![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-65c38c67bc05b4854c15a047-1d069de4c2bb.jpg)
![Logo](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/940c/thumb-d746d64ca7269b37d5cbe962034e7519.jpeg)
Special Education
![Special Education](https://cdn.smore.com/u/9d07/3393a74a8a9293af3b12e9ac6a60b3f6.jpg)
Tiered Services Support Request Form
Region 16 Tiered Services is here to assist you.
Building a Foundation: Supporting Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities
This series is essential for first time or veteran teachers and administrators supporting students with significant cognitive disabilities. The needs of students with a significant cognitive disability require specialized adaptations and modifications to traditional educational strategies. These 5 hybrid sessions (in-person or live zoom) will be delivered in small two-hour increments from 3:00-5:00, to support teachers and administrators in building a standard of high-quality instruction. Participants will understand how to use instructional materials, teaching practices, and create learning environments that lead to foundations of learner access and success. "Make & Takes" will be made at each session for in-person participants only. This training also provides a rubric that teachers and administrators can use to build and support the best environments for student learning and personalized on-site collaboration & coaching. Participants will have the option for on-site collaboration and implementation of indicators. Let's get to building!!
Indicators covered will be:
Alignment to State Standards
Effective Teams
Classroom Climate
Differentiated Instruction
Social Communication
This session will meet 5 times beginning on September 5, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
CLI Circle Engage PreK Assessment
High-quality PreK requires progress monitoring for PreK students. Several options are available for districts to select for their monitoring, however, most LEAS have chosen the Circle Assessment from Children's Learning Institute. This half-day training is for new Early Childhood teachers who will be administering this assessment for the first time and veteran teachers who want a refresher to ensure they are using the assessment with fidelity.
This session will meet on September 5, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
HQPK: What Every ECSE/PreK Teacher Needs to Know About the High Quality PreK Teaching Requirements
In this session, we will explore the components of a high-quality prekindergarten program addressed in House Bill 3. Using TEA guidance documents and discussion, participants will walk away with more thorough knowledge and understanding of how these components directly impact both early childhood special education (ECSE) and prekindergarten teachers.
This session will meet on September 5, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Reading by Design 5-Day Training
This session is for certified teachers who are currently teaching in a public school district or charter school. *Please see note below for more specific information.
Participants will learn the fundamentals of dyslexia intervention through a review of Texas dyslexia laws and current research, as well as best practices in dyslexia instruction. We will delve into evidence-based components of instruction and explore continuums for developing reading ability in students with dyslexia. Participants will learn how to deliver daily intervention utilizing Reading by Design, a multisensory, systematic, explicit, and intensive reading program designed for students with dyslexia.
Teachers attending these five days will receive the entire Reading by Design program with supplemental resources necessary for small group instruction.
This session will meet 5 times beginning on September 9, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
"Empowering School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists: Acknowledgement, Advocacy & Agency"
Impacted by increased workload and compliance demands, lack of opportunity to collaborate and insufficient understanding of our roles and responsibilities, school-based Speech-Language pathologists (SLP) carry a heavy load. Through a lens of evidence-based practices and human connection, Phuong will move you through empowering advocacy considerations and strategies to maximize outcomes at the district, campus, and individual levels. You will leave this session reflecting, refueled, and re-engaged in your meaningful work.
This virtual session will meet on September 13, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM.
Light Tech, Big Impact - Effective AT for Autistic Students
Assistive Technology does not have to be a high-cost, high-tech item. Supporting Autistic students with AT can be done with resources you already have; a shift in mindset is all that is needed. Participants will be introduced to a spectrum of assistive technology tools specifically designed to enhance the learning experience for autistic students. From communication aids and sensory integration tools to academic accessibility, educators will discover innovative, low-tech resources to personalize learning and promote independence. Light tech CAN have a BIG impact!!
This on-demand course is prerecorded. Participants will have one week to view the session and complete a follow up activity. The link will be sent out on September 16, 2024.
Helping Without Hovering: How Paraprofessionals Can Provide Appropriate In-Class Supports
Paraprofessionals are a key component to the successful inclusion of students with disabilities. However, this support should not hinder the students' own independence and learning. Paraprofessionals will discover the 8 most effective ways to support students in inclusive classrooms and leave with ready-to-use ideas and strategies.
