Parent Coordination SHOUT OUT!
September 2018
Parent Coordination Network
Email: paula.perkins@esc9.net
Website: TexasParent.org
Location: 301 Loop 11, Wichita Falls, TX 76306
Phone: (940) 322-6928
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/texasparent.org
2017-18 Texas Parent Involvement Survey Results
Under federal accountability requirements (Indicator 8 under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act), the state of Texas must report the extent to which schools facilitated parent involvement as a means of improving services and results for students with disabilities.
For more information on your district or region-specific data, please contact your district and/or your region's Parent Coordination Network Representative as outlined in the link below.
School Accountability Ratings & Website
The 2018 state accountability ratings for 1,200 school districts and district charters are now available. Beginning this year, all multi-campus school districts and charters receive an accountability rating based on an A–F scale.
Visit TXSchools.org to see how your student's school or district performed. Each report provides an in-depth look into how campuses and districts are performing overall and in different areas.
TEA's "Answers...In About A Minute" Video Library
The inaugural series of Answers videos focuses on the A-F State Accountability Rating System for school districts. More A-F Accountability resources can be found HERE.
SpedTex Frequently Asked Questions
Texas Disproportionate Representation in Special Education
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires states and local education agencies to take steps to address the disproportionate representation in special education. Disproportionate representation refers to both over- and under-representation of specific racial and ethnic groups of students in special education.
Addressing disproportionality involves a comprehensive analysis of policies, procedures, and practices along with the implementation of research-based approaches within culturally responsive educational systems in relation to:
- Culturally Responsive Teaching & Assessment;
- Early Intervention Services;
- Family and School Partnerships;
- Positive Behavior and Intervention Supports;
- Response to Intervention; and
- Systems of Support Team Decision Making.
The Texas Initiative in Disproportionate Representation in Special Education exists to promote culturally-based practices such as self-assessment tools, links to current research and best practices, strategies, and trainings related to the needs of struggling students in order to lead to improvement of educational services. Contact Dr. Jannette Reyes, Project Lead, at jreyes@esc1.net for more information.
Choices Reading Lists
Each year thousands of children and educators around the United States select their favorite recently published books for the Choices Reading Lists. These lists are used in classrooms, libraries, and homes to help readers of all ages find books they will enjoy. The annotated lists for 2018 are available for free download.
7 Great Online Reading Resources for Parents
Until students become fluent, independent readers in middle or high school, there are four major ways parents can offer reading support:
- Prevent students from getting discouraged.
- Help them with reading mechanics such as phonics, grammar, and spelling.
- Choose books that interest them and fit their reading level.
- Encourage students to read, and make reading fun for them.
Online reading resources make it easy and convenient to help students. Click here to see a list of websites that offer reading tools, activities, and ideas to help you address any of your child’s needs.
RTI and Parent Involvement
A brief description of the module is available here, and the direct link to the free module is available here. You may also contact the Building RTI Capacity Project Team at info@buildingRTI.utexas.org for more information or to ask questions.
Coach to Communiate Free Parent Coaching
The Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University is offering training at no cost to parents and caregivers of children up to age 22 with core features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This training includes a 1-hour self-paced webinar that teaches behavioral strategies to increase communication in children with ASD. Once complete, there is an additional no cost option to be paired with a coach for more intensive training (up to 12 weeks). Coaching is offered in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Thai.
For more information, contact project coordinator, Ching-Yi Liao, at TAMUAuParent@tamu.edu or complete the online application at autism.tamu.edu.
Plan now to attend the 2018 Statewide Parental Involvement Conference
December 6-8, 2018
Frisco Embassy Suites & Convention Center
Tammy Pearcy, Assistant State Director of Special Education at the Texas Education Agency, will host a feature session dedicated to an overview and update on the progress of the Special Education Strategic Plan and accompanying corrective actions.
There will also be a group of Special Education break-out sessions covering best practices and practical strategies for parents, parent organization representatives, and educators. A collection of sessions will be either presented or translated in Spanish.
For more information, visit the event website or check out the registration brochure in the downloadable file below.
Partners Resource Network
PATH Project
PEN Project
TEAM Project
Navigate Life Texas: Resources & Supports
No Time for Self-Care? Think again!
Parents of children with special needs, no doubt, love and work hard in the caregiver role, frequently neglecting themselves. This collection of articles and podcasts are suited to remind you that:
- Self-care isn't selfish.
- You can't pour from an empty cup.
- Part of loving your child is making time for yourself.
Self-Care for Parents of Children with Disabilities
Self-Care Tips for Parents of Special Needs Children
Parenting Special Needs Podcasts
Backpack Awareness
National School Backpack Awareness Day is upcoming on Wednesday, September 26. Join efforts of occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and students across the country to help others Live Life To Its Fullest by avoiding the pain and injury that can come from heavy backpacks and bags. Check out these Backpack Strategies for Parents & Students to promote wellness for your student. Then teach others how to properly choose, pack, lift, and carry various types of bags—including backpacks, purses, briefcases, and suitcases.