The Scoop
Special Services Update - February 25, 2022
STAAR Updates
TEA has released guidance on "Special Paper Administration of an Online Test Policy". For tests offered online, including STAAR, EOC, and TELPAS, paper administration will not be allowed unless a request is made to and approved by TEA. Requests for a special paper administration will only be approved if the rationale includes evidence that a paper administration is due to the student's inability to access the assessment or accommodations in an online format.
Changes needed for STAAR testing must be made no later than 2 weeks before the STAAR administration. Please be mindful of this when scheduling ARDS. Timelines to assist in planning are:
· EOC English I and II: ARD/Amendments need to be completed by March 11th because of Spring Break.
· May EOC tests and STAAR Assessments (Grade 3-8): ARD/Amendments need to be completed by April 15th (EOC) and April 22nd (Grade 3-8 STAAR).
Transition Matters!
If you were not able to attend please review her presentation slides HERE.
HAND in HAND EXPO - April 9th
Please spread the word to and share this flyer with families! It will be a great event :) Hope to see you there!
NVCI Initial Training
Summer and next year's schedule will be published soon! More information to come on these dates. Please contact Kalli Wakefield if you ahve any questions about NVCI training.
Ruling Roundup by LRP
This week's topic: LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT (LRE)
Features of recent key judicial and administrative rulings in the area of LRE
Click HERE to read about
TIP OF THE WEEK
Reliable tips for moderating IEP team meetings:
Parents must be involved in developing and reviewing their child's individualized education program described at 34 CFR 300.22. The IEP is a written statement for each child with a disability that includes the child's current educational performance, articulates measurable educational goals, and specifies the nature of the special services the district provides.
Accurate IEPs are born of efficient IEP team meetings in which parents are informed and active participants, according to Jennifer Warren, special services executive director at Midland (Texas) Independent School District.
Keeping to time constraints and ensuring parents are fully informed of their rights are timeworn strategies for running effective individualized education program meetings, said Warren. She explained how these two practices can foster productive team meetings and ward against contention and distrust among parents.
Find the two tips and discussions from LRP HERE
Student Support Shout Outs
Amber Keown, Jeanette Guzman, Jessica Vences and Becky Stuckey - Thank you for your creativity and problem solving skills at TSHA this week! You all saved the day!
Ramona Brizzard & Robanne Roberts- Huge thanks for taking on additional tasks needed for the department!
Student Support Specialists, Nancy Newton and Jennifer Sewell - Huge Thanks to the TEAM for supporting multiple campuses and students in need this week and next!
More Information
Be sure and check out and read the other Smore Newsletters being produced by Student Support Staff: