eBrief
The SST1 Newsletter for Busy Educators
Phase Two of the 2023-2024 Special Education Profile Released
The second phase of the 2023-2024 Special Education Profile was released by the Department on February 15, 2024 and includes disproportionate representation (indicators 9 and 10) and significant disproportionality in special education identification, placement, and discipline. Disproportionate representation is new to the 2023-2024 Special Education Profile. Resources are available at Ohio’s Special Education Profiles and Equity in Special Education: Disproportionality, including a recorded presentation detailing the new measure. The remaining indicators 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 and enrollment data will be released at a later date.
The first phase of the 2023-2024 Special Education Profile containing indicators 1, 2, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and Alternate Assessment was released on December 15, 2023.
Ohio's Introduction to The Science of Reading courses now available
As part of House Bill 33, districts, administrators and educators are required to complete a course in the Science of Reading provided by the Department of Education & Workforce no later than June 30, 2025. The Department has two pathways to meet the professional development requirements in law available now on the Learning Management System:
The Two pathways are:
Pathway A: Ohio’s Introduction to the Science of Reading, Kindergarten-Grade 5
Pathway C: Ohio’s Introduction to the Science of Reading, Grades 6-12
Visit the Professional Development in the Science of Reading webpage for more information on available course pathways and access through the Learning Management System. This webpage also contains information on accessing and completing coursework, and Frequently Asked Questions.
Do You Need Extra Guidance Adopting and Implementing the Right Science of Reading Curriculum for your District?
SST1 is here to help!
Debbie Nagel, Regional Early Literacy Specialist, is offering a three day virtual series on March 21, 2024, April 25, 2024 and May 23, 2024 (9:00 - 11:00), for Curriculum Directors, Special Education Directors, and Curriculum Adoption Committee Members that focuses on the creation of systems and processes to guide a smooth transition to the Reading of Science. The agenda for each day, additional information as well as registration can be found on our website. If you have questions on the content of the series contact Debbie Nagel.
Ohio's Introduction to Dyslexia, Grades 4-12 courses now available
The Ohio Dyslexia Committee is requiring educators to complete 18 hours of professional development aligned with the Ohio Dyslexia Guidebook. This professional development will support educators in identifying characteristics of dyslexia and understanding the pedagogy for instruction of students with or at risk of dyslexia. Ohio's Introduction to Dyslexia, Grades 4-12 course is now available in the Learning Management System.
A list of additional available training options and a timeline for completing the Professional Development is available on the Department’s Dyslexia webpage.
Third Grade Reading Guarantee Guidance Manual Updated
In preparation for spring testing, the Department has updated Third Grade Reading Guarantee guidance. This guidance manual includes topics such as the Third Grade Reading Guarantee’s promotion criteria, parent request exemption, RIMPs beyond third grade, High-Dosage Tutoring, and more.
Additional information is available on the Third Grade Reading Guarantee webpage.
Horn, Walter, Burley Awards Nomination Window is Open 🏆
Ohio public schools, community schools, career centers, and county boards of developmental disabilities are encouraged to recognize the accomplishments of Ohio educators and students with disabilities by nominating them for these annual achievement awards. The annual Horn, Walter, Burley Awards are sponsored by the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) with assistance from Ohio’s State Support Teams. This year the awards will be held in person on June 11, 2024 from 1:00 - 3:00 (location to be announced at a later date). Contact Tamie Cruz if you have any questions.
The nomination window for the R.A. Horn and Franklin B. Walter awards is open until April 15, 2024.
The 2024 R.A. Horn Outstanding Student Achievement Award
This award recognizes the accomplishments of one exemplary special education student from each of Ohio’s 16 State Support Team regions. To Nominate a student please fill out the Nomination Form. The Consent to Release forms are still physical paper copies that need to be printed, filled out, signed, scanned and e-mailed back to Tamie Cruz.
The 2024 Franklin B. Walter Outstanding Educator Award
This award is presented to one educator or team from each of Ohio’s 16 State Support Team regions for extraordinary contributions to the education of students with disabilities. To nominate an educator or team please fill out the Nomination Form. The Consent to Release forms are still physical paper copies that need to be printed, filled out, signed, scanned and e-mailed back to Tamie Cruz.
The 2024 Margaret M. Burley Outstanding Parent Award
This award is presented to an Ohio Parent of a child with disabilities. Unlike the Horn Walter awards, the Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities (OCECD) selects one winner from across the state of Ohio. For additional information and to nominate a parent, please fill out the Nomination Form. The nomination period will close March 15, 2024 for this award.
In March we Celebrate .....
Developmental Disabilities Awareness
Music in Schools Month
Teaching Music to People with Special Needs
In this short video, Mr. B teaches music to people with special needs. According to Mr. B, "It’s the idea that it’s not really about what’s different about you, it’s really about what’s the same. We all have the same needs and wants to express ourselves".
