The North Central Regional Resource Center (NCRRC) recently launched a regional State Performance Plan (SPP) Directory web site. This Directory functions as a virtual workspace. It is designed to serve as a Community of Practice Sharing and Work Space in which States in Region 4 are able to be in contact with each other relative to specific indicators. Users can search for contact information of state personnel responsible for each indicator in the SPP for each state in Region 4. Users can also post specific tools, strategies, and documents developed for the various indicators to the Directory. In addition to searching and posting information, users can create, edit, and save documents on the Directory. This allows multiple users to work on a document collaboratively from remote sites. The Directory has three main components: Contacts, Documents Library, and Discussion. Each is divided into two categories; Part B and Part C. The Part C section of each is still in development. The Contacts Section and the Documents Library Section allow the user to filter by indicator. The Documents Library will also allow the user to filter by indicator and within each indicator the user can filter by state. The Discussion Section allows users to post comments and questions relative to the indicators and general SPP items. For more information about the SPP Directory and how to access it, contact Maureen Hawes at
.
Posted on: Tuesday, December 19, 2006
SPP Indicator 13 FAQ Now Available Online
The National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC) recently made available online the OSEP approved SPP Indicator 13 FAQ. This document is based on questions from the field and the NSTTAC indicator 13 checklist. Click on the preceding link to open the document.
Posted on: Tuesday, December 19, 2006
New IDEA 2004 Video Clips Available Online
Now available on the one-stop-shop OSEP’s IDEA web site is a series of short video clips from the webcast, Building the Legacy: IDEA 2004, on the Part B final regulations hosted by the U.S. Department of Education on November 16, 2006. The video clips are designed to make the regulations easier to navigate. The topics covered are highly qualified teachers, procedural safeguards, IEPs, and private schools. To view the video clips, click here.
Posted on: Tuesday, December 19, 2006
New Publication Highlights Charter High Schools Closing Achievement Gaps
On December 11, 2006 the U.S. Department of Education released a new publication showcasing eight charter high schools that are using innovative methods to help close the achievement gap between low-income, minority, and special need students and their peers. This new publication, Charter High Schools Closing the Achievement Gap, is part of the Department’s Office of Innovation and Improvement’s (OII) Innovation in Education book series that was commissioned in 2004 to report on how schools and districts across the country have put NCLB to work. Previous issues have highlighted public school choice, supplemental educational services, alternative teacher certification, school leadership, and magnet schools. This issue focuses on schools that are bringing a new awareness to the challenge of raising the achievement of traditionally underserved student populations at the secondary level. Click on the first link to go to the report. Click on the second link to learn more about the Innovation in Education series.
Posted on: Tuesday, December 19, 2006
New Publication on Higher Performing High Schools
The latest report from the National High School Center, Report on Higher Performing High Schools, examines high schools with high academic standards and low failure rates, to draw attention to their methods used. This report is primarily tailored for state-level leaders. It highlights methods and strategies used by staff at the schools as well as ways to support initiatives in other schools. A free PDF version is available at the above link.
Posted on: Monday, December 4, 2006
New Practice Guide on How to Improve Data Quality
The National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with Disabilities (NDPC-SD) recently released a new practice guide, A Few Steps to Better Data, in response to the difficulties many states reported in working with their dropout and graduation data while developing their Annual Performance Reports (APRs) and State Performance Plans (SPPs). This practice guide identifies several factors that cause difficulties with states data and suggests some practical solutions. It also discusses strategies states can use to improve the quality of their dropout data and get the most from those data. The guide is intended for state education agency personnel, including special education directors, data managers, and program developers. This publication is available in PDF format. Click on the link above to download a free copy.
Posted on: Monday, December 4, 2006
New Report Raises Concerns about the Agenda for the No Child Left Behind Act’s Congressional Reauthorization Hearings
The Center for Mental Health at UCLA recently released a report, Legislation in Need of Improvement: Reauthorizing the No Child Left Behind Act to Better Address Barriers to Learning, which analyzes preliminary hearings and related reports and proposals with a focus on whether the reauthorization process is likely to include a substantive discussion of what is needed to enable all children to have an equal opportunity to succeed at school. The analysis finds that there has been no major discussion of the need for a systematic focus on learning supports to address barriers to learning and teaching. Given this, the report cautions that this matter is unlikely to be on the agenda in upcoming Congressional hearings unless remarkable efforts are made between now and then. Click on the link above to download a copy of the report.
