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2024 Behavior Post
June Notes From Your ESC6 Behavior & Autism Specialists
Restore & Renew
June is such a lovely month! There are so many celebrations, such as Cat National Day and Accordion Awareness Day - not to mention all the graduation parties (of course!) And if that wasn't enough, we are also having the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris! Incroyable!
In this spirit of competitive international pride and excellence, join us virtually on June 4-6 at our ESC6 Special Education Summer Series: Go for the Gold! (see a flyer below with all sessions, including some TSHA-approved options for SLPs.) Join us for several door prizes, too. Everybody wins in this event, but perhaps you will feel like gold. 🥇
This Post is filled with learning opportunities at the ESC6 and beyond, so pace yourself. Above all, we hope you are making time for what supports your health, feeds your mind, and replenishes your soul. You are worth it! And, as always, please let us know how we can serve you best.
Upcoming Sessions
Equity
June 3 - MDR - Making Data-Based Decisions - presented by Ginger Gates & Gail Cheramie - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm - $60 face-to-face Event # 553990
June 4, 5 & 6 - ESC6 Special Education Virtual Summer Series: Go for the Gold! - Virtual Event # 538895
June 6 - School Counselor Conference - Onsite Event # 531691
June 10—Behave! 2024 - A one-day Conference on Behaviors—an in-person event at ESC 13 in Austin, TX. For more information and registration, click here.
June 10 - Essentials for Transition: Planning Transition Assessments and Coordinated Set of Activities - 9:00 am - 11:30 am - free and virtual Event # 550673
June 11 - Standards-Based Individualized Education Program (IEP) Processing Training
For Administrators - - 9:00 am - 11:30 am - free and virtual Event # 541982June 12 - Spring into Learning in an Inclusive Preschool Classroom - a Make and Take Session - 9:00 am - 3:30 pm - $60 onsite Event # 550729
June 12 & 13 - Crisis Behavior Management: Ukeru Systems 2-day TOT - see flyer below - $900 face-to-face Event # 550706
June 20-22: Texas Autism Conference in Austin, Texas (virtual options available). Family day is June 22 and is FREE of charge.
Freedom
July 1 - ESC6 Science Conference - Event # 548314 - see flyer below
July 10 - Inspiring Success: Empowering Teachers to Support Bilingual Students with Disabilities - presented by Dr. Francisco Usero-Gonzalez - #50 - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Virtual Event # 553123
July 10 & 11 - Special Education Finance Bootcamp for Special Education Directors - presented by Cindy Moses, TCASE - 9:00 am - 3:30 pm - $75 face-to-face Event # 554549
July 12 - Speech-Language Pathology Statewide Learning Series - Executive Functions: The 'Secret Sauce' for Your Therapy - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm - free and virtual Event # 539784
July 16 - ESC6 Dyslexia Conference - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Event # 539787 - see flyer below
July 16 - Circle-Up: Positive and Restorative Practices for Relationship Building and Conflict Resolution Training - presented by Dr. Mark Ybarra and Fabiana Bezerra - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm - $120 Event # 536323
July 17 - Road to Recovery: Supporting Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Who Have Experienced Trauma - presented by Stephanie Duer and Fabiana Bezerra - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm free and virtual Event # 535319
July 23 -School Safety Blueprint - Empowering District Personnel on Safety and Mental Health Challenges - presented by Denise Hayes - $50 - face-to-face Event # 552464
July 29 & 30 - Aligned! 2024: From Child Find to IEP Implementation [VIRTUAL]
facilitated on the WHOVA Conference Platform - 8:15 am - 3:45 pm - free and Event #1815397 (please note this registration process is being done through Region 4)July 29 & 30 - Cultivating the Classroom - by Emergent Tree. This session will be helpful to any teacher looking for ideas on classroom management. (And who doesn't?) - $120 for a 2-day face-to-face Event # 549756
July 30 or 31 - 10 Critical Components - Make & Take for Elementary & Secondary (see flyer below). You can register for either or both sessions here.
2024-25 - A New School Year begins!
August 6 & 7 - Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) - 9:00 am - 3:30 pm - $120 face-to-face Event # 553040
August 21 - The Foundation and Components of Transition - Transition Services - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm - free onsite Event # 553006
August 29 - Best Practices and Resources for the Admission, Dismissal, and Review (ARD) Committee Chair: You Do Not Have to Go It Alone - 8:30 - 10:00 am - free and virtual Event # 553481
🚩Upcoming Sessions:
September 5 - Fundamentals of Adapted Physical Education: Adapted PE - Where Best Practices & Fun Meet - 9:00 am - 3:30 pm - $60 onsite Event # 553210
September 17 & 18 - Visual Supports for Students with Complex Access Needs - Where to Begin & How to Implement - A Make and Take - $60 - virtual day 1 and onsite day 2 - Event # 550978
October 17 - Paula Kluth will present two sessions - more information to come.
