Exceptional Education Newsletter
April 2023
IN THIS ISSUE
- Compliance Corner
- Message from the Behavior Analysts
- Let's Celebrate Occupational Therapy Month
- Assistive Technology Tip of the Month
- Message from Intensive Support Teams
- Virginia Alternate Assessment Program Information
- Message from Transition Mentor Teachers
- SEAC
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Shout outs
- Previous Issues
COMPLIANCE CORNER
All students must have an assigned case manager in VA IEP. If you have a student in the initial eligibility process, assign the ICC as the case manager until the process has been completed.
Continue to work on obtaining signatures from parents to finalize and bring the IEP process compliant in VA IEP. Here are some ways schools have obtained parent signatures:
1. Use Parent Portal.
2. Schedule a time for parents to come to the school to sign.
3. Use the Office of Engagement as a resource.
4. Add all contacts made to acquire parental signatures in the parent contact section of VA IEP.
Continue to work with your case managers to ensure all annual IEP and eligibility meetings are scheduled for students. Each student must have a compliant and up-to-date IEP and eligibility.
All IEPs should be finalized by April 14, 2023.
The ESY Spreadsheet is due by April 24, 2023
Remember: Meeting Minutes and PWNs are due for all IEP team meetings.
April Updates:
April compliance updates are due by April 24, 2023.
1. April updates for Indicators 9, 10, and 11 should be added to the Google forms in your school drive.
2. Use the tracker forms for the December 1st ASPEN, Exit Report, IEP, and 504 compliance. You do not have to provide any comments to these trackers. You are only reviewing them for accuracy. The IEP and 504 Plan compliance trackers should be used to ensure that IEPS and 504 Plans are updated monthly. If there are any changes to the ASPEN tab, the change must be made in ASPEN. The student will then show accurately on the tracker.
3. If any corrections are needed to the December 1st tracker, please email Ms. White.
4. As schools hold IEP meetings for English Learners, Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP) teachers should be invited to participate as team members.
April ICC Meetings
Remember to schedule a HOLD to attend the Inclusive Practices Training Sessions. It is the expectation that you attend ONE of these sessions. Below is the links and session information.
Inclusive Practices Training Session I
- Wednesday, April 19 · 9:00 am – 10:00 am
- Google Meet joining info
- Video call link: https://meet.google.com/zjf-rrgb-ckt
- Or dial: (US) +1 904-900-0810 PIN: 333 883 864#
- More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/zjf-rrgb-ckt?pin=238083347277
- Wednesday, April 19 · 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
- Google Meet joining info
- Video call link: https://meet.google.com/rfx-ednc-rbg
- Or dial: (US) +1 786-701-0413 PIN: 632 954 873#
- More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/rfx-ednc-rbg?pin=7948743454976
April ICC Meetings
Elementary ICC Meeting- April 18th Virtual
Secondary ICC Meeting- April 20th Virtual
New ICCs Meeting- April 21st Virtual
ICC Advisory Committee- April 25th Virtual
MESSAGE FROM BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS
What is a BCBA?
We get this question a lot! A Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) is a graduate-level professional who can independently provide behavior analytic services (BACB, n.d.).
A BCBA has:
Earned a master’s degree or higher
Been certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®
Completed rigorous classroom and fieldwork experiences combined with strict licensing credentials to promote high-quality and meaningful outcomes
And, if practicing in Virginia, been licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine
BCBAs use the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to improve teaching and learning practices to promote positive student outcomes. School-based BCBAs may engage in a variety of roles within the school setting including support at the classroom, school, and division level.
Well that’s great! But what is Applied Behavior Analysis?
ABA is the science used to meaningfully describe, understand, predict, and change behavior to make a socially significant impact in the lives of individuals and those around them. Applying this scientific approach to education, the interactions between the teacher and student are analyzed to improve student learning through the design, implementation, and evaluation of instruction (BACB, 2021).
To learn more about becoming a BCBA, visit the Behavior Analyst Certification Board website.
Additionally the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Network has a variety of resources available if you are interested in learning more about the work of behavior analysts working in public schools.
Ways to Access BCBA Support:
Staff can ask individual support questions during the BCBA monthly Virtual Office Hours. The next meeting is scheduled from 3:00 - 4:30 PM on April 18, 2023.
Staff can request support for an FBA/BIP for an individual student through the BCBA Referral form.
Professional Learning Options:
ICCs and/or Administrators can request professional learning for their specific building, using the BCBA Referral Form.
Staff can attend monthly webinars on FBA/BIP topics. The next webinar is scheduled for April 13 from 4:00-5:00 PM where the Division BCBAs will be discussing Using Reinforcement Strategies.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MONTH
ASSISTIVE TECHONOLOGY TIP OF THE MONTH
Mouse Trouble?