Posted on: Monday, December 4, 2006
New Publication on IDEA Regulations 2004
A new publication released by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) makes side-by-side comparison of major issues of the IDEA 1997 and 2004 regulations is now available. This Side-by-Side brief provides a comprehensive analysis of how the changes will impact students and teachers. CEC members can download a free copy of the brief here. The report is available for purchase by non-members. Non-members can preview the report here.
Posted on: Monday, December 4, 2006
NCRRC LEA DataKit Regional Review
The LEA DataKit is scheduled for completion by the end of December 2006. In order to gain regional input, the NCRRC will be hosting a review session with invited participants from interested states in Region 4 on November 9-10, 2006 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The invited reviewers will be asked to review the DataKit content and training framework and provide feedback to NCRRC staff. Upon publication of the LEA DataKit, a “train-the-trainer” model will be used so that it can be implemented for LEAs within Region 4 states. Following training, the staff of the NCRRC will be available to assist individual states with adoption or adaptation to address specific state needs. If you would like more information regarding the LEA DataKit, please contact
.
Posted on: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Highlights from PBIS Conference
Ann Bailey attended the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) conference on Secondary and Tertiary Interventions in Chicago IL on October 12-13, 2006. Many state teams from Region 4 were in attendance. Presentations were given on a multitude of topics including: interagency collaborations; functional behavioral assessments; working with schools, districts, and states; social skills training; and preschool programming. The conference agenda and all conference presentation materials can be found on the PBIS website at the above link.
Posted on: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Foundations to the Indiana Academic Standards for Young Children from Birth to Age 5
The Indiana State Department of Education recently released a document entitled Foundations to the Indiana Academic Standards for Young Children from Birth to Age 5. While created for Indiana-specific experiences and policies, the document is based on national research and findings across all content areas and domains. Teachers, parents, and other caregivers will find this useful. To access the document, click the link above.
Posted on: Tuesday, October 31, 2006
John Hager Visits University of Minnesota
John Hager, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS), visited the University of Minnesota on October 4, 2006 to attend a meeting led by the Research Institute on Monitoring Progress (RIPM). RIPM was funded by Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to develop a system of progress monitoring to evaluate effects of individualized instruction on access to and progress within the general education curriculum. Assistant Secretary Hager listened to presentations by RIPM staff about its research as well as solicited ideas about how such centers as the North Central Regional Resource Center (NCRRC) could work collaboratively to provide technical assistance and information dissemination activities to support RIPM’s work regionally. The Assistant Secretary expressed interest in promoting progress monitoring strategies as well as approaches to Responsiveness to Intervention (RtI) and early intervening services.
Posted on: Tuesday, October 10, 2006
NCRRC Submits Leadership Proposal to OSEP
In an effort to increase the availability of local directors of special education, the NCRRC, along with the University of Minnesota’s Department of Educational Policy and Administration (EdPA), submitted a Preparation of Leadership Personnel proposal to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). It is anticipated that this proposal, Preparation of Highly Qualified Leaders in Special Education Administration: An Integrated Academic and Field Experience Training Model, will provide academic, licensure, and field experience opportunities to 20 master’s and Ph.D. graduate students seeking licensure as leaders in the field of special education administration over a four-year period. Support will be provided in the form of fellowships. The model consists of three core training components, Leadership Development, Administrative Licensure, and Field Experience. The role of the NCRRC in this effort will be to provide project fellows with “real world” experiential opportunities in Region 4 states either by working on issues of interest to states or by job shadowing with local and state directors of special education. For more information you can review the abstract, available by clicking here. If funded, the NCRRC will contact states for their ideas about experiential learning opportunities that may be available.