Additional Trainings
Webinars
Spotlight on Neglect Tuesday, June 4, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT
In this session, you’ll learn about how poverty impacts neglect, including how neglect is defined federally and across states, learn effective solutions and policies across America to address child neglect and support families, and the policy levers that support families and reduce adverse childhood experiences.
How to Integrate Nutrition into Trauma Treatment - Wednesday, June 12, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
Proper nutrition is a key ingredient in rewiring your clients traumatized neural pathways. Yet, research shows that nutrition is not part of trauma treatment. In fact, nutrition and trauma are on two different planets. Mindful Movements: a trauma-informed approach to physical healing Pre-recorded webinar Mindful movements for trauma survivors. Downloadable materials.
2024 First Episode Psychosis Conference
June 5 & 6, 2024, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET
The SAMHSA-funded South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC) First Episode Psychosis (FEP) Virtual Conference 2024 will bring together stakeholders with a commitment to improving and growing FEP services in the United States. The 2024 theme, Pausing with Purpose: Guiding FEP Care with Human Connection, focuses on the crucial role of human connection in effective FEP care. The theme underscores the importance of fostering genuine relationships among those involved in FEP care, including team members, young people in services, family and other supporters.
Who Should Attend: Those committed to transforming FEP care, including providers, researchers, and those with lived experience.
TIER Online Courses Available Now
All Texas educators may access these courses for free on the TEALearn website and earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours.
Baylor University and Autism Training for Siblings & Practitioners
I am on the research team at Baylor University, which is looking to increase positive interactions between children with autism spectrum disorder and their siblings.
Our programs are uniquely designed to educate siblings about autism and equip them with the tools to Encourage, Support, and Communicate effectively, even in Unpredictable Situations. This distinctive learning experience fosters a stronger sibling bond and creates a more inclusive family environment, setting it apart from other programs.
Level 3 is for siblings of a student with ASD only and is a one-day, six-hour course in cities across Texas. The program is still booking towns and has openings in your area.
Participants must be between the ages of 5 and 7, live in Texas, and have a sibling with an ASD diagnosis.
Participants can earn up to $75 in Amazon gift cards for full participation.
Corpus Christi, TX – June 3rd
Waco, TX – June 5th
Lubbock, TX – June 6th
Amarillo, TX June 10th
RG Valley, TX – June 13th
El Paso, TX – June 20th
Practitioner Training is for practitioners who work with children with autism spectrum disorder. It is a three-hour course titled “Involving Siblings in Treatment Planning.”
BCBAs will receive three free CE units, and Texas-certified teachers and administrators will receive three free hours of CPEs.
Upon completion, participants receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
Corpus Christi, TX - June 4th
Lubbock, TX – June 7, 2024
Amarillo, TX – June 11, 2024
DFW, TX – June 12th
RG Valley, TX - June 14th
Austin, TX – June 17th
San Antonio, TX – June 17th
Waco, TX - June 18th
El Paso, TX – June 21st
Houston, TX – June 28th
The program has received resoundingly positive feedback from previous participants, administrators, and parents, which serves as a strong testament to its effectiveness and value. This should instill confidence in the program's ability to make a positive difference in your child's life, as it has for many others.
Please share this opportunity with friends and families, as plenty of openings exist. We value our participants and believe that every child and family can contribute to and benefit from this program.
Bonnie Lindley, M. Ed
Research Associate
School of Education
One Bear Place #97041
Waco, TX 76798
Webinars for National Veteran Suicide Prevention Month
The Office of Mental Health Coordination's Veterans Mental Health Services has developed four webinars to occur each week of June in honor of National PTSD Awareness and Veteran Suicide Prevention Month.
The webinars will focus on various aspects of how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and returning home from service can impact veterans and their families.
Webinar dates, descriptions, and registration links can be found below.
June 7, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.
Speaker: Dr. Samantha Marasa, Strong Star, Ft. Cavazos
Moderator: Tara Reyna
Learn how trauma experiences change the nervous system and the impact that childhood trauma can have on service-members. We will also discuss unique considerations for supporting veterans living with PTSD. This webinar is appropriate for veterans, their families, and clinicians.
