Exceptional Education Newsletter
June 2023
IN THIS ISSUE
- Remember your Why
- Compliance Corner
- 2022-2023 Indicator 8 Parent Survey
- Message from the Behavior Analysts
- Assistive Technology Tip of the Month
- Message from Transition Mentor Teachers
- SEAC
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Shout outs
- Previous Issues
G.W. CARVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL- "LIFT ME UP/ALL MY LIFE (REMIX)"
COMPLIANCE CORNER
All students must have an assigned case manager in VA IEP. If you have a student who is in the initial eligibility process, assign the ICC as the case manager until the process has been completed.
All schools should have a Summer IEP Team to complete any annual IEPs or eligibility meetings that have not been completed by June 9th. All students MUST have a compliant and up-to-date IEP and eligibility. Also, schools should have a plan on how to obtain parents' signatures to finalize and bring the IEP process compliant in VA IEP.
Remember: Meeting Minutes and PWNs are due for all IEP and 504 Plan meetings.
June Updates:
June compliance updates are due by June 16, 2023.
1. June updates for Indicators 9, 10, and 11 should be added to the Google forms in your school drive.
2. Continue to use the Exceptional Education Dashboard and Trackers for December 1st Child Count, ASPEN, Exit Report, IEP, and 504 compliance. You do not have to provide any comments to these trackers. You are only reviewing them for accuracy.
3. As schools hold IEP meetings for English Learners, Language Instruction Educational Program (LIEP) teachers should be invited to participate as team members.
June ICC Meetings
Individualized Education Plan Development Webinar- June 15th (Hosted by VDOE) 9:00 am-12:00 pm. All ICCs are requested to attend.
C-FIT/MV Supports & Exceptional Ed meeting- Virtual June 21st (1:00 pm- 2:00 pm)
Elementary and Secondary ICC Meeting- June 29th (Norrell) 2:00 pm-3:30 pm
INDICATOR 8 PARENT SURVEY
The School Year 2022-2023 Indicator 8 Parent Survey collection period has begun. Due to the increased availability of technology for families, the online survey is the preferred method of survey submission. Each local educational agency (LEA) will continue to receive printed surveys and postage-paid return envelopes, but the number of copies for this year’s survey will be reduced. The printed surveys will be shipped directly to LEAs starting June 9, 2023, in quantities to match ten percent of each LEA’s December 1 child count. This will be the same for the English and Spanish versions of the survey.
The online surveys can be accessed using the links below:
English Version---- English Version of the 2022-23 Indicator 8 Parent Survey
Spanish Version---- Spanish Version of the 2022-23 Indicator 8 Parent Survey
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) encourages school divisions to have parents complete this year’s survey using the online links or QR codes that are available on the Parent Survey flyer. The VDOE is asking for assistance in promoting the completion of the survey by each of your families who has a child with a disability and is provided special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Families who have more than one child receiving special education services should complete a survey for each of their children.
This year’s timeline for completion and submission of survey responses, in any modality, is set for December 15, 2023.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to ensuring that we involve all parents in their child’s special education program. If you have questions or need assistance concerning this survey process, please contact Dr. Chiquita Seaborne, via telephone, at (804) 225-3898 or via email, at Chiquita.Seaborne@doe.virginia.gov.
MESSAGE FROM THE BEHAVIOR ANALYSTS
Reflection and Planning for Next Year
As the year closes out, there is a lot to celebrate and ponder. We want to thank all of the administrators, ICCs, SILs, School Psychologists, School Counselors, teachers, IAs, related service providers, behavior specialists, and anyone else we had the pleasure of working with this year. It was a busy year and we saw incredible growth and support for students.
Looking ahead to next year we are reflecting on our own practice, our successes, and areas of growth, and considering what types of support we will provide next year.
We will continue to build systemic support, building level consultation and support, and will continue working with our incredible scholars.
As your year comes to an end we hope you will reflect and communicate with us about your successes and focus areas for next year.
Some things you may consider are:
How did our SBIT team operate this year?
What did your team do really well this year that we want to continue into next year? Which students benefited most from this process?
What areas did you struggle with this year? How might your team improve in the next school year?
What additional training opportunities are needed?
What additions or changes could improve the SBIT process at your school?
How can we strengthen our MTSS team and processes?
How well does your school provide Tier 1 behavior support? What behavior management strategies worked well this year?
How can we implement and improve Tier 1 behavior support?
How can we utilize the Classroom Management Look Fors in setting up classrooms for next year? What will your Classroom Management Plan look like?
What support, training, and coaching would be helpful for the staff in your building? What support would benefit you?
Please reach out using our BCBA referral form if you would like to work this summer to develop plans for next year. We really appreciate the work you all have put in this year to learn new processes, build systemic support, and ultimately help our students be their best.
Enjoy your summer and reach out anytime!!
Kira Austin - kaustin2@rvaschools.net
Daniel Irwin - dirwin@rvaschools.net
Craig Marrer - cmarrer@rvaschools.netASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TIP OF THE MONTH
Looking to expand your knowledge about assistive technology this summer?