Posted on: Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Council for Exceptional Children hosts IDEA 2004 Workshops
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is planning a series of workshops on the IDEA 2004 regulations titled, Understanding the IDEA 2004 Regulations: CEC Workshops. Spanning nine cities nationwide from October 31 to December 7, these one-on-one workshops are tailored to help general and special education personnel work with children with disabilities. The workshops cover a broad range of topics including highly qualified teachers, disproportionality, response-to-intervention, early intervention, and many more. The cost for CEC members is $250 and $350 for non-CEC members. Registration due two weeks before the workshop you wish to attend. More information is available at the above link.
Posted on: Tuesday, October 10, 2006
New School Improvement Manual
The Comprehensive School Reform Quality Center (CSRQ), funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, has released a new school improvement manual, Seeing Improvement: A Guide to Visiting Schools that Use Effective Whole School Improvement Models and Promising Practices, which provides suggestions on how to select possible school reform models and then conduct school visits to evaluate such programs in order to inform policy decisions. This manual was developed by the CSRQ, in collaboration with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). It includes a rationale for and information on selecting evidence-based approaches for school improvement, as well as detailed guidance on conducting school visits. The appendices include checklists and sample materials to assist with school visits. For more information, click on the link above.
Posted on: Tuesday, October 10, 2006
SPP/APR Technical Assistance Call on Early Childhood Indicators
The Federal Resource Center (FRC) and Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) will be facilitating a teleconference call to review and discuss the Early Childhood Outcomes Indicators (Part C Indicator 3 and Part B Indicator 7) on September 14, 2006 at 4:00 – 5:00 P.M. EST. The purpose of this call is to discuss the change to the measurement for these indicators and what it means for States. Also, issues that are addressed in the FAQs will be reviewed. Ms. Julia Martin, MSIP, Jennifer Tschantz, RTP, and Kathy Hebbler, ECO Center are presenters for the call. The materials for the call are posted on the RRFC Network website. Click on the preceding link to download the materials.
Posted on: Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Alternate Assessment Seminars
Technical assistance providers, state practitioners, and leading researchers in the areas of students with disabilities, assessment, and accountability have partnered to offer interactive working seminars on alternate assessments based on alternate achievement standards (AA-AAS). The seminars are designed to: assist participants in recognizing what aspects of their system should remain flexible and what might be more standardized; provide participants with a framework for helping states conceptualize the evaluation of technical quality; and provide tools for documenting the technical quality of alternate assessments based on alternate achievement standards. The seminars are intended for state teams, preferably consisting of members from the assessment, special education, and curriculum and instruction divisions. All participants must represent a state’s assessment system. The seminars will be held in Denver (CO) on October 10th and 11th, and in Alexandria (VA) on October 24 and 25. NCRRC staff John Heskett will be available at the Denver seminar. For more information, contact NCRRC staff Tom Delaney at
or 612-625-2388.
Posted on: Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Final IDEA 2004 Part B Regs Now Available
The U.S. Department of Education just published the official copy of the final Part B regulations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the Federal Register on August 14, 2006. The regulations will go into effect 60 days after the official publication date. The Department has also made available on its website a user-friendly package to help guide the public through these changes. In addition to the actual text of the regulations, the package includes an analysis of the public’s comments, a summary of the major changes since publication of the proposed regulations, and several appendices, including an index and additional guidance for implementing the regulations. The Department also published a set of model forms for individualized education programs (IEPs), notices of procedural safeguards, and prior written notices as required under IDEA. All regulation-related materials can be found on the Department’s website. Click on the above link to view the materials.
Posted on: Wednesday, August 16, 2006
State of the Nation’s Data System
What is the state of your state data system? You can get an answer to this question and more on the Data Quality Campaign (DQC) website. This website provides information about the quality of all 50 states data system in addition to state-by-state analysis of the policy implications of each state’s data system. The information is derived from data collected by the National Center for Educational Accountability (NCEA) through a survey conducted in August 2005 to determine the number of states that have built the infrastructure to take advantage of the power of longitudinal data. The DQC is a national, collaborative effort to help states improve the collection and use of high-quality education data and implement longitudinal data systems to improve student achievement. The campaign is managed by the NCEA and 13 other national organizations and supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Click on the link above to go the website.