The Deadly Gap – The Elevated Suicide Risk for Veterans in Their First Year After Service Separation
June 14, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.
Speaker: Tara Reyna
Moderator: Kimberly Patterson
In the first year after leaving military service, the rate of veteran suicide is 2.5x higher compared to the active-duty population. During this time, veterans are experiencing change in all major areas of life: family, job, community, friendships, and life purpose. We will discuss why these changes can be both mentally and physically overwhelming, the impact of substance use, and discuss the various programs and places in the community that can provide support.
June 28, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.
Speaker: Tara Reyna
Moderator: Kimberly Patterson
The recent "sober curious" movement challenges drinking culture norms and encourages individuals to examine their drinking habits in order to drink less and live fuller, healthier lives. In this webinar, we will explore the details of this rising movement and how it could have a positive impact on military communities.
How Families Are Impacted When a Service Member or Veteran Lives with PTSD
June 21, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.
Speaker: Dr. Elisa Borah
Moderator: Tara Reyna
When a service member lives with PTSD, it impacts not just them, but their families as well. Sometimes, secondary trauma can occur, and in order to help the veteran, it's important to help their family, too. This webinar will discuss how PTSD impacts the entire family unit and the effective supports for families.
FentAlert Challenge: Youth Innovators Advancing Fentanyl Overdose Prevention Webinar
Thursday, June 13, 2024, 2 - 3 p.m. ET Summer is often a time of substance use initiation for youth and young adults. The serious threat of fentanyl in our communities looms large and it is important to focus on prevention messaging during this time of year. From 2019 to 2021, overdose deaths among adolescents aged 10-19 increased. About 90% of these deaths involved opioids and 84% involved illicitly manufactured fentanyl. Engaging with youth and young adults can provide important insights into how this substance makes its way into our homes, schools, and communities and empower us to do something about it. That’s why SAMHSA is hosting a free webinar, FentAlert Challenge: Youth Innovators Advancing Fentanyl Overdose Prevention, on June 13, 2024, from 2 to 3 p.m. ET. FentAlert Challenge youth and young adult winners will share their strategies to increase awareness, education, and prevention around the dangers of fentanyl. FentAlert Challenge: Empowering Youth for Safer Choices—SAMHSA Fentanyl Awareness Youth Challenge encouraged youth ages 14-18 to develop a community strategy to educate their peers about fentanyl and fake pills—and prevent drug overdose deaths. Six winners and 25 honorable mentions were announced in May during SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week (NPW).
ADHD Expert Webinar
ADHD EXPERT WEBINAR
EXPERTS: Michael A. Tompkins, Ph.D. This webinar will be recorded. Register now and we'll reserve you a spot (even if you can't attend live) AND email you the replay link »
DATE & TIME: Tuesday, June 18 @ 1pm EDT
(12pm CDT; 11am MDT; 10am PDT) | Find it in your time zone >
. . . . .
A cluttered, disorganized living environment is as common as it is unsettling for many people who have ADHD. Overwhelm often prevents them from even getting started on decluttering. For some people, the clutter reaches a level that compromises their ability to live safely in their homes. This is usually the result of hoarding disorder. Sometimes, it’s difficult to discern what constitutes clutter versus hoarding.
In this webinar, you will learn:
Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
I am pleased to invite you to our upcoming event, an introduction and overview to the most widespread standardized suicide assessment tool, the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), a science-driven screening model to accurately assess suicidality, determine the risk level, and offer appropriate support.
Learn from the developer of the tool, Dr. Kelly Posner Gerstenhaber, Ph.D., clinical professor of medical psychology at Columbia University. She is the director of The Columbia Lighthouse Project, a nonprofit with a mission to teach the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to therapists and clinicians.
Dr. Posner will delve into the research behind the C-SSRS tool and offer practical insights on its implementation.
Join us on Zoom: Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 12:00–1:30 PM EDT/ 9:00–10:30 am PDT to help save lives.
The seminar is free of charge. However, there is a $30 CE credit processing fee for those seeking CE credit (see accreditation statement below).
This event is tailored to mental health professionals dedicated to suicide prevention and seeking to bolster their expertise in suicide risk assessment. Additionally, we extend our invitation to companies, organizations, and government entities committed to disseminating vital information on suicide prevention strategies.
Together, let us take proactive steps toward lowering the rates of suicide. We look forward to your participation in this informative workshop.
2024 Injury Prevention Conference
2024 Injury Prevention Conference
Save the Date!