Use the links below to learn about Assistive Technology when it is convenient for you!
On-Demand Professional Development
Upcoming Live sessions and On-Demand sessions
AbleNet offers a Certificate of Attendance with every ableU professional development session, live or on-demand, that you watch.
MESSAGE FROM TRANSITION MENTOR TEACHERS
Each of our students should have connections to support and/or service agencies before they graduate and transition into their new post-secondary endeavors. These supports may include DARS, Resources for Independent Living, RBHA, or a host of other community support agencies.
Should any student need additional support after graduation with securing their next steps, whether through college, industry certifications, or employment, please reach out to your Transition Mentor Teacher listed below. We are happy to connect with students throughout June to ensure a solid plan is in place for them.
Summer Learning Opportunities for Staff
● Transition: Changing the Outcome: A FREE, facilitated, interactive, fully online course that includes a variety of networking opportunities. Register today to join from June 19 - July 30, 2023! Click here to register.
● CTE Experience Works 2023: Pathways for the Future: A professional development opportunity will be held June 28-29, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily. The targeted audience includes CTE Work-Based Learning coordinators, CTE teachers, administrators, school counselors, career coaches, and business and industry leaders. Click here to register.
● CTI Work-Based Learning Course: A self-paced for educators, our experts will give an overview of work-based learning, its importance, and some of the laws that influence work-based learning for students with disabilities. You can take it anytime that works for you! Click here to register.
RPS Transition Mentor Team
Darlene Slade: Huguenot High, Thomas Jefferson High, River City Middle
Selina Wilson: John Marshall High, Henderson Middle, Richmond Alternative School & THRIVE
Karen Young: George Wythe High, Lucille Brown Middle, Boushall Middle
Rebecca Parks: Armstrong High School, Martin Luther King Middle School, Albert Hill Middle School, Binford Middle School
SEAC
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
- Be on the lookout for information for your school building leaders on information regarding the Summer Literacy Institute (July 31-August 3). This will be a great opportunity to learn over the summer!
Important Virginia Literacy Updates – Spring 2023
The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) is among the most comprehensive early literacy policies in the nation. The objective of the VLA is to improve literacy outcomes for all K-8 students. Superintendent's Memo 98-23 covers key literacy updates:
1. Instructional Materials Review – Cycle II: Call for Materials
2. Instructional Materials Review – Cycle I Results
3. Statewide Training Opportunity for Reading Specialists
4. Early Literacy Screener 5. Early Intervention Reading Initiative for 2023-24 SY
Early Childhood Special Education
Save the Dates: Fundamentals of Early Childhood Special Education Administration – Webinars on August 10 and August 17
Please save the dates for this two-part webinar series intended for new ECSE administrators, new special education directors or those who would like a refresh on topics related to ECSE administration. The series will cover important topics, including an overview of Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education programs, VDOE guidance regarding inclusive practices, an overview of ECSE indicator data (indicators 6, 7, and 12), and VQB5. Participants should attend both sessions.
Celebrate with Authors and Literacy Experts-July 13- 14
Longwood's Summer Literacy Institute will be held on campus and focus on critical thinking and reading. Join authors Jennifer LaGarde, Terry Catasús Jennings and Jarrett J. Krosoczka in addition to a variety of concurrent sessions, celebrating children’s and young adult’s literature. Earn professional development recertification points or graduate credits.
SURN Leadership Conference -June 20- 21
Join your peers for the SURN Leadership Conference held at the William & Mary School of Education. School division teams and individuals will have the opportunity to discuss topics with leading researchers, reflect on the prior school year, and plan strategically for the upcoming year. Keynotes from Michael Fullan, Vivian Hamilton, Carol Ann Tomlinson, and Chris Reina. Additional concurrent sessions will be available.
Blue Skies Blended Learning Webinar Series
Presented in partnership with Instructure, the Blue Skies Blended Learning series features 16 free online workshops designed specifically for K–12 instructors, leaders, and support personnel at Virginia public schools and divisions. Participants will learn how to incorporate blended learning methods into their professional practice and leverage the VVA Statewide LMS (Canvas LMS) in face-to-face instruction. Register now for one or more workshops! For questions about the Blue Skies Blended Learning Workshop Series, contact Steven Sproles, Professional Learning Coordinator.
- Webinar: Fundamentals of Early Childhood Special Education Administration
- Dates: August 10 and August 17, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Register
Managing the IEP Process Through a Trauma-Informed Lens – Webinar on June 15
The VDOE's Department of Special Education and Student Services is hosting a webinar for special education coordinators, directors, teachers, school psychologists, school social workers, and staff involved in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. The presentation features a focus on behavioral health supports and the intersection within IEP development from referral to family engagement to IEP design and implementation. Attendees will learn how to develop effective, compliant IEPs for vulnerable students.
