National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard Conference Call
As a follow-up to the NIMAS National Conference Call held March 28, 2006 on the IDEA 2004 requirement for States to adopt the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS), a second conference call for States is scheduled for July 27 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. EDT. The purpose of this call is to provide state personnel with updated information on the implementation of NIMAS and the most current information to assist in their coordination responsibilities with the National Instructional Materials Access Center (NIMAC). Lead representatives from States’ offices such as textbook administration, assistive technology, educational technology, curriculum and instruction, blind/low vision and print disabilities services are encouraged to participate. A technical assistance tool has been designed by the NIMAS TA Center to assist State Directors with NIMAS Implementation. Participants are encouraged to review the Checklist in advance before the call, as this Checklist will be used during the conference call. Click on the preceding link to view the tool. For more information about the NIMAS TA Web site and the NIMAC Web site, click on the respective links above.
Posted on: Thursday, July 20, 2006
NCCRESt Now Accepting Session Proposals for 2nd National Forum
The National Center for Culturally Responsive Educational Systems (NCCRESt) is now accepting session proposals for the 2nd National Forum, Leadership for Equity and Excellence: Transforming Education, held in Washington D.C. on February 7-9, 2007. The conference presentations will focus on the following five areas: 1) school improvement for all children; 2) family and community partnerships; 3) policy to promote equity and eliminate racism; 4) leadership for change; and 5) transforming teaching and learning. States, districts, schools, students, and advocacy personnel are encouraged to submit session proposals. Proposals are due September 22, 2006 at 5:00 PM MST and must be submitted on online. For additional information, please visit the NCCRESt website by following the link above.
Posted on: Thursday, July 20, 2006
NICHCY Connections...to Transition
Are you a parent, educator, or student looking for resources on transition? Look no further than the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities’ (NICHCY) new Transition Suite for resources on transition. Launched in June, this five-part suite of resources looks closely at and connects you with a wide range of transition materials. The suite was developed for a broad audience. It contains five separate collections including the introductory Transition 101, Transition for Parents, Transition for Students, Transition for Professionals, Transition for Students with Disabilities. Follow the link above to access the resources.
Posted on: Thursday, July 20, 2006
National School Reform Center Releases School Reform Checklist
The Comprehensive School Reform Quality (CSRQ) Center recently published a considerations checklist, “Questions That Educators Can Ask About the Participation of Students With Disabilities in School Reform and Improvement Models,” which can be used by educators to assess the capacity of school reform and improvement models to address the needs of students with disabilities. This checklist is designed to be used in conjunction with the CSRQ Center Reports that provide guidance on the effectiveness and quality of widely implemented elementary, middle, and high school CSR models and Education Service Providers (ESPs). To download a copy of the checklist, click on the link above.
Posted on: Thursday, July 20, 2006
Using “Icons and Metaphors” for Public Reporting
In the interest of following up on our presentation on using “icons and metaphors” for public reporting at the Region 4 Directors’ Meeting in Milwaukee, the NCRRC will host an online presentation and conference call on Friday, June 23 from 1-2:00 EST (noon-1:00 CST) to engage a group of interested people within the Region to collaborate about "next steps." Using graphic representations of icons and metaphors for reporting is an innovative and exciting alternative to using “static” reports and charts to present complex data sets effectively and in a manner that can be easily understood to a wide range of audiences—regardless of prior training in the use and interpretation of data. This reporting technology is based upon the use of graphical icons and metaphors familiar to many people (e.g., dashboards, pressure gauges, thermometers) and in which highly complex data sets can be organized and understood easily. If you are interested in participating, please contact Maureen Hawes at 612-624-1144 or at
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Posted on: Thursday, June 20, 2006
NCRRC Hosted 2nd Annual Regional Part C Coordinators’ Forum
On June 15 & 16, NCRRC facilitated a regional forum addressing SPP indicators related to Part C and 619. Full participation of all nine Region 4 states was greatly appreciated, and allowed for many useful and interesting formal large-group discussions as well as many formal and informal opportunities for state exchanges regarding issues pertaining to the SPP indicators, common and unique improvement strategies, and future collaborative activities. Also in attendance was NECTAC representative Shelley deFossett, who offered a national perspective on many issues discussed. The goals of the Forum included sharing regional information from the State Performance Plans and providing work time for state teams to further develop their efforts around improvement strategies and activities, and identify state specific technical assistance needs. The focuses included Early Childhood Outcome Indicators (Part B #7 & Part C #3), the Parent Survey (Part B #8 & Part C #4), Transition Indicators (Part B #12 & Part C #8), LRE (Part B #6 & Part C #2), and Timeline Indicators (Part B #11 & Part C #1 & #7). Technical assistance plans were also discussed for states interested in updating and development of their plans.
