The SLP Scoop
ESC Region 11 Speech-Language Pathology Newsletter
Issue 73 — March 2024
Take Stock
2023-24 STATEWIDE SLP WEBINAR SERIES
Are you a school-based SLP looking for professional development? The 2023-24 Statewide SLP Webinar Series is for you!
This series was developed through the thoughtful collaboration of the state's education service centers and hosts respected presenters delivering high-level content around topics related to school-based speech-language pathology. The webinars are held from 9:00 a.m. to noon CST, and 2.5 TSHA CEUs are provided.
Register now
March 22, 2024 — The Dynamic Role of Speech-Language Pathologists in Fostering Communicative Success in the Post-Secondary Transition Setting
Language Disorder vs. Difference and Ethical Considerations in Evaluations for Diverse Students
Location: Virtual
Presenter: Ellen Kester, Ph.D., CCC- SLP with Bilinguistics Speech and Language Services
In the morning sessions, the ASHA Code of Ethics will be reviewed and considered in light of ethical situations in which SLPs have found themselves. In addition, ethically appropriate ways to conduct speech and language evaluations for students from diverse backgrounds will be discussed. The afternoon session will address taking into account speech, language, and culture in assessment. This presentation will provide a solid framework and information to support the understanding of speech and language development in bilingual children. Dynamic Assessment approaches were used to build confident diagnostic decisions.
0.2 ASHA CEUS in Ethics 0.3 ASHA CEUS in DEI
Child Outcomes Summary Process (COSF)
March 6, 2024 • 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Virtual
This workshop will provide special education providers and teachers with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on training on the Child Outcome Summary (COS) Form process to enhance their ability to assess and report child outcomes effectively. Participants will gain insight into the COS framework, including its purpose, significance, and alignment with state and federal regulations. They will also explore the specific criteria and key components involved in the COS process. Participants will also gain a better understanding of COS ratings and documentation.
0.2 ASHA CEUs offered
The Integrative and Collaborative Evaluation (ICE) Symposium
March 26, 2024 • 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: ESC Region 10 | Bldg. 400 E. Spring Valley Road | Richardson, TX | 75081
There is also a virtual option.
Presenters: Various
The Integrative and Collaborative Evaluation (ICE) symposium is a one-day event focused on the learning and growth of our special education evaluation personnel. The symposium will feature various sessions focused on research and best practices for conducting collaborative evaluations within a multi-disciplinary team. Participants are encouraged to attend with other evaluators from their district and learn about how we are better together. We will offer a menu of sessions from which to choose to meet the needs of all evaluation personnel. The virtual track will be predetermined. You'll need to attend in person to get the entire menu of sessions.
TSHA CEUs will be awarded for the in-person option only.
SLD vs. SI: Is It a Speech Language Impairment or Specific Learning Disability in Listening Comprehension/Oral Expression?
April 2, 2024 • 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Location: ESC Region 11
Presenters: Ashley Arnold WPS
IEP teams are often faced with a conundrum in deciding between a Speech Language Impairment or a Specific Learning Disability in Listening Comprehension/Oral Expression. This presentation will provide a platform for understanding the scope of language and its importance to academic success. Participants will review a variety of formal assessment measures as well as learn about the redundancy in testing between IEP team members. Participants will leave with explicit interventions and accommodations for these students, along with other resources that can be implemented in the classroom tomorrow. The role that MTSS and progress monitoring plays in this decision will also be explored. This session is aligned with the evaluation and reevaluation components of the TEA-required self-assessment.
The Elephant in the Therapy Room...Behavior!
April 5, 2024 • 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Presenter: Jennifer Buhrmann with Joyful Noises
Location: ESC Region 11
Behavior….exhausting, frustrating, even progress-killing at times. Too often, service providers operate under the misunderstanding that behavior is outside of their scope of practice. As a result, clients are often passed on to other intervention entities. This workshop will present some practical, cost-effective tools, strategies, and tips that can go a long way in assisting clinicians in gaining control of challenging situations to build positive relationships with clients and result in progress in the therapy room. The rationale behind why and how to use these tools/strategies will be shared so that participants have a better understanding of the related foundational concepts and are better prepared to apply them appropriately to a variety of situations spanning a range of complexity levels. Additionally, the actual tools/strategies themselves will be shared, with application to client case examples. This session is aligned with the IEP Implementation component of the TEA-required self-assessment.
Expert Q&A Session on Practical Steps to Conflict Resolution
April 2, 2024 • 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Presenter: Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
This session will explore potential conflicts for OTs, PTs, and Speech Practitioners in school-based practice by allowing participants to ask Sue Cecere, PT, and MHS questions. They will have the opportunity to ask questions about a positive view and approach to conflict as an opportunity to clarify various perspectives and engage the team in productive problem-solving, with the ultimate goal of helping the child succeed in their education.