- Webinar: Managing the IEP Process Through a Trauma-Informed Lens
- Date: June 15, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Register
SHOUT OUTS
Thank you so much to Ms. Bowers, Exceptional Education Teacher at Huguenot High School as well as their Administration and staff for supporting the wonderful gallery event for our students Work Based Learning pictures. Seeing the students talk about their experiences and where they want to go next was so inspiring. You have truly made a huge impact in their lives and the future opportunities for the program!
Shavonia Peterson is an Exceptional Education Teacher in the Armstrong High School Science Department. She goes above and beyond by training and coaching new teachers, in addition to planning collaboratively and delivering specialized instruction, direct instruction, and facilitating small group instruction.
Also, Ms. Peterson serves a leader within the Exceptional Education Department. She reviews IEPs and provides feedback to her colleagues. It is important to note that Ms. Peterson will be a co-Department Chair for the Exceptional Education Department for the 2023-2024 academic year. Ms. Peterson is commended for always going the extra mile. She donated a brand new bike and helmet to our school's student SOL raffle. Truly, there's no one like her. Not only is she unique, she's a real-life gem.
Scholar Cardwell Boushall MS Kudos to this extraordinary ICC who ensures that our scholars, staff and school community are always supported and encouraged.
Shout out to Keyla Pullen, ICC at MLK, for fully embracing inclusion! Under her tutelage, MLK has eliminated self-contained classes for all students with disabilities (aside from Intensive Supports and Autism Speciality). Kudos, kudos, kudos Ms. Pullen!
Shout out to Juanzel Cardoza-Felder, for, among many other competing priorities, supporting each high school with obtaining credit accommodations for their seniors! This was a very lengthy and tedious task, and Ms. Cardoza-Felder completed it with grace. This task ensured students are able to graduate on time next week! Thank you, Ms. Cardoza-Felder, for all of your hard work and your dedication to our schools and students! You rock!
Thank you to Johnnie Jones, for always handling challenging situations (and people!) with your quiet and calm demeanor! Mr. Jones, you are unflappable!
Chris Angeles, Special Ed Specialist, Chris is always there for me. He answers the phone at all times.
Lila Allegier.... Lila is just a wonderful teacher who is retiring this year after 25 years of service working with Student With Disabilities
Tracy Scott, Instructional Assistant. Tracy is an outstanding Instructional assistant who is leaving RPS after 20 years of working with Students with Disabilities.
I would like to nominate all special educators in the Richmond Public Schools system. We go above and beyond. We are all educated and have received our degrees and yet we are sometimes unnoticed for our hard work and dedication to our students. We have several jobs co-teaching or teaching, mentoring, behavior modication, and data collection. Kudos to all Exceptional Educators for going the extra mile to infinity and beyond. Enjoy your upcoming summer break.
Mrs Facison- She's always willing to help, and does so with a smile. I know how hard she's working and appreciate her devotion to our OOEE team!
I want to shout out all of my Exceptional Education Staff at Oak Grove-Bellemade ES. It has been a very challenging year yet you continued to persevere and got the job done! I appreciate your tenacity and fortitude as we welcome the end of another school year. Please take time for youselves this summer relaxing, having fun and sharpening the saw! I look forward to seeing you for another year of making a difference in the lives of children!! A Shout Out to Mr. William Scott, a General Education teacher at Armstrong High School. Mr. Scott continues to offer help to new teachers with a willingness to develop Armstrong team spirit. Mr. Scott should be recognized for the many hats that he wears in RPS and the community. Some of his many accomplishments are, Senior Marshall Armstrong High School, RVA Men Teach Program and Planning Committee Member, Street Law Program: Legal Pipeline for Diversity, Model United Nations Program VAMUN.ORG, Rule of Law Workshop, Superintendent Teacher Advisory Council (TAC), and Teacher Retention Taskforce. He is greatly appreciated by all who come in contact with him.
Amy Weber, ExEd Teacher at G. H. Reid E.S. Mrs. Weber is committed to the students and families that she serves. She works hard daily to prepare quality and fun lessons to lto make her students want to learn. She works with students individually to enhance their understanding of concepts. Her smile and pleasant personality makes children and adults love her. Shouting you out Mrs. Weber. Thanks for being such an amazing teacher!!!
Stephanie McAdams-Fairfield ICC Shout out to Ms. McAdams for her many years of service to the students of Richmond Public Schools. Congratualtions on your retirement! We will surely miss you.
I want to shout out Rachel Attenberger and Karen Ward at MLK Preschool for completing all IEPs and getting those signatures. You both are the best!
Stephanie McAdams, ICC, Fairfield Court Elementary- Ms. McAdams has a work ethic that is unmatched. She conducts monthly EE meetings, attends eligibilities, student of support meetings, and has courageous conversations with her colleagues. We appreciate ALL that she does!
I would like to thank the Ginter Park Exceptional Education Special Education Department on their dedication and hardwork for the 2022-2023 academic school year. I would like to thank all exceptional education teachers Mrs. Askale, Mr. Holi, Mrs. Dunnavant, Mrs. Dewind, and Mr. Cartwright our school ICC.