Posted on: Thursday, June 20, 2006
Wisconsin Post High School Survey Tool Kit for LEAs
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) recently launched its Post High School Outcomes Survey (WPHSOS) website. This dynamic website provides both State Education Agencies (SEAs) and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) a framework to conduct outcomes studies, identify critical outcomes and needs, and improve the post high school outcomes of future students. The online tool is especially designed to provide LEAs with the method and tools to conduct their own local outcomes survey in a time efficient and cost effective manner. A unique feature of the tool is that reports can be generated on the “fly”—allowing users to view summary data in “real time”. In addition, users can opt to compare results to state, local, and national data. To access the tool, follow the link above.
Posted on: Thursday, May 25, 2006
Ohio's Integrated Systems Model for Improving Student Achievement
The Ohio Integrated Systems Model (OISM) for Academic and Behavior Supports is a comprehensive school-wide prevention & intervention model that provides support systems which address both academic and behavioral needs of all students. The OISM was developed to assist school administrators and educators assess students, implement school-wide educational and behavioral foundations, provide intervention strategies and progress monitor to enhance student success in school and reduce the number of students referred for intensive interventions and possibly special education services. This integrated systems model is widely used in Ohio; since the implementation of the model the state has seen a rise in student achievement, a closing of achievement gaps, and improvement in overall school climate.
Posted on: Thursday, May 25, 2006
Highlights from the National SEA Conference on SLD Determination Pre-session
On April 18, The North Central Regional Resource Center (NCRRC) provided a pre-session to the National SEA Conference on SLD Determination, sponsored by the National Research Center on Learning Disabilities and the Regional Resource Centers. The pre-session was attended by representative teams from Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, and Illinois. The session included presentations on state integration of data-based instructional decision-making systems in State Performance Plans, as well as results of a regional survey examining state implementation of response-to-intervention, early intervening services, and research-based intervention systems. In addition, state teams had the opportunity to exchange development and implementation strategies with each other. The presentation slides and notes will soon be available by request from the NCRRC.
Posted on: Monday, April 24, 2006
State Performance Plan Indicators Expertise Directory
The North Central Regional Resource Center (NCRRC) is developing an expertise SPP Indicators Directory for both Part B and Part C. The purpose of the directory is to facilitate the development of a "Community of Practice" network of individuals throughout Region 4 who share like interests and responsibilities with regard to SPP/APR indicators. The directory will provide a venue for states to exchange strategies and information about what each state is doing with the indicators. The NCRRC is asking that states complete a form for each person responsible for specific indicators. Please submit completed forms to Maureen Hawes via email at
. To download a form, click on the appropriate link above.
Posted on: Monday, April 24, 2006
Early Childhood Conference Call Powerpoint Uploaded
Materials for Jennifer Grisham-Brown's presentation on next week's Early Childhood call have been uploaded. They can be downloaded by clicking here.
