The Alliance for Systems Change/Mid-South Regional Resource Center (ASC/MSRRC) is one of six Regional Resource Centers (RRCs) funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education programs. ASC/MSRRC provides technical assistance to state early intervention lead agencies, departments of education and other related state agencies in Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.
TAP OF THE MONTH
MD-B-02: In order to ensure implementation of federal requirements and options, and to assist local school systems to effectively organize and utilize resources to support achievement of all students, the Maryland State Department of Education developed the guidance document A Tiered Instructional Approach to Support Achievement for All Students: Maryland's Response to Intervention Framework to articulate an evidence-based framework for a tiered instructional approach. This approach is consistent with regulatory requirements for the identification of students with specific learning disabilities and best practice. The Response to Intervention process is recommended for use in Maryland public schools. MSRRC provided technical assistance to a cross-divisional core team of state staff and stakeholders and a large task force of representatives of schools, advocates, professional organizations and families. MSRRC provided assistance in compiling a resource notebook for the task force, providing national experts, a web-based electronic learning community and final production of this guidance document. For more information, please contact Ethel Bright, . Posted 8-29-08
ANNOUNCEMENTS
** NEW **North Carolina Problem-Solving Model Pilot: The Problem-Solving Process Posted 8-29-08
North Carolina has developed a Problem-Solving Model Pilot and accompanying Problem-Solving Model Process Graphics as tools to introduce both the conceptual framework and the process involved in providing a foundation for a planned, systematic set of interventions that can be monitored and evaluated to determine effectiveness. The graphics depict the Problem-Solving Model Process; a Problem-Solving Model; a comparison of the RtI/PSM model vs. current SIT, BAT, and SAT models; components of the Student Success System; and graphic of Academic Student Success Program. For more information on this model: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/ec/development/learning/responsiveness.
** NEW **Virginia Parents' Guide to Special Education Dispute Resolution Posted 8-29-08
Virginia has recently completed a Parents' Guide to Special Education Dispute Resolution. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA 2004), and its implementing federal regulations of 2006, require each state to have regulations designed to protect the rights of children and their parents. These provisions define actions that parents may take when they disagree with the local school division regarding the identification, evaluation, educational placement and services of their child, or the provision of a free appropriate public education to their child. These actions include parents and school division entering into mediation to resolve the dispute; the parent filing a complaint that the school division has erred procedurally in meeting its special education obligations; and/or the parent or local school division filing a request for a due process hearing to have a hearing officer determine the appropriate outcome for the child. This guide is designed to assist parents in understanding Virginia's dispute resolution systems of mediation complaints, and due process hearings. This document offers guidance in selecting an appropriate course of action and describes how to request and prepare for mediation, how to file and proceed with a complaint, and how to file and prepare for a due process hearing. ** NEW **Employee Relationship with Comprehensive Center Posted 8-21-08
ASC/Mid-South has expanded is subcontractual relationship with the Appalachian Regional Comprehensive Center for the 0.5 FTE services of Kay Johnston. Kay has been the Administration and General Supervision Coordinator with the West Virginia Office of Special Education for 18 years as well as being a TA Specialist, Director of Special Education, and Teacher at the local district level. She is joining Mid-South to provide additional leadership and capacity in the area of disproportionality and disproportionate representation of minorities in special education. She also has substantial experience in monitoring and dispute resolution systems. She began employment on August 18, 2008.
Employee Relationship with Comprehensive Center Posted 7-18-08
ASC/MSRRC has entered into a subcontractual relationship with the Appalachian Regional Comprehensive Center for the 0.5 FTE services of Dr. Gregory Anderson. Greg was interviewed jointly with ASC/MSRRC, was hired as a Sr. R&D Specialist in Assessment, and began employment on June 16, 2008.
Greg has a doctorate in education from the University of Illinois. He taught university courses in assessment, cognitive/IQ assessment, psychometrics, and other similar subjects. He has developed and written several assessment measures including several special education tests that have been published and are commercially available. A former Part C Point of Entry regional director in Illinois, he was also president of the Illinois Division for Early Childhood committees reviewing special education teacher training and performance standards. He has conducted many LEA trainings on assessment, RtI approaches, and use of data. Finally, he has worked with federal and state agencies on contracts related to assessments, data systems and research to practice. His doctoral foreign language was "statistics".
Greg will be working with ASC/MSRRC states regarding assessment and standards issues, as well as other issues related to student instruction and performance.
Employee Relationship with NECTAC Posted 7-18-08
ASC/MSRRC has initated a subcontract with NECTAC for the services of Dr. Sharon Ringwalt. Sharon has been a NECTAC staff member for 6 years and has expertise in several areas of early childhood. Previously, she was a Clinical Assistant Professor at UNC - Chapel Hill in the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences for 13 years.
ASC/Mid-South had a need for additional early childhood expertise and was happy to establish a more formal relationship with its NECTAC colleagues to ensure the best possible services to its state departments and lead agencies.
We are thrilled to add Sharon and her expertise to our knowledge and resource quiver. Sharon will hit the ground running as we introduce her to our states and their agency staff.
