Autism and Low Incidence Post
Updates from Melinda Elsner, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA at Region 6
Summer 2022
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) teaches communication skills to those with limited functional speech. PECS promotes communication within a social context. This two-day training in PECS begins by teaching a spontaneous request and continues to teach additional communicative functions. Participants will learn how to implement the six phases of PECS and how to implement PECS with individuals with autism, related developmental disabilities and/or limited communication skills.
Session ID: 465407
When: July 26, 2022 & July 27, 2022 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Where: Thomas Poe Professional Center- Region 6 Bluebonnet C 3332 Montgomery Rd, Huntsville, TX 77340
Fee: $120.00
Important Session Information:
Please note the beginning and ending time of this workshop. The workshop will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. No CEUs will be provided for this workshop through Region 6.
PECS only allows 40 participants, so please register early. Thank you!!
Behavior Strategies
This session will focus on research and/or evidence based behavior strategies for the classroom - whether in general or special education settings. It will include behavioral strategies from the book, ”The Teacher's Encyclopedia of Behavior Management,” by Randy Sprick, Ph.D.
The Encyclopedia focuses on more than 100 behaviors and provides over 500 plans on how to address them.
At times, participants may be asked to provide specific behavior concerns. Thus, it is helpful to bring behavior descriptors and anonymous data for some of these sessions.
Participants may also be asked to participate in make-and-take activities to support behavior strategies discussed during the presentation.
Presented by Fabiana Bezerra, LSSP & Melinda Elsner, BCBA
Session #: 483948
Date: Jul 11 2022 9:00AM - Jul 11 2022 3:30PM
Location: Thomas Poe Professional Center- Region 6 Bluebonnet C 3332 Montgomery Rd, Huntsville, TX 77340
Cost: $120.00, which includes a book
(Only 14 spots available)
Paraprofessional Academy
Paraprofessionals are a crucial part of student success! The Paraprofessional Academy is a series focused on building skills to effectively support paraprofessionals working with ALL students in the classroom. Topics may include roles and responsibilities, academic and instructional supports, behavioral supports, etc.
Join us Virtually:
Session 1: Roles & Responsibilities 486153 Tuesday, August 2, 2022 9 - 11AM or
486155 Tuesday, August 9, 2022 1 - 3PM
Session 2: Academic & Instructional Supports
486154 Tuesday, August 2, 2022 1 - 3PM or
486158 Tuesday, August 9, 2022 9 - 11AM
Session 3: Inclusive Behavior Supports
488636 Thursday, August 11, 2022 12:30-3:30PM- Elementary
488635 Thursday, August 11, 2022 8:30-11:30AM- Secondary
Session 3: Self-Contained Behavior Supports
488640 Thursday, August 11, 2022 8:30-11:30AM- Elementary
488639 Thursday, August 11, 2022 12:30-3:30PM- Secondary
Professional Learning Lab for Universal Structured Environments and Supports (PLUSS)
Region 6 has a new and innovative way for special education educators to engage in professional development. The Special Education Department is happy to announce that we now have a Professional Learning Lab for Universal Structured Environments and Supports (PLUSS).
This lab includes a physical classroom that serves as a hands-on learning lab for educators, as well as a virtual classroom. The virtual classroom is set up with the exact floor plan as the learning lab. Each section of the classroom has an interactive module with videos and resources that allow the user to expand their knowledge of evidence-based practices [EBP] for students with special needs.
Users are able to choose which of the ten modules are most relevant and meaningful for them, given their teaching experience and their projected student needs.
Goals:
To increase positive outcomes for students with special needs
To increase the number of educators who are skilled in the implementation of the specific EBPs within the modules
To provide examples and models for professional development for educators
Region 6 Special Education Summer Series of Learning
SAVE the Date for...
Region 6 ESC's Special Education Department 2022 Summer Learning Series!
This event will be June 27-June 30!
Cost: $100
2022 TEXAS AUTISM VIRTUAL CONFERENCE SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 23-25
The Texas Autism Virtual Conference is an annual event sponsored by the Texas Education Agency and the Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training. The conference goal is to promote increased awareness and understanding of evidence-based practices, interventions, standards, and services in the area of Autism. It provides professional development and networking opportunities for families, students, educators, and professionals.
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
- Full conference registration | Workshop ID #SU2247177 | June 23-25, 2022
- Family Day registration | Workshop ID#SU2247178 | June 25, 2022
Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training
Through the network of 20 regional Education Service Centers (ESCs) around the state and in conjunction with the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training (TSLAT) provides a mechanism to access training, technical assistance, support, and resources for educators who serve students with autism and their families. TSLAT’s leadership team is housed at Region 13.
The 2021-2022 school year marks the 14th anniversary of TSLAT! According to PEIMS reports, the population of students in public schools across the state with an autism eligibility has risen from about 20,000 in 2007 to just over 84,000 in 2021. Therefore, the need for training teachers who serve students with autism continues to grow. We exist to help meet that need. The network provides training to educators and families in each of their regions as well as across the state.
Free Resources provided by TSLAT www.txautism.net includes the following: Texas Autism Resource Guide for Effective Teaching which includes information on both assessments and interventions 97 online courses in 7 different categories A video gallery with expert, teacher, and parent interviews as well as strategies in action The Autism Circuit Toolkit (www.autismcircuit.net link on TSLAT website) Autism Circuit statewide online PROGRAMS (Level 1 Evidence-Based Practices, Level 2 Advanced). Educators earn an endorsement signed by TEA, 48 CEUs, and classroom resources. Coaching is provided by network members for participants on Autism Circuit content. Mentor Guides Resources Blog We also provide technical assistance to teachers in our regions, host an annual statewide autism conference, collaborate with national organizations, participate in the National Autism Leadership Summit and the National Autism Network of Statewide Implementers. This year’s Texas Autism Conference will be held June 23-25, 2022. It will be a virtual conference this year. Follow TSLAT on Facebook and Twitter.
Texas Complex Access Network
May 2022
Spring into Inclusion with TX CAN’s coaching guide and course series!
The Texas Complex Access Network (TX CAN) offers resources to support you in providing authentic inclusion for students.
TX CAN’s Inclusionary Coaching Guide will help you lead campus and district teams towards inclusive education for students with significant cognitive disabilities and complex access needs. This resource is divided into three phases where you’ll find outlined steps that can be individualized to fit your team’s needs.
Learn more about inclusive practices through TX CAN’s Inclusion Series! This seven-course series focuses on the core elements of inclusive education with best practices for students with complex access needs. Receive a badge for each course completed and an Inclusion Series badge after completing all seven!
The trainings included in the series are:
Fundamentals of Inclusive Education
Presuming Competence
Transitioning a Student from a Self-Contained to a General Education Classroom
Supports for Participation
Universal Design for Learning
Accessible Instructional Materials for Students with Complex Access Needs
Creating and Sustaining Peer Networks
TX CAN is constantly developing new resources to grow your professional toolkit! Visit txcan.tea.texas.gov to stay on top of new research and best practices, or reach out to me, your regional TX CAN contact, for support!
Inspiration!
Melinda Elsner, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA- Autism and Low Incidence Specialist
Email: melsner@esc6.net
Website: https://www.esc6.net/260119_2
Location: 3332 Montgomery Road, Huntsville, Texas 77340, USA
Phone: 9364358353
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Region6ESC
Twitter: @escregion6