The SERTAC Buzz

The Virtual October 17th DoSE Network Meeting has been cancelled. The next meeting of the DoSE network is November 7th at the SESC Training room. Don't miss our first-ever DoSE Book Fair!

Discover the benefits of SESC Co-teaching partnerships, where we work alongside schools to enhance both student and teacher success. Our services focus on increasing student achievement, reducing behavior incidents, and decreasing novice performance among students with disabilities. We support teachers by building their knowledge and ensuring fidelity in implementing co-teaching structures. Through co-teaching learning walks and walkthroughs, we gather valuable data to provide targeted feedback. Plus, we offer high-quality professional development at no cost to your school, empowering educators and coaches with the skills and support needed to thrive. Partner with SESC today to create an inclusive and effective learning environment for all! SESC has availability for two more schools to join the Co-teaching partnership. If you're interested in joining, send an email to brandi.bray1@sesccoop.org.

The Bustin' It with Behavior cadre is designed for classroom teachers (general ed and special ed), BUT all who are passionate about supporting behavior to improve student outcomes are welcome! Participants will explore key principals of behavior management. Through interactive sessions educators will be equipped with tools, techniques and innovative ideas to handle common behavioral challenges.

For information on each monthly topic and registration links click here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j32DNRSbn0MTdDYcqgsrjRpOiowuBB2Fr9bba41ms0Q/preview

Save the Date and Plan to Attend!

Register NOW for the 2024 Exceptional Children’s Conference, November 24 – 26, at the Galt House in Louisville, KY. This year’s keynote is Sasha Long, the Autism Helper. Join us as we delve into the nature of defiance—its causes and effective prevention strategies. You’ll leave equipped with actionable plans for addressing defiant behavior and practical techniques for de-escalation. Explore the underlying reasons behind explosive behaviors and discover your role in managing these situations.

o Check it out! Here’s a Schedule at a Glance:

Sunday - The New Teacher Academy is from 1:00 to 7:15 PM.

SERTAC LI Consultants are providing a New Teacher Academy for New MSD teachers during this time!

Sunday conference sessions from 1:00 PM to 7:15 PM

Monday’s sessions from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Tuesday’s sessions from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM

• Evaluation and Eligibility Guidance: The Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL) released The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B Special Education Process for Identifying, Evaluating, and Determining Eligibility for Special Education Services. The document is a quick reference tool that includes a graphic representation of the steps for determining a student’s initial eligibility for special education and the provision of special education services. It may be found on the Admissions and Release Committee (ARC) & Individual Education Program (IEP) webpage. For questions, please contact lynn.lockard@education.ky.gov.

2024-25 Kentucky Alternate Assessment Program Calendar

• Alternate Assessment Training Modules: As part of the Kentucky Department of Education’s plan to improve the implementation of Alternate Assessments aligned with Alternate Academic Achievement Standards (AA-AAAS) participation guidelines as well as provide a clear explanation of the differences between the assessments, Admissions, and Release Committee (ARC) members are required to complete the modules from the University of Kentucky’s Human Development Institute (HDI). To access the modules, visit (https://www.hdilearning.org/course-catalog/?woo_category=432).

Module Requirements

• New Special Education teachers

• Module KDE 103: Preparing for ARC Participation Guidelines for 3rd-12th (2023 version)
• Module KDE 104 Learner Characteristics Inventory (2023 version)

• New ARC Chairpersons

• Module KDE 102: Completing the Participation Guidelines 3rd-12th (2023 version)

• Experienced Special Education teachers, ARC Chairpersons and Directors of Special Education (DoSE)

• Module KDE 201: Annual Review Guidance for Alternate Assessment Participation (2024-2025 version). This module must be completed annually.

• New DoSEs

• Module KDE 101: The KY 1% Alternate Assessment Waiver for 3rd-12th (2023 version)
• Module KDE 102: Completing the Participation Guidelines 3rd-12th (2023 version)
• Module KDE 104 Learner Characteristics Inventory (2023 version)
• Module KDE 105 Using Data Sources to Understand and Describe Alternate Assessment Population (2023 version).

Each DoSE should ensure that all ARC members have completed the modules, and certificates of completion should be kept in a central location that can be easily accessed. If you have additional questions about the modules, please contact Lauren Thieneman at 502-564-4970 ext. 4554.

SERTAC Low Incidence Consultants update this document annually with updated links and due dates. It is a wonderful resource for MSD teachers and those administering Alternate Assessments.

UK's HDI has excellent opportunities to learn more about Communication & AAC! Click this link to learn more about upcoming opportunities: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w3UViWF9pWKwpQictEcQb9QNKM9y0Qwn/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114142587250815241182&rtpof=true&sd=true