Are your students having trouble learning how to use a mouse? These interactive websites have fun activities that can be activated by clicking a mouse or an adapted switch. Others involve clicking and dragging the mouse.
HINT: for students having trouble clicking and dragging on the trackpad. Have them hold the trackpad with one hand/finger and use the other hand/finger for movement.
Mouse practice for drag and click:
OwlieBoo for mouse practice, which range from simple to complex:
https://www.owlieboo.com/games-for-toddlers/16/
MESSAGE FROM TRANSITION MENTOR TEACHERS
Transition Tip:
A critical component of post-school career success is career planning while in school. Career planning is a process that helps all students select careers that match their
skills, interests, and strengths. Career planning is the process of uncovering strengths, preferences, interests, and needs; exploring career pathways; establishing career goals; and developing plans to gain the education and experiences needed to reach career goals. Career planning and transition planning go hand in hand!
This month, each of the five comprehensive high schools hosted PERT presentations from Ms. Betsy Stevenson, a representative from Woodrow Wilson Workforce. The PERT program provides post-secondary options and job training for students with disabilities in a state of the art college-like facility located in Fisherville, Virginia. Students are selected from submitted referrals completed by their case managers. The deadline for submission this year is April 21, 2023. Please reach out to your Transition Mentor Teacher for more information!
Mark your calendars! The following partners will be in your schools this month!
Armstrong High School
April 11, 18, 25: A Peace of Mind-Job training and work exploration workshop will be held in Room 235 at 12:00pm.
April 13: Reynolds Community College-Student orientation team will be in the building to assist with registration and financial aid. This event will take place in the auditorium at 11:00am.
George Wythe High School
April 11: IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers)-Aptitude Electrician testing in the Library from 10:30am to 2:30pm
April 14: Virginia Credit Union-Open checking and savings accounts will be located in the Future Center from 9:30am to 1:00pm
April 14: LiUNA (Laborers' International Union of North America) Information provided for job opportunities with the union in Room 222 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.
April 24, 25, 27, 28: Bryant and Stratton-Resume writing and Interviewing techniques sessions location TBA from 9:30am to 10:30pm
Huguenot High School
April 13: Union representatives from IBEW, LiUNA and the Carpenter’s Union-Present and offer opportunities for paid apprenticeships for senior students as a post-secondary option will be located in the Small Forum from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.
RPS Transition Mentor Team
Darlene Slade: Huguenot High, Thomas Jefferson High, River City Middle
Selina Wilson: John Marshall High, Henderson Middle, Richmond Alternative School & THRIVE
Karen Young: George Wythe High, Lucille Brown Middle, Boushall Middle
Rebecca Parks: Armstrong High School, Martin Luther King Middle School, Albert Hill Middle School, Binford Middle School
rpelleti@rvaschools.netSEAC
What is the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC)?
The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) for Richmond Public Schools is a partnership between the RPS school district, parents/guardians of students with disabilities, and vital community stakeholders. The SEAC is mandated, by the state, to advise the district on local issues, present or past policies, and planning. Our vision is to support RPS in creating inclusive educational opportunities for students receiving exceptional education services to ensure that they lead full and engaged lives.
What does SEAC do?
- Collaborates with the school board and schools to offer perspective and assist in planning and decision making.
- Identify and promote the concerns of children with special needs.
- Give advice about the unmet needs in exceptional education.
- Help develop plans to improve the services and progress for students with special needs.
For more information about joining SEAC click the link https://www.rvaschools.net/academics/exceptional-education/special-education-advisory-committee-seac
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Please continue to register for RPS professional learning opportunities through KickUp. https://www.kickup.co/
The Office of Special Education Instructional Services provides a direct line of communication with Virginia’s educators, paraprofessionals, and special education administrators and focuses on specially designed instruction for students with disabilities. This publication provides a way to share new resources as well as make educators aware of professional development opportunities of interest.
All educators are encouraged to subscribe and receive these Special Education Instructional Services emails directly from the VDOE.
2023 Youth & Family Summit
The 2023 Youth & Family Summit is a three-day, in-person event for youth with disabilities, ages 14-18, in Virginia to network with others and discuss important issues about youth and young adults with disabilities. It will take place June 13-15, 2023, at James Madison University. This year’s event will focus on three key components of self-determination: Competence, Autonomy, and Relatedness.
Learn about the new scholarship, additional funding support, fully online program course plan, and application process. The information session will be held on May 3rd at 4:30p.m. There is a new $100 per credit scholarship for the Certificate in Special Education K-12 Teaching; the scholarship is specifically designed for current provisionally licensed special education and general education teachers.
Please click the PDFs below for more information about summer learning opportunities for provisionally licensed teachers, professional learning opportunities, and special education endorsements.