July 18-19, 2024
The Texas Department of State Health Services, Title V Maternal & Child Health, will host the 2024 Texas Injury Prevention Conference virtually and in person at the Holiday Inn Austin Midtown from July 18 -19, 2024.
Schedule/Registration. The conference will provide training and education on the prevention of injury and death for infants, children and adolescents. Presentations will take place Thursday, July 18th from 7:30am -5:00pm, and half the day Friday, July 19th from 7:30am -12pm.
You can register using this link. A schedule with session descriptions will be sent soon.
Target Attendees. Invited participants include members of the Child Fatality Review Teams across Texas, physicians, nurses, counselors, educators, public health professionals, and social workers.
Accommodations. Register as a virtual attendant or in person attendant and book your hotel room today! A block of rooms has been secured at the Holiday Inn Austin Midtown for conference attendees.
Click HERE to reserve your room now.
Meals and Parking. Registration includes free parking, breakfast and lunch on Thursday, and breakfast Friday.
Exhibitors. Interested in being an exhibitor? Send us an email for more information!
Questions: Please contact Innovation Event Management - dshs@iemshows.com | (512) 358-1000
We look forward to seeing you in Austin in July for the Injury Prevention Conference!
Information & Inspiration
MTSS Trainings by TIER
Tiered Interventions using Evidence-based Research (TIER) is a statewide technical assistance network funded by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The goal is to provide educators, caregivers, and other educational stakeholders with the knowledge and materials to ensure appropriate implementation of MTSS in every school across Texas.
Over 60 participants representing 19 ESCs and 20 LEAs across Texas received intensive training on:
- Making Decisions Within an MTSS Framework
- Diagnostic Assessments in Mathematics
- Diagnostic Assessments in Behavior
- Comprehensive Evaluation
- Explicit Instruction
To arrange TIER/MTSS training or support for your LEA or school, contact the TIER primary contact at your ESC using the Statewide MTSS Contact Information List on the Texas SPED Support website. To find the specific TIER/MTSS trainers at your ESC, filter by using the Region drop-down.
Critical Reminder: MTSS may not be used to delay or deny an evaluation of a child suspected of having a disability and needing special education and related services.
LoneStar LEND Training Program
Director: Pauline A. Filipek, MD
Mission
LoneStar LEND is a training program designed to develop leaders in the field of autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disabilities (ASD/DD) using a 10-month, interdisciplinary training model focused on leadership, cultural competence, and evidence-based practice. The LoneStar LEND mission particularly promotes training that produces future leaders equipped to best serve underrepresented and underserved children with ASD/DDs across Texas.
Educational Opportunities
The LEND offers three types of educational opportunities:
- Long-Term Trainee Program
- Medium-Term Trainee Program
- Short-Term Trainee Program
You can find more information about each program below.
1. Long-Term Trainee (LTT) Program
Provides leadership training to:
- Medical residents and fellows
- Graduate students whose academic focus is within one of the Core Disciplines
- Professionals who work within one of the Core Disciplines
- Parents and siblings of individuals with ASD/DDs
- Self-advocates
Long-Term Trainees (LTTs) complete an average of 20hrs/week of LEND-specific activities. Curriculum includes:
- Didactic seminars
- Clinical observations
- Community field experiences
- Leadership training
- Service Learning Project
- Family mentorship experience
- Monthly stipend support, paid conference registration and a professional development travel stipend are also provided.
Find more information about the LTT Program Requirements HERE.
Applications are open until April 30th, 2024! Rolling admissions policy.
2. Medium-Term Trainee (MTT) Program
The MTT Program allows for a less structured, less intensive learning opportunity. MTTs are permitted to design their own learning experience. However, their program must span no longer than five months and include 40 – 299 hours of training.
The MTT Program is available to:
- Students / Residents
- Professionals
- Family members
- Community advocates
- Self-advocates
The MTT Program includes participation in:
- Didactic seminars
- LoneStar LEND Conference
- Cultural Responsiveness training *
- LEND Leadership Weekend*
- LEND Book Club*
*optional
You can find more information about the MTT Program Requirements HERE. A completed application is required for consideration. Applications remain open and are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis.
3. Short-Term Trainee (STT) Program
The STT Program is the least structured way for individuals to participate in LEND educational opportunities; it includes weekly seminars and the annual LEND Conference. Anyone in the community, from high school students to parents to healthcare professionals, may attend the didactic seminars and/or the LoneStar LEND Conference. STTs complete up to 40 hours of training. No application required- to attend LEND seminars, contact the Program Coordinator to RSVP at least 48hrs prior tothe seminar date. The LEND Conference can be registered for by following the link above.