Speech Language Pathology Leadership Collaborative 2023-24
Are you an SLP Lead in your district? Or a Coordinator for Speech and Language Services? This series of meetings is designed specifically to support Speech-Language Pathologists in Region 11 districts, SSAs, and charter schools.
Together, we will collaborate and discuss research-based interventions, TEA guidance documents, state and federal compliance, and more. This series will be comprised of three face-to-face sessions and three virtual sessions throughout the year.
Make Stuff and Love People - Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes - a Hands-on Workshop
April 8, 2024 • 8:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m.
Location: ESC Region 11
Presenter: Therese Willkomm
This hands-on workshop will discuss, demonstrate, and develop skills in using various low-cost tools and materials for making hundreds of AT solutions. Participants will learn and use the “…able” principles to fabricate 10 multi-use devices for students with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments. In addition, each participant will receive a copy of “Make Stuff and Love People - Assistive Technology Solutions in Minutes - Book 3, “ a comprehensive “how-to” book on assistive technology making.
Best Practices in AAC Assessment: Steps to Selecting Appropriate Communication Systems
April 19, 2024 • 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Presenter: Jill E. Senner, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Technology & Language Center, PC
When a child isn’t speaking or when speech doesn’t meet all of their communication needs across environments, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) may be appropriate; however, there are literally hundreds of apps, speech-generating devices, and low-tech/no-tech strategies available to help children who are unable to communicate effectively using their speech. Selection of an inappropriate system can lead to limited success or, in some cases, system abandonment. How does one ensure the selection of an appropriate communication system? With our evidence-based AAC School Team-Based Assessment Toolkit (AAC-STAT)! In this interactive, beginner-level, full-day workshop, participants will be provided with an overview of the AAC assessment process, learn about different access methods, see a variety of assessment instruments appropriate for individuals with complex communication needs (CCN), participate in interactive labs, watch video models, problem-solve case studies, and receive a free copy of the AAC-STAT. Report writing, funding, and strategies for conducting remote assessments will also be demonstrated. This session is aligned with the Evaluation, Intervention, and IEP Implementation components of the TEA-Required Self-Assessment.
0.6 ASHA CEUs offered
Cycle 13 SLP Master's Degree Distance Venue Information Meeting Dates
We are excited to announce the dates for the Cycle 13 SLP Master’s Degree Distance Venue Information Meetings!
All information meetings are scheduled for Mondays at 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. CST. Participants will register via the links below.
You can pass this information along to individuals in your region and post it on your website.
- Monday, January 29, 2024
- Monday, February 26, 2024
- Monday, March 18, 2024
- Monday, April 22, 2024
- Monday, August 19, 2024
- Monday, October 21, 2024 (link will be available in Spring 2024)
Call for Proposals - All Systems Go Conference
All Systems Go: A Teaching and Learning Conference is an innovative learning experience where passionate educators share innovative teaching practices. It’s a launchpad for collaboration and knowledge exchange, propelling participants to new heights in their teaching and learning endeavors. We’re currently seeking stellar proposals for 50-minute sessions. We'd love to hear from you if you have a session to share. This is your opportunity to shine, connect with like-minded professionals, and contribute to advancing teaching and learning across ESC Region 11 and beyond.
Conference Details:
- Date: June 25-27, 2024
- Location: ESC Region 11
- Theme: All Systems Go: A Stellar Voyage in Teaching and Learning
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Instructional methods
- Technology integration in the classroom
- Assessment
- Student engagement and motivation
- Student-centered learning approaches
- Special Education
To submit your proposal and embark on this celestial journey, please visit our Call for Proposal Form located below and complete the online submission by the March 8, 2024 deadline.
- All Systems Go Call for Proposal Form
- All System Go Call for Proposal Form (SPED or behavior specific)
If your proposal is selected, you’ll have the chance to present to an enthusiastic audience of fellow space explorers. Your expertise and insights will contribute immensely to the conference's success. Feel free to share this email with other educators who might also be interested in submitting a proposal. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you require any assistance or have questions about this upcoming event. We’re here to assist you on your teaching and learning odyssey.
The SpedTex Website is live! It was created to provide resources to both parents and educators who work with children in special education. It can be a great resource for you, so spend some time looking through it:
Texas SPED Support is a website that was created to provide technical assistance and to support the needs of the state. There are resources and learning opportunities available here:
https://spedsupport.tea.texas.gov/
TEA Learn now has the Standards-Based Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process, and ARD Committee Manager Trainings are available to complete as self-paced courses:
Please share this newsletter with your friends and co-workers so that everyone can be in the know. If you have any questions about the professional development opportunities outlined, please contact me or a staff member at ESC Region 11.
Best,
Laura
Contact Information
Laura Lewis, M.S., CCC-SLP
Education Specialist, Speech-Language Pathology and Related Services
TWU Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program Distance Venue Coordinator for ESC Region 11
Email: llewis@esc11.net
Website: https://www.esc11.net/speech
Location: Education Service Center Region 11 | 1451 South Cherry Lane, White Settlement, TX 76108
Phone: 817-740-7594