SHOUT OUTS
Temeka Quinn is the Department Chair of the Exceptional Ed Department at Armstrong High School. Mrs. Quinn has the nicest, sweetest, kind personality. Mrs. Quinn has gone beyond and above the duties helping the new teachers in our building. Mrs. Quinn has schedule time throughout the school day and she meets with us a whole group or individually 2-3 days after school hours 7pm-9pm on Google Classroom. Mrs. Quinn wears many hats in our building and the students loves her. She volunteers throughout the community and take our students on Cultural Awareness field trips. The most recent trip was to Orlando, Florida by airplane. Our students so far got a chance to have an opportunity of lifetime by riding on the train and airplane for the first time. Mrs. Quinn is also our Teacher of the Year and she is the Parent Liaison of the Armstrong Center of EmpowerMeant (this is the correct spelling of EmpowerMeant for the program purposes only) afterschool program where she host parent meetings once a month. Lastly, she has won multiple awards throughout our building and she was noticed in the Superintendent daily notice.
Shoutout to Ms. Keyla Pullen, Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School Instructional Compliance Coordinator, for successfully leading the MLK team to becoming an all inclusive school setting.
Angela DeJarnette- Speech supervisor, Marlene Gooding - Lead Psychologist, and Keri Lagow- Lead Mentor teacher. Thank you so much for making time and assisting me with OT interviews in March! I truly appreciate it!
Joyce Brock - TJHS - Ms. Brock is new to TJHS and is a welcomed addition! She is a fantastic team member to her collaborative partners, is a case manager that is always on time, on task and on target with providing services, communicating with parents and supporting children. Additionally, she's friendly and thoughtful among her colleagues and is a joy to be around. Thanks for making our team your home, Ms. Brock!
Temeka Quinn, Exceptional Ed Department Chair This is my first year as a Special Education Teacher and my department chair Mrs. Temeka Quinn, has gone above and beyond the call of duties. She meets with the first year teachers throughout the school day and she also meets with us beyond school hours on Google Chrome.
Ms. Urethia Cotton, I. C. C. (Henderson Middle School). She helped our entire Exceptional Education Department get through all of our 8th grade I.E.P. meetings! She wears so many hats, and yet is so willing to help! She is amazing!
Stephanie Fisher, ICC at Bellevue. Shout out for consistently going the extra mile to ensure that the needs of students and their families are met. Your calm demeanor in meetings complements the high level of professionalism that you already exhibit.
The Exceptional Education Team at Boushall Middle School: These amazing individuals have endured an interesting year and perserved to ensure our students receive the best services possible. They have become detectives to locate parents for completed documentation, partnered to support students, and visited homes to ensure students are receiving the approriate services. Thank you Boushall Eagles Exceptional Education Team for being Caring, Creative, and Committed.
Ryan Bennett, ICC at Cary Elementary, goes the extra mile daily from supporting classroom teachers and case managers to advocating for all scholars. We appreciate everything he has done to help grow our school community. Thanks so much for sharing your gifts and talents with Cougar Nation!
Stephanie Fisher, Bellevue ICC, is a wealth of knowledge, a voice of compliance reasoning and always super pleasant to work with even during the most challenging situations. Her expertise is greatly appreciated.
Temeka Quinn Exceptional Ed. Teacher and Co-Department Chair AHS Teacher of the Year-2023 Armstrong Center for EmpowerMEANT Parent Liaison Armstrong High SchoolMs. Quinn was selected as the teacher of the year by her colleagues due to her willingness to go the extra mile in support of the students and the staff. She has worked tirelessly to support compliance school wide and offer extra assistance to new teachers with how to draft an IEP. She works and serves with love and shows a passion for everything she does.
Chris Angeles, Central Office. Chris is always available and willing to assist. I can always depend on him!
Dr. Turkson, ICC, River City MS. Dr. Turkson has helped me tremendously this year with the VAIEP system. She would always make sure I had someone to help and support me when she wasn't available. She calls us "Amazing Team". She's an "Amazing Leader".
Jazmin Pitts, G. W. Carver ES, Home of the Peanuts! Jazmin defended her dissertation Wednesday, March 29, 2023. She is now Dr. Jazmin Pitts! Congratulations and welcome to the club!
Mrs. Markie- science and social studies teacher. Mrs.Markie is an amazing educator that students at our school actually run to her class! She teaches every scholar in every grade. Never a dull moment with all the hands on activities. She is the best!
Selina Wilson Transition Mentor Teacher John Marshall High School Ms. Wilson supports transition activities, programs and workshops school wide for students with a disability. She is a team player who is always willing to support school based initiatives and activities. She brings energy and creativity to everything she does.
Scholar Cardwell, ICC at Boushall Middle School, continues to displaying passion, patience, and professionalism all while ensuring student success.