Essential Bulletin for Educators
June 2023
Hello, Pennsylvania Educators!
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at any time at bsebulletin@pattankop.net
With appreciation for all you do,
The Pennsylvania BSE and PaTTAN Staff
Dr. Clancy and Dr. Pastorak participated in the 22nd Annual Walk for Autism, organized by the Autism Society of Northwest Pennsylvania on April 29th at the Lake Erie Speedway.
The BSE Directors are pictured above with the Intermediate 5 team lead by IU 5 Special Education Director, Christy Carucci. The two-mile walk hosted approximately 2000 people this year, one of the largest crowds in the history of the event.
TOOLS FOR TEACHERS
A New Spin on Show-and-Tell for All Ages
Show-and-Tell is an excellent way for children to feel validated as they connect with their classmates.
Ideas include:
- Science experiment
- Favorite song
- Hidden talent
- Memory jar
- Foreign language
End the Stress Cycle this Summer
Listen to the 3-Part Summer Burnout Recovery Series from The Resilient Teacher
- Part 1: Why Summer Break is Not Going to Get You Out of Teacher Burnout
- Part 2: The 5 Must-Have Methods for Teachers To End the Stress Cycle this Summer
- Part 3: How to Develop a Burnout Recovery Plan in Less Than an Hour
NEWS YOU CAN USE
New Special Education Forms Effective November 1
The Prior Written Notice for a Reevaluation and Request for Consent form has been separated into two forms, the Prior Written Notice for a Reevaluation form and the Request for Consent for a Reevaluation form (linked below). The form was separated into two forms to ensure that local educational agencies (LEAs) provide parents with prior written notice and obtain parent consent at proper times during the reevaluation process, in accordance with 34 CFR 300.300 and 300.503.
The video linked below explains the rationale for the change and how to use the two new forms.
Supreme Court Ruling on March 21, 2023: Perez v. Sturgis
The Supreme Court's decision in Perez v. Sturgis Public Schools in Michigan clarified that a procedural requirement under IDEA does not bar students from suing schools under the ADA for damages that are not available under IDEA.
This means that students with disabilities can sue schools for damages under the ADA without first exhausting the administrative process required by IDEA.
The decision also clarified that a student who has settled an administrative complaint under IDEA may still sue for damages under the ADA.
TIMELY OPPORTUNITIES
2023 PA Community of Practice Transition Conference
The primary purpose of this two-day conference is to expand the capacity of youth, family members, schools and community partners regarding specific issues related to: effective employment and post-secondary educational practices, develop healthy lifestyles; and the utility of assistive technology, resources, supports and services available to youth and families.
Fellowship Program Welcomes Applicants for a New Cohort
The Pennsylvania Fellowship Program (PFP) for Special Education Leaders is a year-long, comprehensive continuum of professional development that will result in a systematic view of special education while building the leadership capacity of the participant.
Fellows are engaged in learning, networking, and mentoring opportunities built to enhance their capacity and promote effective programming to ensure success for all students with disabilities. The PFP is designed specifically for special education leaders with three or less years of experience in their current role.
The goals of the PFP for Special Education Leaders are to:
- Increase the skills and knowledge of legal issues and reporting procedures required in special education.
- Build and support a cadre of special education leaders who can achieve improved results for all students with disabilities.
- Develop a culture of learning and teaching within LEAs so all staff have the knowledge and skills to support students with disabilities.
- Promote the development of a network of collaborative relationships with professionals in similar positions from across the state.
Mentors Needed!
Are you a current or retired School Psychologist, Special Education Administrator, Special Education Teacher, Teacher of the Deaf, or Teacher of the Visually Impaired with five or more years of experience?
The application will be available on the APR Repository beginning Monday, June 12, 2023 through Monday, July 31, 2023.
Participating mentors will receive training and ongoing support. Stipends will be provided to all mentors. Questions regarding the APR Mentoring Project may be directed to the APR State Lead, Christine Moon at cmoon@pattanpgh.net.
RESOURCES
Looking for Ways to Bolster Your School-Family-Community Partnership?
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.