Special Education October 2024
Schuylkill IU 29 Special Education News October 2024
Seeking help and support - please contact us or use this request form.
Dyslexia Awareness Month
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and the International Dyslexia Association PA is shining a light on the incredible support available for the dyslexia community. Our virtual support groups provide a safe space for connection, insight, and encouragement—perfect for those navigating the unique challenges of dyslexia. This month, both groups are focusing on social and emotional aspects of living with dyslexia.
Whether you're a professional, parent, or adult with dyslexia, these groups are here to help you or someone you know. Join us from anywhere in the world—sessions are live and not recorded, ensuring a confidential and supportive atmosphere.
Click HERE to go to the Support Group information
Assistive Technology Support & Low Incidence
Do you have a student who may need AT? Are you considering AT tools for a student? Would you like help brainstorming AT options for your student? If you said yes to any of these questions, request a SETT framework for your student. Learn more by clicking the link below: https://forms.gle/946doeRi4gXWQT6o6
PATTAN Short Term Loan: https://www.pattan.net/Short-Term-Loan/
IU 29 Partnership with Bloomsburg University Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic, Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg University. Please contact Cindy Studlack for questions/support.
Services provided: auditory processing evaluations, hearing testing, fitting of FM system equipment and troubleshooting.
- Deborah R. John, Au.D., CCC-A, AIB-VR, Clinical Audiologist
- Amanda Weremedic Au.D., CCC-A, AIB-VR, Audiologist
AT 2024 Resource Padlet: Schuylkill County Therapists and Special Ed Teachers ~ link
Autism Initiative Support
Fall: PDE/BSE Networking & Learning Communities The PA Dept of Ed and Bureau of Spec Ed are offering many different sessions through their APR initiative this year. The Networking and Learning Communities site has the whole list of offerings for the year under many specific headings. PaTTAN PaTTAN Autism Initiative “Bootcamp” Training Title: Establishing Component Skills Through Evidenced-Based Practices Dates: October 1-3 Time: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Registration Code: (ask me) Title: Early Learners: Establishing Foundational Skillsets through EBP Dates: October 22-23 Time: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Title: Beyond the Basics: Expanding Language Skills for Intermediate and Advanced Learners Dates: October 24-25 Time: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Registration: https://www.pattan.net/events/ Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC) (virtual)- November 5-7, 2024 *strand for families OCALICON (virtual ) -November 19-22, 2024 (Early Registration by 9/30/24) *strand for families Autism Power Hour - (virtual/free with account on OCALI) -September 2024 - March, 2025 All sessions will be held from 7:30am-8:30am and repeat session 3:30pm-4:30pm. Participants can choose which time slot works best for them. VB Mapp App - training is available online at https://www.vbmappapp.com/ Essential For Living - training is available online at https://www.eflapp.com/training For more information about ASD check out: Low Incidence Networking Google Site
Behavior Analyst
Behavior Networking Group (behavior specialists, behavior interventionists)
Meeting dates (8:00-8:30 a.m. via Zoom) October 18, 2024; January 17th, 2025; April 11th, 2025
For training and support:
Contact: Randy Lattis, Board Certified Behavior Analyst
BrainSTEPS - Return to Learn Following Brain Injury
Make a referral at www.brainsteps.net
- To replace or add a new team member to school/district CMT (Concussion Management Team): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/newCMTmember.
Inclusive Practices
Interagency Coordination
Behavioral Health/Student Life Meeting with SAP Maintenance Training - October 8, 2024 (9:00am) - IU/TV Studio Waitlist for the Spring SAP Training has started - March 26 & 27, 2025 - Contact Diane Rowland (drowland@SchuylkillCountyPA.Gov) to reserve a seat. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention/Awareness Training and Student “Save a Life” Suicide Prevention/Awareness Presentation are available through the Suicide Prevention Task Force: Contact Larissa Russell (russl@iu29.org) for more information. Reminder to use the most updated CASSP referral form. PDE announced the mandate for implementation of the School Social Work Certification will be delayed to August 2026. Mock Bedroom for parents and/or staff- If interested for a school event, contact Diane Rowland, D&A Office - drowland@SchuylkillCountyPA.Gov
Local Task Force
IU29’s Local Task Force (LTF) works in conjunction with the State Task Force (STF) to assist in providing information for improving, strengthening, expanding and monitoring programs and services for persons covered under Intellectual Disabilities Services.