Posted on: Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Upcoming Events in Region 4
Mark your calendars! There are two significant and informative events coming to Region 4. The North Central Regional Resource Center (NCRRC) is hosting the Region 4 SPP and APR Implementation Forum (Registration flyer and agenda) on May 15-16, 2006 and the 2006 Part C/619 Coordinators’ Forum (Registration flyer and agenda) on June 15-16, 2006. The purposes of these forums are to provide platforms for state staff in Region 4 to share experiences regarding State Performance Plans (SPPs) and exchange information with one another about innovative and successful improvement strategies. These forums are also designed to provide opportunities for NCRRC staff and state staff to refine or revise technical assistance plans in response to current needs and circumstances. The registration deadline for the implementation forum is April 21 and the deadline for the coordinators’ forum is May 1. For detailed information about the events and how to register, click on the above links accordingly.
Posted on: Tuesday, April 11, 2006
What’s Happening in Region 4
The purpose of the “What’s Happening” series of news items is to inform Region 4 states of activities in which NCRRC is or has been involved, with a focus on one or two states. This segment offers a focus on Wisconsin. Other states will appear in the “What’s Happening” news items in the future. With Wisconsin, NCRRC is currently involved in several technical assistance activities. For example, the NCRRC and Wisconsin are working collaboratively to develop a sampling plan and web-based survey to address OSEP’s reporting requirement regarding parent involvement. The purpose of this effort is to develop a representative sample and a reliable instrument to assist State Education Agency (SEA) staff collect data relevant to the SPP/APR Part B indicator 8. For more information about the technical assistance activities in Wisconsin or other Region 4 technical assistance initiatives, please contact NCRRC’s Coordinator, Maureen Hawes, at 612-624-1144 or via e-mail at
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Posted on: Tuesday, April 11, 2006
NCRRC Conducts NCCRESt Pre-session for Addressing Disproportionality
The NCRRC, in collaboration with the Northeast Regional Resource Center (NERRC) and the Southeast Regional Resource Center (SERRC), hosted a cross-region pre-session to NCCRESt’s Forum for Addressing Disproportionality. The pre-session included a focused discussion on the following topics: protocols that states are using to review policies, practices, and procedures to determine which local education agencies (LEAs) demonstrate disproportionality that is a result of inappropriate identification; how states are defining “educationally valid” reasons; how state education agencies (SEAs) are providing technical assistance and guidance to LEAs to address disproportionality; and a discussion of performance indicators 9 and 10 from the SPP. The proceedings from this meeting will be compiled in a brief and disseminated to the states.
The Early Childhood Conference Call will be held today, February 21. One of the highlights of the discussion is a presentation by Professor Robin McWilliam of Vanderbilt University, in which the topic of teaching students with disabilities with the goal of increasing student engagement and final outcomes. The accompanying Powerpoint for this has been made available online for access and download. Please click the above link to obtain a copy.
Up to half the children who begin committing delinquent offenses before age 10 will become chronic, serious and/or violent delinquents during adolescence. Many will abuse substances, become teen parents, and drop out of school. This presentation reviews how research on early onset delinquency is being used to identify which children in the community are most likely to follow this path, and why. Implications for intervention and long term outcomes for child delinquents will be discussed. The session will conclude with new cost/benefit research which indicates that the most challenging children may be the best (not the worst) investment. This teleconference is co-sponsored by North Central Regional Resource Center and the OSEP Exiting Community of Practice, and presented by Trisha Beuhring, Ph.D., Institute on Community Integration.
The PACER Center has recently launched a new interactive web site for children in second through sixth grade on bullying prevention. This interactive web site has many educational and fun activities for children including a cast of 12 animated characters, celebrity videos, kid videos, Webisodes, games, contests, stories, artwork, poems, information, and much more. Engaging activities and helpful information are designed to help (1) promote bullying awareness in elementary school, (2) teach effective ways to respond to bullying, and (3) prevent bullying of all children, especially those with disabilities. To access the web site, click on the above link.
