Essential Bulletin for Educators
December 2023
Hello, Pennsylvania Educators!
This bulletin will provide you with tools and strategies for classroom use and professional development opportunities.
If you have questions or content recommendations, email us at bsebulletin@pattankop.net.
With appreciation for all you do,
The Pennsylvania BSE and PaTTAN Staff
TOOLS FOR TEACHERS
Academic Supports on the Fly
This one-page resource from Inclusive Schooling offers ideas and tips to assist with challenges students encounter, such as a worksheet that is too visually overwhelming or math problems that are too complex.
Used with permission from Dr. Julie Causton and Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak of Inclusive Schooling
Supporting Others Through Big Emotions
This one-page resource from Inclusive Schooling offers a method to support youth with managing their emotions. Appropriate for any adults working with students.
Used with permission from Dr. Julie Causton and Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak of Inclusive Schooling
TIMELY OPPORTUNITIES
Let's Make a Difference - Together!
PA's 2024 Governor's STEM Competition
Don't Miss Out on a Learning Institute!
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and learn how to use relevant tools and resources for use in your classroom or school. The upcoming, in-person workshops are designed specifically for special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators. Learning Institutes are held at the regional PaTTAN offices.
APR Learning Institute for Educators from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
PaTTAN East – December 4, 2023
PaTTAN West – December 5, 2023
PaTTAN Central – December 11, 2023
APR Learning Institute for Paraprofessionals from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
PaTTAN East – December 9, 2023
PaTTAN Central – January 6, 2024
PaTTAN West – January 13, 2024
APR Learning Institutes for Leaders from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
PaTTAN East, PaTTAN Central, PaTTAN West – January 8, 2024
To learn more, review the Learning Institute Flyer, and register on the PaTTAN Training Calendar for a Learning Institute today!
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Holiday Adapt-a-Thon
On November 3, parents, teachers, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Language Pathologists participated in a Holiday Adapt-a-Thon hosted by Midwestern IU IV.
Toys and supplies for the event were purchased through the generosity of donations. Participants of the event “hacked” into various toys to switch adapt them. Many of the participants had attended other maker events, but for some, this was their very first time. Everyone did an amazing job! In all, they wired, soldered, and sewed 25 toys and built 10 switches! The items will be donated this holiday season to early intervention and district classrooms and students.
Offer of Technical Assistance
PDE is offering to assist LEAs that need help identifying, locating, and securing state and/or federal funding to comply with IDEA.
On September 5, 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Education communicated to the field a change in the model policy to more accurately reflect the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA) entitlement to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) through the age of 21.
In an effort to mitigate the costs associated with 21-year-olds receiving FAPE until their 22nd birthday, the Department is offering to assist LEAs that need help identifying, locating, and securing state and/or federal funding to comply with IDEA.
If you would like to discuss these options, please contact the Bureau of Special Education at RA-PDESPECIALED@PA.GOV and a meeting will be scheduled.
RESOURCES
50+ Self-Care Practices to Take Better Care of Yourself
Don’t let being “busy” stop you from making time for yourself!
You don’t need huge, uninterrupted blocks of “me-time” in your schedule to cultivate self-care. Here’s a list of over 50 self-care ideas that take anywhere from a whole day to just one minute to practice. Some examples include:
- Clear a spot. We often think more clearly when our spaces are more orderly. Declutter your nightstand, desk, kitchen counter, or your sofa.
- Do a mini digital detox. Try going tech-free for five minutes once a day. Meditate, stand and stretch, or color.
- Water your plants. Caring for plants keeps us in the present and in touch with nature. Research shows that plants boost productivity, creativity, mindfulness, and reduce stress.
Prevention Before Crisis: Creating a Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
A safe and supportive learning environment is crucial for students’ development and success.
Educators and school leaders can be proactive about student behavior by implementing evidence-based practices to provide positive reinforcement, teach and maintain appropriate behaviors, and adapt instruction as needed. Behavior analysts Dr. Paulie Gavoni and Anika Costa join PaTTANpod to discuss the science of student behavior and prevention and intervention strategies that support a safe and supportive learning environment.
Student-Led IEPs Resource Hub
FREE Resources from Reading Universe
Reading Universe is a collaborative literacy initiative by WETA/Reading Rockets, The Barksdale Reading Institute, and First Book. This is a FREE resource that provides evidence-based strategies and practical guidance on teaching literacy based on the latest research in the field.
Everyone needs a Pep Talk now and then!
Help spread encouragement and cheer across Pennsylvania!
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is establishing a fully automated pep talk phone line that users can call to hear words of encouragement, jokes, and advice from PA students in kindergarten through high school.
The mission of the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) is to support the efforts and initiatives of the Bureau of Special Education, and to build the capacity of local educational agencies to serve students who receive special education services.