For more information about IU29’s Local Task Force, visit our website
To be added to the Local Task Force directory and receive updates and additional information contact Ashley Hess (hessa@iu29.org)
Next Local Task Force Meeting: November 6, 5PM-6PM
MTSS
IU29 MTSS Consultants are available for on-site support for districts implementing MTSS frameworks
Contact Ashley Hess hessa@iu29.org to request training opportunities and/or onsite support
ATSI/TSI schools can contact Ashley Hess (hessa@iu29.org) or Beth Ciavarella (ciave@iu29.org) to set up meetings and/or PD related to MTSS
Paraprofessional & Transportation Training Opportunities
Parent Opportunities for you to share!
Check out the available events and share with your parents!
- Handouts/recordings from previously held Secondary Transition sessions can be accessed here: https://www.iu29.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=208
- PA Family Network: https://www.visionforequality.org/events/
- PEAL Center: https://www.pealcenter.org/events/
- The Arc of PA: https://thearcpa.org/event-calendar/
- Fall Transition Series - My Kid is 14+: What Now Padlet
PBIS
Visit IU29’s PBIS Coaches Site: http://www.tinyurl.com/IU29PBISCoaches
Schools interested in learning more about PBIS implementation - contact Ashley Hess hessa@iu29.org, Annie Grabowski graba@iu29.org, Beth Ciavarella ciave@iu29.org
Informational video - https://youtu.be/w6hU-MKd8-o
Supporting Schuylkill Haven Area High School & Tri-Valley High School
Any other high schools interested in learning more should contact Annie Grabowski or Doreen Milot
Secondary Transition
PA Secondary Transition website - www.pasecondarytransition.com. Please utilize and share with your staff, students, and parents.
Recommend your staff signs up for PA Transition Tidbits electronic newsletter
Transition Council - 2024-2025
Dates are: December 20, February 21, and May 2
Project SEARCH -
2025-2026 Application will be posted soon!
- Cyclical Monitoring: Minersville Area, Pine Grove Area, and Shenandoah Valley. Contact Doreen or Annie to set up EBR (Educational Benefit Review) training for your staff.
- Indicator 13 Preparing for Cyclical Monitoring: Blue Mountain, Gillingham Charter School, Pottsville Area, St. Clair Area, and Williams Valley
- Doreen is meeting with administration to complete the Program Survey/Interview and Training Plan. IEP Pre-Reviews will begin this month.
- Indicator 14/MP4S (My Plan for Success) Exit Surveys: Schuylkill Haven, Shenandoah Valley, and Tri-Valley
- Use the fillable PILOT SAAFP form for all student leavers now through February 21st when the MP4S system opens
- Indicator 14/MP4S (My Plan for Success) Post Surveys: Blue Mountain and Pine Grove
- Webinar will be in the spring
Parent Sessions:
Past Session handouts/recordings can be accessed here: https://www.iu29.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=208
PA Family Network: https://www.visionforequality.org/events/
PEAL Center: Event Calendar, Webinars, and Recorded Webinars
The Arc of PA Include Me Fall 2024 Transition Series: https://thearcpa.org/include-me-transition-sessions-2024/ - My Kid is 14+ What Now padlet
Agency Information: flyers and brochures from county agencies will be featured here as I receive them: https://www.iu29.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=1835
Transition Assessment Planning - resources to create a comprehensive plan for assessment can be found here: https://sites.google.com/gapps.iu29.org/iu29milottap2022/home
Check out the new PA Planning for Your Future Checklist - a comprehensive resource to add to your existing mapping guide that will help you plan a coordinated set of activities to support youth transition from HS to adult.
Please see all events on the Event Calendar
Events: https://www.pattan.net/events/
Online Course - The Essentials of IEP Writing is being offered a few times throughout the year. This course is perfect for new staff! Next one starts 11/4/24.