SPEDTalk

In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and John are joined by Cody Martin (ESC 14) and Jeni Janek (ESC 12) to discuss the impact of COVID-19 and the importance of self-care and mental health awareness.  As students and teachers return to classrooms and campuses for the start of the 20/21 School Year, effective contingency plans focus on academic, social, and emotional considerations for all members of the returning school community. Programs such as Mental Health First Aid prepare teachers and staff to attend to the social/emotional needs of returning students many of whom may be experiencing situational stress and/or academic struggles. 

SCHOLAR

Mental Health First Aid

Suicide Prevention 

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Did you know that Dyslexia is constitutional meaning it is organic in nature in that a person is born with a dyslexic brain as opposed to being the result of injury and or trauma? In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and John learn all about Dyslexia in Texas from Dr. Dyslexia herself Dr. Melanie Royal (ESC Region 10 Dyslexia Statewide) and her TEA counterpart Michelle Reeves. Tune in to this episode so we can turn down the rhetoric and crank up the volume on Dyslexia screening, identification, and intervention. In case you didn't know, there is also a Dyslexia Hotline in Texas (800-232-3030).

Dyslexia Statewide Assistance (ESC Region 10)

TEA Special Education

Dyslexia and Related Disorders

Early Childhood Education

Technical Assistance: Child Find and Evaluation

Technical Assistance: Section 504

Inclusion Network/Dyslexia Resources

Students with Disabilities Planning Supports Guidebook- Dyslexia p.30

Tier Network

National Center for Intensive Intervention -Dyslexia Virtual Lesson included

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In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and John are joined by Kara Zwolinski (ESC Region 4) and Dawn Vanderhule (TEA) to discuss the Child Find, Evaluation, and ARD Supports Statewide Leadership Network also referred to as Network One. Child Find is legally required, and is an important first step to finding children with disabilities and getting them the support and services they require to be successful in school. The full and individual initial evaluation (FIIE) is a critical component when determining the eligibility and needs of the child. The role of the ARD committee is to develop the IEP to enable a child with a disability to achieve the prescribed goals resulting in positive outcomes. [TEA Special Education Strategic Plan, April 2018] The responsibility of the Child Find, Evaluation, and ARD Supports Network is to ensure all children with disabilities are located, evaluated, identified, and that free appropriate public education (FAPE) is made available. If you'e interested in learning more about Child Find, Evaluation and ARD Supports, be sure to visit Network One's Website at the link below.

Child Find, Evaluation, & ARD Supports Network

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In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and John are joined by Darcy Schiller, Robin Reimund, and Blaine Campbell (ESC Region 13) to discuss the Texas Statewide Leadership for Autism Training Network (TSLAT).  TSLAT works in collaboration with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide Training, support, and resources for educators serving students with autism. With over 80 courses in 7 different categories including courses in Spanish, TSLAT enables educators to "take the lead on professional development."  All courses are free; you can learn at your own pace; and you can earn CEUs and a certificate for each course you complete. 

On the TSLAT website (https://www.txautism.net/), you will also find timely and purposeful short videos that support educators and parents in their work with children with autism featuring classroom strategies, interviews with autism experts, teachers, and parents. Don't leave the website before checking out the Texas Autism Resource Guide for Effective Teaching (TARGET) designed to assist schools in developing practices from initial referral to program development and implementation with a strong emphasis on evidence-based and peer-reviewed strategies. There are a ton more resources you're gonna love so check out TSLAT and keep coming back. 

https://www.txautism.net/

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In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and John are joined by Cara Wyly (ESC Region 20) and Laura Wilk (TEA) to discuss the Inclusion in Texas Statewide Leadership Network. The Inclusion in Texas Network works in collaboration with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to build a statewide culture of high expectations for students with disabilities and significantly improve academic and functional outcomes for students served by special education.  

The goal is to build school district capacity to develop and appropriately implement instructional programs that provide meaningful access to inclusive environments and grade-level standards, where appropriate. The Network is developing resources to support school districts in building their capacity to develop and implement instructional programs for students in an inclusive setting and  will be posting these resources throughout the year.

Inclusion in Texas Website

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In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and John regroup with Joe Hinojosa and Jennifer Warren to celebrate the amazing work of their teachers and staff while also learning about the synergy created through their serendipitous encounter in an unreleased episode of SPEDTalk. Always searching for the silver lining lessons and moments, Pam and I were so excited to learn of the Re-Entry Plan for students and staff that Jennifer and Joe are imagining into existence. Covid-19 can't hold educators like these down. Creativity craves constraints, and there is always a calm to be found within every storm. This one you don't want to miss. 

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In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and John are joined by Amy Strauch, ESC Region 20 Special Education Coordinator, to discuss the Special Education Fiscal Support Grant Funding available to Texas LEAs. Listen in to learn about Round 1 Updates, Round 2 Application Timelines, and frequently asked questions related to use of funds/implications on MOE.    

https://www.spedfiscalsupport.org

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In this episode of SPEDTalk, Pam and John join the Texas Transition Conference Student Ambassadors and their amazingly awesome job coaches to get feedback on their experience at the conference this year.  Student input and perspective offers insight into the learner experience and is of fundamental importance in the development of effective special education programs and services. Eighteen and Up Programs are an essential component of successful transition from school to post-secondary and employment opportunities. These Ambassadors are wonderful examples of potential realized. Kudos to their job coaches and LEAs.

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ARD Buddy

SPED Leadership Academy

Principal Dashboard

Budget Buddy Dashboard

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In this episode of SPEDTalk, John mixes it up with Dr. Coral Wilkens and Harvey Hughes at TCASE GREAT IDEAS 2020. Don't worry Pam and Amy are still SPEDTalking. They just had bigger fish to fry.  Listen in as Harvey Hughes (Creator of SEAS Web and Hero) shares his most recent brainchild (Smart Data Dashboard). It's always a blast Chilling with Coral and Hanging with Harvey. So sit back and grab your favorite comfort food cause this episode is about to kick it into overdrive. 

Smart Data Dashboard

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ARD Buddy

SPED Leadership Academy

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In this episode of SPEDTalk, PAM, John, and Amy SPEDTalk it up with the Mr. Jose Hinojosa (aka Joe), Director of Special Education at The Burleson Center for Innovation and Education in Edgewood ISD. After spending the morning getting to know the amazing staff and students of "The Magic Factory," a nickname assigned to Burleson by local media and the community for the amazing opportunities and outcomes it creates, even Pam agreed that this place is Straight Up Legit when it comes to preparing students for life after high school. If you want to hear what Kidcentric Passion and Purpose sounds like, check out this episode, and if you really want to experience the Magic, you're just gonna have to come check it out in person.  The Burleson Center for Innovation and Education; Pushing the Boundaries by Expanding Possibilities! This is Inclusion Lived!!

Burleson Center 

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SPED Leadership Academy

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