-348-1784