Posted on: Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Highlights from the 2006 Pennsylvania Community on Transition Conference
Katharine Hill, NCRRC State Technical Assistance Specialist, attended the 2006 Pennsylvania Community on Transition Conference in State College, PA, July 18- 20, 2006. Approximately 700 people attended, including teachers, LEA administrators, vocational rehabilitation professionals, parents, and youth. Featured presenters included John H. Hager, Assistant Secretary, Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services; Bill East, NASDE; Carl Suter, Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation; Linda Rhen, Director, Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education; LeDerick Horne; and Jonathan Mooney. Katharine presented at a pre-conference session, “The Educator’s Challenge: High Academic Standards and Successful Postschool Outcomes” with Larry Kortering of the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center and Karen Rabern from Auburn University. She and Drs. Kortering and Rabern also presented a feature presentation on “Building Capacity to Improve Transition Outcomes.”
Posted on: Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Region 4 Alliance Conference Highlights
Alliance Region 4 Conference was hosted by the Ohio Coalition for the Education for Children with Disabilities on Mackinac Island, MI from June 20-23, 2006. Approximately 75 parent training information center and state-level staff from Region 4 attended this event. Presentations were given by Joe McNulty, Executive Director of the Helen Keller National Center; Susan Mikolic, Stepping Stones Mental Health Educational Consulting; Suzanne Ripley, Director of the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities; and Matt Cohen, Attorney at Monahan & Cohen in Chicago. Stephanie Petska (WI) and LauraBelle Sherman-Proehl (IA) paired with lead staff from the PTIs in their states to present information on the collaborative efforts between state agencies and PTIs. Ann Bailey also presented information on the SPP and how PTIs can support states with parent surveys.
Posted on: Thursday, July 20, 2006
Highlights from NCCRESt State Liaison Meeting
The National Center for Culturally Responsive Educational Systems (NCCRESt) held its State Liaison Meeting June 22-23, 2006 at its offices in Denver, Colorado. The meeting was attended by representatives from six states, as well as Kathy Chapman from the Mid-South Regional Resource Center and Tom Delaney from the North Central Regional Resource Center. The meeting participants reviewed NCCRESSt technical assistance plans, district identification processes, a curriculum assessment tool, and presented ideas for a national forum.
Posted on: Thursday, July 20, 2006
Recording for Access Center’s RtI Webinar Now Available Online
On June 20, 2006 the Access Center hosted a State Information Sharing Community web seminar titled "Implementing RtI: Lessons from the Minneapolis Public Schools Problem-Solving Model." If you missed this informative webinar, or you would like to listen to it again, you can now listen to a recording of the event online. The Access Center has made available online the recording along with the PowerPoint slides and handouts from the presentation. This webinar was presented by Tom Hegranes, Ann Casey, and Doug Marston from the Minneapolis Public Schools. The presenters provided a brief history and an overview of the Minneapolis Problem-Solving Model and discussed how the model can be used as one approach to RtI, authorized by IDEA 2004. To listen to the recording and/or download the presentation materials, click here.
Posted on: Thursday, July 20, 2006
NCRRC Regional Teleconference Call on Public Reporting
The North Central Regional Resource Center (NCRRC) is hosting a second regional teleconference call on public reporting strategies on Thursday, July 27, 2006 at 10:00 CST, 11:00 EST. This regional call is a follow-up to last month’s call on using “icons and metaphors” as a strategy for public reporting. During last month’s call many participants indicated that they had materials already developed that they were willing to share, which we are inviting you to share during next week’s call. Accordingly, please forward any materials to Maureen Hawes at
by Tuesday, July 25 so that the materials can be disseminated to all participants prior to the call. Participants who have materials to share will be asked to spend a few minutes on the call discussing the materials. The NCRRC will also be reviewing the information shared in last week’s OSEP call on public reporting. State personnel in Region 4 who are responsible for collecting and reporting data on SPP indicators are encouraged to participate in the call. For more information about the call and/or dial-in number, please contact Ms. Hawes at 612-624-1144 or by clicking on the link above.
Posted on: Thursday, July 20, 2006
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
.
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
.
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
.
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.