This session will meet on September 18, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Texas Dyslexia Academy (TDA) 1: Foundations
Texas Dyslexia Academy (TDA) 1: Foundations is the first of six training opportunities developed to assist educators to better understand dyslexia and related disorders. In this course, participants learn foundational information about how students acquire reading skills, why some students struggle in reading, what dyslexia is, and warning signs that dyslexia may be causing a student’s reading difficulties.
The objectives for this course are:
-Explore the elements of reading
-Define dyslexia, its characteristics, and related disorders
-Explore the common risk factors for dyslexia
-Understand associated academic difficulties
This session will meet on September 25, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Texas Dyslexia Academy (TDA) 3: Considerations for Emergent Bilingual Students
Texas Dyslexia Academy (TDA) 3: Considerations for Emergent Bilingual (EB) Students provides a general overview of the unique needs of EB students as it relates to dyslexia risk factors, identification, and services.
The objectives for this course are:
-Understand how The Dyslexia Handbook, 2024 Update addresses EB students
-Understand the process of second language acquisition
-Learn about the benefits of bilingualism
-Explore the various types of alphabetic systems that exist around the world
-Explore instructional programming for emergent bilingual students
This session will meet on September 30, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Classroom Management 101
Effective and consistent classroom management skills are essential for every teacher in order to maintain a quality learning environment for all students. This workshop will provide teachers with necessary tools in order to establish positive classroom management skills and techniques.
This session will meet on October 1, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
STAAR Social Studies Supplemental Aids
Doesn't every student get to use supplemental aids on the STAAR? Join us as we explore eligibility, required documentation, and examples of supplemental aids for students taking the 8th-grade US History and High School US History STAAR exams. Head back to the classroom with the expertise and aids to boost STAAR success for your students!
This session will meet on October 2, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Effective Strategies for Students with Down Syndrome
In this session participants will explore practical strategies and insights to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment. This session recognizes the unique challenges and strengths of students with Down syndrome and seeks to empower educators with tools to optimize their educational experiences. We will cover characteristics and impacts on learning environments, creating & supporting inclusive classrooms, communication & social skills, and positive behavior supports & strategies. Leave with a comprehensive toolkit for promoting academic success and independence for students with Down Syndrome
This session will meet on October 3, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Getting Ready for Reading by Design - Volume 0
This session is part of a series of Reading by Design intervention trainings. This course will introduce participants to Volume 0 - Getting Ready for Reading by Design, a volume of 20 lessons designed for students who need extra support with foundational skills. This material is designed to support foundational literacy before beginning a program like Reading by Design.Le sson components include phonological awareness, alphabet, fine motor, oral language, and components of language. Participants will receive as part of this training Volume 0, an alphabet deck, a feelings poster, and a set of vocabulary picture cards.
This session will meet on October 3, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Inclusive Minds Book Club: Ready Set Connect - A Sensory Based Approach to Accelerate Communication
Join us for the return of the Inclusive Minds Book Club with Ready Set Connect: A Sensory-Based Approach to Accelerate Communication in Autistic Children by Jessie Ginsburg, MS, CCC-SLP. In her debut book, Jessie, who is a sensory trained SLP, offers readers a comprehensive guide to transforming communication development in Autistic children.
Book club members will participate in discussions about the book, as well as videos and podcast excerpts. Zoom meetings will be held at the beginning and end of the book. We look forward to learning & growing with you!
The initial Book Club meeting will be held on October 2, 2024 at 4:00pm.
Texas Dyslexia Academy (TDA) 5: Screening
Texas Dyslexia Academy (TDA) 5: Screening for Dyslexia focuses on the universal screening process for dyslexia and reading development.
The objectives for this course are:
-Understand the importance of early screening
-Understand the state screening requirements
-Define universal screening for dyslexia and related disorders
-Become familiar with the guidelines for the administration of screening instruments
-Explore interpretation of screening results
-Understand the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) requirements related to screening
-Understand best practices for ongoing progress monitoring
This session will meet on October 8, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Texas Dyslexia Academy (TDA) 6: Dysgraphia
Texas Dyslexia Academy 6: Dysgraphia provides educators with foundational information about dysgraphia, which is a related disorder to dyslexia. In this course, participants explore how students acquire writing skills, what dysgraphia is, the identification process, and the provision of services for students with dysgraphia as outlined in the Dyslexia Handbook.
