SPEDTalk

In this episode of SPEDTalk, we are joined by Tamsey, Mona, and Jasmine to learn all about Cheer Abilities, which provides athletes of all ages with varying types of differences and limitations the opportunity to Cheer on competitive teams. Th goal is to provide these athletes with the true experience of all-star cheerleading, from tumbling and stunting, to the thrill of performing in front of a large crowd. From school spirit to the spirit of competition and teamwork, cheer and dance have unique ways of connecting people, and the all star cheer and dance community has dedicated time and attention to cultivating teams with athletes of special talents in the Cheer Abilities and Dance Abilities divisions.

Cheer Abilities Unlocks True Potential

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In this episode of SPEDTalk, we learn about the amazing resources and trainings from the Texas Complex Access Network (TX CAN). Dedicated to raising awareness of the limitless potential of students with significant cognitive disabilities by presuming competence and finding the most appropriate supports to provide connection, access, and increased opportunities, TX CAN is creating a new paradigm of acceptance and potential for students with significant cognitive disabilities. TX CAN's mission is to put effective, evidence-based tools and strategies into the hands of teachers, and parents, to help them on their journey.

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In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and John learn all about the Strategic Partnership between the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the American Institute for Research (AIR) to address Significant Disproportionality (SD) through grant opportunities for specific LEAs. The purpose of this grant is to support LEAs that have been notified of 1 or more areas of significant disproportionality in either discipline, identification, or restrictive placements. The Addressing Significant Disproportionality (SD) project will create a grant program to provide targeted LEAs with deep consultative services to identify systemic issues related to effective and equitable services to students in all groups. The consultation will include reviews of the following: student outcome data, child find policies and procedures, effective implementation of linguistically and culturally responsive pedagogy in tier 1 instruction, effective and appropriate tier 2 and tier 3 interventions, tier 1 behavior and systemic classroom management processes, as well as processes for ensuring all students are given access to high expectations and the corresponding rigorous academic coursework. This review will specifically build upon information gleaned from the review and support self-assessment. Aligned with current research, a major theme throughout all grant-funded activities is assisting LEAs in identifying the underlying causes of SD so they can appropriately select high-leverage Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs; i.e., multi-tiered systems of support, culturally responsive pedagogy, etc...) aligned to those needs. This will be evident in all resources, PD, and coaching.

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In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and John dive into the deep end of Inclusion with Corsicana ISD who is proud to be the first chapter

Corsicana ISD Website

The Penguin Project 2021

The Penguin Project Bragging Rights Article

The Penguin Project Sponsor Info

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In this episode, Pam and John learn all about the Multiple Exceptionalities and Multiple Needs (technical assistance) Network, which aspires to support the unique set of needs of students who are being served by Special Education as well as identified in one or more of the following areas: English learners, Gifted and Talented, and Highly Mobile; specifically-- migrant students, military connected students, students experiencing homelessness, and students in foster care. This network strives to improve the outcome of students who have multiple needs and multiple exceptionalities by building educator capacity, increasing family support, and developing training and resources. To meet the unique needs of these students, planned and purposeful coordination is required between the programs of Special Education, Gifted and Talented, English learner support, and Highly Mobile support.

MEMN Network Website - https://www.txmemn.tea.texas.gov/

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In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and John learn all about the amazing work of the TIER Network. Tiered Interventions Using Evidence-Based Research, or TIER, is a project funded by the Texas Education Agency. Their goal is to provide educators, caregivers, and other educational stakeholders with the knowledge and materials to ensure appropriate implementation of multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) in every school across Texas.

The TIER network is developing comprehensive and coherent trainings and resources for evidence-based intervention practices across the state. The network strives to increase LEA and ESC capacity to develop and implement an effective, integrated, comprehensive framework for intervention that is grounded in differentiated instruction and aligns the systems that are fundamental for all students’ academic, behavioral, and social achievement.

They have developed a series of modules that focus on different components of MTSS. Within each module, you’ll find more specific pathways. A pathway includes a presentation with handouts as well as a video of the presentation. Presenters can use the presentation and handouts during professional learning. Educators and caregivers can use the video and handouts to walk through the content on their own.

For more information, contact them at [email protected].

TIER Website - https://tier.tea.texas.gov/

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In this episode of SPEDTalk, listen in as the conversation goes from parental love to educational impact as the amazing mom of two sons with autism describes her journey to becoming a teacher who sees the potential in all of her students. The high expectations and unconditional love she has for her own two sons is also experienced by each and every one of her students. It is often said, "there's nothing quite like the love of a mother" and "kid's don't care how much a teacher knows unless they know how much the teacher cares." Teaching each as though they were her own, Nikki McDaniel, 1st Grade Teacher at Brady ISD understands that loving students doesn't mean lowering expectations. This is Inclusion Lived!!

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~Courage Creates Culture & Kindness Keeps Us Connected~

Guess whos back...our buddies at the The Burleson School for Innovation and Education have been busy since we last spoke. The Magic Factory is known for setting the pace when it comes to developing student employability skills and their strategic partnership with Texas A&M University San Antonio (TAMUSA) will expand their impact exponentially. When pam and I first met with Joe Hinojosa and Sara Minner, their desire to expand possibilities and improve outcomes was evident in the evidence of impact that can be seen throughout the Burleson Center. Now they have joined forces with Dr. Henrietta Munoz, Executive Director of the Institute for School and Community Partnerships TAMUSA. This Powerhouse Strategic Partnership between Edgewood ISD, TAMUSA, and six additional districts in the ASPIRE Network Elevates Transition in Texas to New Heights! A&M-SA & South Bexar County ISDs Partnership to Impact Regional Equity and Excellence ASPIRE to Greatness through Big Time Commitment to Continuity of Care and Noncompetitive Collaboration. Pushing the Boundaries by Expanding Possibilities! This is Inclusion Lived!!

TAMUSA Dr. Henrietta Munoz

Burleson Center 

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In this episode, the SPEDTalk crew are blown away by the big ideas, bold actions, and inclusive efforts of Kami Dodds (Brady ISD Unified Club sponsor and Special Olympics Coach). Kami's relentless drive to create inclusive opportunities for her students exemplifies how one person's vision can make the impossible possible. Kami Dodds is a leader among leaders and is growing the next generation of inclusive minded leaders as evidenced by the real star of this episode, her student Simon, who taught us that we should never be afraid to take the right risks in life and should never be afraid to be included. Wise words from a very wise young man. 

Brady ISD Unified In The News

Brady ISD Gets Recognized 

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~Courage Creates Culture & Kindness Keeps Us Connected~

In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and John team up with Sara Jeter (ESC Region 8), Even Heckmann (ESC Region 10), and Jennifer De Leon (ESC Region 17); making SPEDTalk an SPED Liaison Collaborative between five RESCs in Texas. Elevating a positive conversation about special education has always been the focus, and with SPEDTalk becoming a Party of Five, season three will be our best one yet. Keep tuning in because SPEDTalk only matters if it matters to you, and be sure to hit us up on Twitter @SPEDTalk2020 for opportunities to help us with suggestions for future topics. Who knows, you might even jump on during a future recording in which we SPEDTalk your topic. You'll also be able to find SPEDTalk on Instagram and Facebook so tweet, post, and share your ideas so we can be sure your voice is heard in future episodes. 

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