EC Newsletter: October 2018
Exceptional Supports for Literacy & Learning
Welcome to the EC Department's Monthly Newsletter!
Do you have ideas for future newsletter topics, teachers/service providers who should be featured, or general feedback? Let us know by emailing ashley1.kogutkiewicz@cms.k12.nc.us.
Congratulations to our 2018 Educator of Excellence!
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month!
Did you know…
“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.” Adopted by the IDA Board of Directors, Nov. 12, 2002.
In North Carolina, Session Law 2017-127 HOUSE BILL 149 was passed in June, 2017. Information can be found on the NCDPI Exceptional Children Division https://ec.ncpublicschools.gov/disability-resources/specific-learning-disabilities/dyslexia-and-dyscalculia
Other useful resources:
International Dyslexia Association https://dyslexiaida.org/
Understood.org https://www.understood.org
This 2018 Dyslexia Awareness Calendar will give you daily activities to learn more and increase awareness of dyslexia. To view the full calendar, click this link: http://bit.ly/2Itqwxt
North Carolina Branch of the International Dyslexia Association Event
Compliance Tip of the Month
Did you know that the EC Dept. has an EC Policies, Procedures, and Information manual online? You can find just about anything you want to know here in regards to CMS EC policies and procedures. There are reference sheets, FAQs, forms, etc. You can access this by going to the EC intranet website --> Related Links --> EC Policies, Procedures, and Information. Scroll down under the calendar to see a list of the chapters (pictured).
Want Quick Access to Visual Supports?
Using visual supports have shown to decrease unwanted behaviors and increase student independence! Click on http://bit.ly/ECvisuals to print visual supports for classrooms, behavior, communication, writing, social stories, work systems and Adapted PE. Be sure to click the link to add your favorite visual to share with others.
EC Department Resource Hub
Our Resources Hub can be found using the link below or by clicking the "CMS Resources" button on the left side of the page on Canvas.
Professional Development Opportunities
Did you know that the EC Department regularly offers in-person, virtual, or blended Professional Development as well as role-specific Support Groups? Click the links below to see upcoming opportunities and join us for one soon!
Elementary School Opportunities: https://bit.ly/2Jn6lkH
Middle School Opportunities: https://bit.ly/2sztIBg
High School Opportunities: https://bit.ly/2JAL0HJ
Featured Opportunity:
#419946 HPE: B3: Brain, Body, Behavior
Do you know kids who fidget, wiggle, or chew their shirts? How about students who are angry, frustrated, irritable, or "shut down" due to academic pressures? Due to technological recreation and the lack of active play, students are entering schools with bodies underdeveloped for learning. By incorporating B3 activities into a classroom, gymnasium, or lab, schools can help students develop the fundamental motor skills to spark their brain, build their bodies, and improve their behavior to increase academic performance. Register via MyTalent!
Upcoming EC Department Events
Thursday, October 11th
Topic: Behavior Management
Time: 4:00PM-5:00PM
Location: Hopewell HS
More information: https://www.smore.com/29d15-ec-department-round-tables
Archived Communication
Too many emails and not enough time to read all of them? Take a quick look at our consolidated EC Department Communication Archive to see recent messages that may have come your way from the EC Department and make sure you didn't miss anything important!
Happenings in the broader Special Education Community
Upcoming event from the Downs Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte:
SUPPORTING LEARNERS WITH DOWN SYNDROME: CLASSROOM STRATEGIES & DESIGNING QUALITY IEPS- click HERE for more information!
Social Media
Important Contacts
Need help but not sure who to ask?
Our teams are here to give you the support you need! Click HERE to see who from the EC Department supports your school.
Don't forget about the EC HelpDesk who can also answer time-sensitive questions that you may have!
980-343-2724