The objectives for this course are:
-Understand the simple view of writing and the stages of handwriting development
-Understand the definition and characteristics of dysgraphia
-Understand the procedures for the identification of dysgraphia
-Explore instruction for students with dysgraphia
-Explore instructional accommodations and technology tools
This session will meet on October 8, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
A Deep Dive into Special Population Review (DMS)
Over 15,000 students in Region 16 receive either special education or dyslexia services. To continuously improve district special program services, districts engage in cyclical review and dyslexia monitoring. Join us as we dive deeply into the monitoring process and its impact on the students you serve.
This session will meet on October 10, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Unlocking Literacy: Strategies for Students with MIVI and LID
Join us for an insightful session aimed at enhancing literacy skills for students with low incidence disabilities, including Multiple Impairments Including Visual Impairment (MIVI). This session will explore innovative strategies and adaptive techniques to promote literacy development tailored specifically for students with these unique needs. Through practical examples and interactive discussions, educators will gain valuable insights into fostering literacy growth, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities for all learners. Whether you're a teacher, specialist, or caregiver, this session offers practical tools and approaches to empower students with low incidence disabilities on their journey to literacy success.
This session will meet on October 14, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Special Education Toolbox 4.2 Presented by Andrea Gulley
The Walsh Gallegos Toolbox 4.2 provides the next level of practical strategies for dealing with disruptive, dangerous or violent students in compliance with Special Education laws.
This session will meet on October 16, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Texas Dyslexia Academy (TDA) 2: The Dyslexia Handbook
Texas Dyslexia Academy (TDA) 2: The Dyslexia Handbook
Participants will gain an understanding of
-The Dyslexia Handbook, 2024 Update
-The definition, characteristics, and common risk factors of dyslexia
-Universal screening and data review for reading risk
-The evaluation and identification process and provision of services for students with dyslexia
-The critical, evidence-based components of dyslexia instruction
-The evaluation and identification process, provision of services for students with dysgraphia and critical, evidence-based components of dysgraphia instruction
This session will meet on October 17, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Stories Fuel our World: Literacy-based Considerations to Ethically Fuel Assessment and Intervention
Centering the power of stories to ethically conduct culturally responsive assessments and implement student-centered interventions, attendees will leave with literacy-based practices that will maximize SLP time, effort and impact. Through a lens of evidence-based data and human-centered practices, Phuong will move you through a high-impact and meaningful session to align with your current days. Here's to the power of stories.
This session will satisfy the Ethics requirements for the Texas state license and for ASHA certification maintenance.
This session will meet on October 18, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM
Unlocking Potential: Child-Led Play for Children with Autism
In this session, we will delve into the significance of play as a vital developmental tool and how it can be harnessed to support children on the autism spectrum. Throughout the session, we will focus on the concept of "child-led play" — an approach that prioritizes the child's interests, preferences, and strengths, allowing them to take the lead during playtime. By giving children with autism the autonomy to guide their play experiences, we unlock their innate potential for creativity, communication, social interaction, and emotional expression
This on-demand course is prerecorded. Participants will have one week to view the session and complete a follow up activity. The link will be sent out on October 21, 2024
Word Play Throughout the PreK Day
Rhyming, alliteration, onset-rime, syllables, sentence segmentation, and phonemic awareness are all key components of the phonological awareness continuum outlined in the PreK guidelines. In this session, we will focus on authentic, play-based experiences that support the development of these skills in preschoolers.
This session will meet on October 22, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Show Me the Data... Tips, Tricks, and Tracking Behavior
What does data collection involve? Why do we collect data? How do we collect data and make it meaningful? We will learn different ways to collect behavior data using a step-by-step process in many different ways.
This session will meet on October 22, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
IDEA vs. Section 504: Demystifying the Paths to Student Success
Join us for a professional development session designed to clarify the distinctions and intersections between the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This session will provide education professionals with a comprehensive understanding of these two crucial frameworks that impact the educational experiences of students with disabilities.
This session will meet on October 29, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Enhancing Access, Engaging Minds: Effective Math Instruction for Students with Autism & Low Incidence Disabilities
Join us for a professional development session focused on effectively teaching math to students with complex access needs. In this session, we will explore practical strategies and approaches to engage and support these students in their mathematical learning journey. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, you'll gain valuable insights into adapting curriculum, creating meaningful learning experiences, and fostering mathematical skills development. Participants will learn how to enhance access by linking prerequisites to grade-level math TEKS.
Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to this field, this session will provide you with practical tools and techniques to enhance your teaching practice and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed in math.
This session will meet on October 29, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Texas Dyslexia Academy (TDA) 4: Dyslexia: From Child Find through the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee Process
Texas Dyslexia Academy (TDA) 4: Dyslexia: From Child Find through the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee Process is designed to build background knowledge about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and special education. It provides information about core special education concepts such as Child Find, Full Individual and Initial Evaluations (FIIEs), Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committees, and Individual Education Program (IEP) development.
Participants will gain an understanding of:
-IDEA
-Child Find requirements
-The referral process for an initial evaluation when a specific learning disability (SLD)/dyslexia is suspected
-Notice of Action-Prior Written Notice (PWN), Notice of Procedural Safeguards, and Overview of Special Education for Parents
-FIIE
-ARD committee meeting and IEP components
-Reevaluation process
This session will meet on November 6, 2024 from 9:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Little Learners, Big Tools: Assistive Technology in PreK
In this interactive session, new and veteran educators will explore the power of assistive technology in the PreK classroom, focusing on creating inclusive learning environments for all young learners. We’ll dive into the latest tools and strategies to help students of diverse abilities thrive, with a special emphasis on integrating assistive technology into play-based centers. Participants will also leave with a foundational knowledge of assistive technology and how to incorporate AT in the IEP. Whether you are a PreK or ECSE teacher, this session will elevate your early learning classroom!
This session will meet on November 5, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Speech Therapy and Hearing Loss: Part 1- Conducting Ethical Evaluations
What do educational SLPs need to know about working with students with hearing differences? What areas of communication need to be evaluated when considering eligibility for services? How do we determine current levels when working with multiple language modalities? Come explore best practice considerations for assessments and eligibility for our D/HH students.
This session will satisfy the Ethics requirements for the Texas state license and for ASHA certification maintenance.
This session will also satisfy ASHA’s DEI requirements for maintenance of certificate of clinical competence.
This virtual session will meet on November 8, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 12:15 PM.
Big Behaviors in Little Bodies
Navigating intense emotions can be challenging to articulate and comprehend for our little people. Utilizing stories and other strategies helps provide an effective approach to grasping these complex topics. This training session is designed for ECSE and Pre-K through first grade.
This session will meet on November 18, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Autism and Mental Health
This training will provide essential knowledge and skills to better understand and support children with autism and address mental health concerns. This training covers critical topics such as autism spectrum disorders, mental health awareness, effective communication, and creating a supportive environment.
This on-demand course will be available for one week beginning on November 18th.
YES! You Can Create the Highest Quality IEP with Rigor!!
IEP? PLAAFP? Monitoring? WHAT?
In this course educators and administrators will understand critical components of the IEP including:
PLAAFP, goals/objectives and progress monitoring methods for students with complex access needs (CAN). We will learn how to apply the Quality & Rigor Rubric to IEP’s PLAAFP, goals/objectives and progress monitoring sections for improvement and reflection. Create PLAAFPs, goals/objectives, and progress monitoring methods that are rigorous and of the highest quality for your students with CAN. This is a great course for teachers of complex access learners, AND first year teachers or veteran teachers wanting to perfect your IEP writing craft. Administrators wanting guidance on implementation will benefit as well. Follow up coaching sessions can be provided.
This session will meet on November 19, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Breaking the Mold: Designing Structured Work Systems for Students with Disabilities
Attention to task, task completion, generalization, and independence are four things teachers strive for when working with students with cognitive disabilities. In this interactive session, participants will learn how to individualize & implement meaningful work systems to support students in mastering those four skills by utilizing inexpensive materials readily available in their classroom or home.
Participants will “think outside the box” to look at structured work systems in different formats and settings.
This session will meet on November 20, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.