National Nutrition Month
Nutrition Lesson for Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
This short video from Adaptive Physical Activity shows how individuals use physical activity to also learn about nutrition.
Remaining Dates for SST1 Ongoing Networks and Professional Development
Re-Defining the Goal Book Study | March 12, 2024, April 19, 2024, and April 23, 2024 | 3:00 - 4:15 | Virtual (Closed)
ESC/SST Literacy Network | March 12, 2024, April 9, 2024, and May 14, 2024 | 8:30 - 10:30 | Virtual
Book Study - Specially Designed Instruction | March 12, 2024 date is cancelled, Rescheduled dates are: March 18 (3:30-4:30) or March 19 (7:30-8:30 or 3:30 - 4:30) or March 22 (7:30 - 8:30) | Virtual
New Special Ed Administrators Meeting | March 14, 2024, and May 9, 2024 | 9:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Play Based Assessment | March 18, 2024 | 8:30 - 3:30 | Northwest Ohio ESC
Preschool Leaders Network | March 19, 2024 | 9:30 - 11:30 | Virtual
Book Study - Upstream | March 20, 2024, April 16, 2024, May 15, 2024 and June 12, 2024 | 9:00 - 10:30 | Virtual (Closed)
Adoption and Implementation of the Science of Reading Curriculum | March 21, 2024, April 25, 2024 and May 23, 2024 | 9:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Using Indicator 13 Checklist for Transition Plan Writing | March 27, 2024 | 8:30 - 3:30 | Vantage Career Center
CTE Coffee Hour | April 2, 2024 | 9:00 - 10:00 | Virtual
Virtual Preschool Office Hours | April 16, 2024 | 9:30 - 10:30 | Virtual
UDL & CTE: Instructional Tools for Your Teaching Toolbelt | April 16, 2024, and June 18, 2024 | 9:00 - 3:00 | ESC of Lake Erie West (Closed)
Statewide CTE Special Ed Leaders Network | April 17, 2024 | 9:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Network for Educators of English Learners | April 18, 2024 | 8:15 - 10:15 | Virtual
Integrating Supports for Students with Disabilities | April 24, 2024 | 9:30 - 12:00 | Virtual (Closed)
MTSS for Young Children Book Study | May 1, 2024 | 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual (Closed)
Regional Transition Network | May 15, 2024 | 9:00 - 12:00 | ESC of Lake Erie West
Regional Transition Network | May 16, 2024 | 9:30 - 12:00 | Vantage Career Center
Literacy Leaders Network | May 16, 2024 | 9:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
CTE Coffee Hour | June 14, 2024 | 9:00 - 12:00 | Clay High School
Deadlines and Important Dates From the Department of Education and Workforce
- 3/12/24: Register to attend virtual free human capital networking session (Designing Onboarding Experiences to Engage and Retain)
- 3/13/24: Register to attend military-connected students webinar (Supporting Military-Connected Students)
- 3/13/24: Register for Principal Chat (Handling Toxic Situations)
- 3/13/24: Attend virtual office hours about the Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment and Alternate Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment
- 3/14/24: Attend College Board Spring Digital SAT virtual office hours
- 3/14/24: Attend virtual office hours for IDEA compliance
- 3/15/24: Teachers apply to serve on the Ohio Educator Standards Board June 2024 - June 2026
- 3/15/24: Register for Ohio Department of Health virtual regional school nurse conference
- 3/19/24: Register to attend military-connected students webinar (Becoming a Purple Star Designated School)
- 3/21/24: Appalachian Community Innovation Centers program application closes
- 3/21/24: Attend College Board Spring Digital SAT virtual office hours
- 3/28/24: Attend College Board Spring Digital SAT virtual office hours
- 3/31/24: Submit nominations for Ohio Teacher of the Year 2025
Mid-Ohio ESC Has a Position Available for a Literacy Coach
“Are you a teacher looking to impact in a different way? Try literacy coaching!
Mid-Ohio ESC is looking for qualified applicants to join a dynamic team in the Toledo area for 1 year (potential for 2 additional years). Coaches will be based in a school close to their home.” Please complete a short (5 min) application at www.moesc.net. Choose employment at Mid-Ohio ESC, “literacy coach" (See job description). Competitive pay and benefits, STRS and includes reading science training! First 10 to apply will be contacted to access an informational zoom on 3-15-24 from 3-4.” If you have any questions contact Carrie Wood, MOESC.
If you have been on our website recently, you may have noticed a banner saying "Under Construction". We are busy trying to make the information we are providing you as current and accurate as possible. Our website is still functional, however, while these updates are happening please be patient. If you have any questions at all, please reach out to us.
Lynn McKahan, Director
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Our office will be closed Friday, March 29, 2024
There are no copyright restrictions on this document; however, please cite and credit the source when copying all or part of this document. This document was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, (Award #H027A200111, CFDA 84.027A, awarded to the Ohio Department of Education). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, and no official endorsement by the Department should be inferred.