Program Coordinator Contact Information: Annie Rangel - (713) 500-3637 - Annie.A.Rangel@uth.tmc.edu
Strategies and Resources to Support Trauma-Informed K-12 Schools
SchoolSafety.gov released a new issue brief that describes the impact of trauma on children and youth. The brief specifically focuses on strategies and resources to build and maintain trauma-informed schools that promote student well-being and safe, supportive learning environments.
Learn more below and download and share this new resource with others in your K-12 school community.
What is a trauma-informed school?
A trauma-informed school promotes a safe and welcoming environment while also recognizing the widespread impact of trauma. This approach includes integrating trauma-informed principles with various aspects of a school’s policies and actions, including social, emotional, and behavioral learning practices; disciplinary procedures; classroom management and activities; and support systems and services for students and school personnel.
What is the value of a trauma-informed school?
Children in the United States are exposed to trauma at a high rate, with more than two-thirds of children reporting at least one traumatic event by age 16. Creating and maintaining a trauma-informed school can promote a sense of safety, support, and inclusivity; lessen the escalation of mental health issues associated with trauma; and better position students for success.
How can schools create and maintain a trauma-informed environment?
School leaders, educators, and staff can consider the following strategies to adopt a trauma-informed environment:
- Recognize and understand the signs of traumatic stress. Offering continuous professional development opportunities can help school leaders, educators, and staff identify signs of traumatic stress and better respond to and support affected students.
- Incorporate trauma-informed classroom practices and strategies. Creating a compassionate, positive, and supportive classroom environment can help students impacted by trauma form trusting relationships with others, grow confidence to engage in classroom learning, and develop resilience.
- Create partnerships with families and community organizations. Engaging families and local organizations can expand services to children and families affected by trauma and enhance a student’s chances for success.
For additional trauma-informed school resources, please visit SchoolSafety.gov’s mental health topic page. If you have any questions, please contact us at SchoolSafety@hq.dhs.gov.
SEL Cohort - Virtual Program
Intersecting SEL, Social Justice, & Equity
Cohort 9: June 5th & 12th, 2024, 4:00-6:30 PM
Please register now to ensure yourself a spot.
Join us for this virtual, interactive, two-session program that will focus on helping individuals and teams from schools, districts, and other youth-serving organizations develop a shared understanding of the intersections of SEL and social justice.
Participants will:
- Develop a clear rationale for why successful SEL implementation depends upon this intersection
- Assess the current state of leveraging SEL in service of social justice and equity in your community, including strengths, gaps, resistance, and opportunities
- Leave with new insights and resources for implementation
Program Format
- Two 2.5 hours sessions via Zoom
- Participants are encouraged to attend with other team members from your school, district, or community organization
- Participants will meet in the same cohort configuration for both sessions, so as to develop a sense of community and strengthen networks of support
Parents Corner
Post-school Outcomes Survey Launches in June
The State Performance Plan Indicator (SPPI) 14 survey measures post-school outcomes for students who were receiving special education services when they exited public school. TEA contracts with a vendor to conduct the SPPI 14 survey. On June 3, Gibson Consulting Group will launch the summer 2024 survey for students who were enrolled in grades 9-12 during the 2022-23 school year and graduated, dropped out, completed a GED, or withdrew to enter college. Resources are available on the Texas SPED Support website to understand the SPPI 14 post-school outcomes survey. Watch the videos to learn more about SPPI 14, including how to use the results of the survey to inform transition planning practices or to increase response rates. Use the bookmark to share information about the post-school outcomes survey with students and families.
This year, former students and families will receive invitations to complete the survey through the following methods:
- Email messages from gibsonsurveys@qemailserver.com
- Phone calls from (512) 580-6008
- Text messages from (833) 495-3340
- Postcards
For questions about the survey, they may contact Gibson by sending an email to support@gibsonconsult.com or calling (512) 580-6008. They may also complete the survey by visiting www.TxExit.com.
For families raising children with disabilities
Sounds for Your Pleasure
For More Information
Fabiana Bezerra, LSSP, NCSP
ESC 6 Behavior & Autism Specialist for Special Education
Email: fbezerra@esc6.net
Website: https://www.esc6.net/
Location: Education Service Center Region 6, Montgomery Road, Huntsville, TX, USA
Phone: 936-4350-8252
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Region6ESC
Twitter: @escregion6