The North Central Regional Resource Center (NCRRC) has developed a “white paper” describing activities that will lead to the development and dissemination of a series of strategies aimed at building the capacity of Local Education Agency (LEA) staff to effectively use data to make local program improvements in concert with state efforts to demonstrate accountability with federal IDEA 2004 requirements. The strategies will parallel that of the state in addressing the performance indicators of the State Performance Plan (SPP). Content will include strategies for analyzing and making decisions based on local data, including graduation and dropout rates, disproportionate representation, and related topics. Initially, strategies will focus on basic data analysis using a team approach, eventually evolving to the identification and use of tools, products, and services for “moving” data at the LEA level. This effort will be directed by Dr. Bill McMillan, NCRRC Consultant. For more information, download the white paper Moving Data: Training for Local Education Agencies.
The NCRRC has compiled information on how states in Region 4 are planning to measure child outcomes. The list details potential assessment tools being used, measurement methodologies, and whether the state is planning to use the ECO Rating Scale. For more information, please contact Ann Bailey at
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Posted on: Friday, January 6, 2006
Region 4 States Participate in OSEP Early Childhood Conference
Each of the 9 states in Region 4 participated in the OSEP Early Childhood Conference that was held in Washington D.C. on December 12 -14, 2005. State teams from Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin presented on a number of topics including cross agency collaboration, early intervention, and data utilization. Christopher Watson and Ann Bailey, Early Childhood Specialists from the NCRRC also attended the conference, facilitating the NCRRC Regional Luncheon on Monday, December 12th for 42 people from all Region 4 states. The state teams discussed topics for the upcoming Part C/619 Coordinators Forum scheduled for June of 2006 in Cleveland. They also discussed possible presenters to the NCRRC monthly Early Childhood conference call.
Westat has recently made available online The Secretary’s Fourth Annual Report on Teacher Quality, which contains the most current information on the quality of teachers entering the education field for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and other U.S. territories. Under Title II of the Higher Education Act (HEA) and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), states are required to report on the quality of teacher preparation. This report highlights principles for developing outstanding teacher preparation programs and focuses on the critical skills all teachers must learn. To download a copy of the report, click on the link above.
Posted on: Wednesday, January 4, 2006
Region 4 States Participate in 2005 IDEA and NCLB Collaboration Conference
Iowa, Minnesota and Pennsylvania state teams participated in the 2005 IDEA and NCLB Collaboration Conference, held on November 30-December 2 in Arlington Virginia. The purpose of the IDEA and NCLB Collaboration Conference was to broaden the work of the Title I and IDEA Collaboration Network. The general purpose of this meeting was to provide information regarding why “change” is necessary. Larry Gloeckler, of the International Center for Leadership in Education, presented information regarding reform efforts, the accomplishments of students with disabilities and how much improvement students with disabilities have demonstrated in recent years on performance measures. In addition, the conference included presentations on Response to Intervention (RtI) and Early Intervention by Daryl Mellard and Daniel Reshley. Information was presented on each of these topics to show how research can be put into practice. John Heskett of the NCRRC facilitated a discussion among State teams within Region 4 with regard to issues revolving around the intended and unintended consequences with regard to the alignment of IDEA and NCLB.
Iowa is one of 11 sites to receive a grant from the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) to participate in the Youth with Disabilities Transition Demonstration (YDTD) projects. The YDTD is a nine-year study that began in October 2005 and will be completed in 2014. The SSA contracted Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. (MPR) to lead an evaluation team that includes MDRC (a nonprofit, nonpartisan social policy research organization), Cornell University Institute for Policy Research, and academic specialists to develop and evaluate YDTD projects for young adults who are either receiving disability benefits or who may be receiving them in the future. The evaluation team will use a random assignment model to examine the impact of services and waivers of disability program rules on disabled youth’s academic performance, employment, earnings, and receipt of disability benefits. It will also examine the impact on the Social Security trust fund and federal income tax revenues.
The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities recently added a new online course, Partners in Education, to its award-winning e-learning leadership training program, Partners in Policymaking. This is a three-hour, self-directed course designed to help parents of children with developmental disabilities navigate the special education system and maximize their child’s potential. The course focuses on a child's right to a free appropriate public education and the laws that protect those rights. It also offers practical ways that parents can ensure that their children benefit from an inclusive education. For more information about the course, click on the link above.
