Mid-South RRC and the Northeast RRC are collaborating on conducting a meeting for three state Part B agencies using PCG data systems to discuss solutions and opportunities. [posted 1-25-10]
This web site provides alll sessions from the ARRA webinars conducted in July to address reporting and data quality requirements. The webinar series was prepared by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The audio is available for download for an ipod or computer, also available is a PDF version of the presentation slides. A brief summary of the topic for each call is available to assist in selecting the topics of greatest interest. [Posted August 15, 2009]
This Press Release from the U.S. Department of Education reports that Secretary of Education Arne Duncan congratulated several individuals for being confirmed by the Senate on Monday, October 5, 2009. Alexa Posny was confirmed as Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. [Posted October 12, 2009]
MSRRC REGIONAL NEWS
MSRRC Conducts Meeting for MSRRC State Directors
On September 28th and 29th, the Part B directors of the Mid-South region attended a meeting with MSRRC staff in Louisville, KY. This meeting included a NASDSE update, an overview of the future of the RRC Program and the MSRRC, and discussions regarding state successes and challenges. [Posted 10-12-09]
This Governor's Press Release indicates that effective 9-17-09, South Carolina changed their Part C lead agency, moving from Health & Environmental Control to the Governor's Preschool Program First Steps. [Posted 10-12-09]
Tennessee State Personnel Improvement Grant
Tennessee is one of four states who received this award. This project will conduct professional development activities in the areas of reading, math, and positive behavioral supports, all based on a Response to Intervention framework. The aim is to facilitate a statewide network of professional development providers to maximize the reach of professional development efforts. The funding period for this project is 12-1-2009 through 11-30-2013. For additional information, contact: Veronica McDonald (). [Posted 10-12-09]
This link provides information about the Virginia Orientation to Part C web-based module. The module is available at this link for downloading and reviewing. Participants can also take a competency quiz upon completion of this module.
This link will take you to the News Release for the six alternative education programs which have been selected as best practice sites in a new effort to recognize the work of educators and programs that serve at-risk students.
NCRESSt has recently produced new state profiles for North Carolina and Tennessee[Posted June 7, 2009]
These state profiles provide a snapshot of state efforts to address the disproportionate representation of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in special education. The reports explore the various elements related to the development of culturally responsive systems including: educational outcomes, general and special education policy and practice, and broader contextual factors impacting the experiences of students, families and educators. These reports are part of a four-part series that will examine the effort of states to create culturally responsive systems.
This gateway provides resources for providers and families of young children with disabilities, birth through age 5.
Conference Call on Coordinated Early Intervening Services [Posted 11-13-08] November 17, 2008 2:00 EDT
This call included a presentation from the Georgia Department of Education which discussed their Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) model. States were provided with an overview of their state's supervision role as to how the LEAs report: 1) the budget for CEIS and 2) local districts efforts for identifying high risk students. The discussion covered both academic and behavioral high risk students.
At the beginning of the call, Dr. Williams (OSEP) joined us, as did Joy Markowitx who described the Data Assistance Center (DAC) effort to document issues and practices to inform the OSEP staff technical assistance development activities. The balance of the hour was in the hands of Dr. Zelphine Smith-Dixon and Dr. Harry Repsher. This activity was arranged in collaboration with the Applachian Regional Comprehensive Center through our shared colleague Kay Johnston. Materials:
Kentucky Continuous Monitoring Process (KCMP) [Posted 11-13-08]
The KCMP is used by school districts and the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) to continuously collect data in a standardized, consistent manner for self-improvement to help ensure the appropriate implementation of IDEA requirements and to improve outcomes for students with disabilities as outlined in Kentucky's six-year State Performance Plan. When available, KDE provides district level data to districts. These data are to be used to examine trends over time and provide additional information for program planning and to achieve and maintain compliance with federal and state IDEA requirements. It is recommended that the KCMP be utilized in developing and revising the CDIP to the greatest extent possible. The KCMP indicators have been intentionally redesigned this year to match the SPP Indicators. Click HERE for more information.
West Virginia Alternate Identification & Reporting (AIR)[Posted 11-13-08]
This is a demonstration and evaluation of IDEA entitlements without disability labels in 15 WV schools. The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), in consultation with the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), has established a three year project in 15 WV schools in 7 counties in WV to explore and evaluate a model of national merit. The WVDE will be exploring the distinction and quality of services for students who have received increasingly intensive services in a response to intervention process and been selected through a multidisciplinary evaluation process to receive an entitlement to the services and protections of IDEA but without a designated disability label. Click HERE for more information, including: a brochure; a questions and answers document; and an AIR selection form.
State Systems Improvement: Webinar [Posted 10-27-08]
October 23, 2008 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm EST
The Mid-South RRC, in conjunction with national TA partners, conducted a webinar for state Part B and Part C staff involved in the planning, implementation, and/or evaluation of state improvement systems to address state performance on Annual Performance Report Indicators.
The webinar included an exposition of the framework for developing an improvement system to address any APR Indicator, followed by examples presented by state Part B and Part C staff.
On November 5-6, 2008, the Mid-South RRC, in conjunction with our national TA partners, is offering a regional forum for state Part B and Part C state teams involved in the planning, implementation, and/or evaluation of state improvement systems to address state performance on APR Indicator topics. [Posted 9-29-08]
Click HERE and SEE: Upcoming Events for additional information.
South Carolina Seeks New State Director of Special Education [Posted 9-29-08]
The South Carolina Department of Education has a position opening for the State Director of Special Education, Program Manager II for the Office of Exceptional Children (Position Number: 226/017967). Under limited supervision of the Deputy Superintendent, this position is responsible for ensuring that all exceptional children have appropriate educational opportunities consistent with the policies of this agency and the provisions of state and federal law. Please visit www.jobs.sc.gov for more information and to apply.
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.
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.
Subcontract 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.
Subcontract 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.
Subcontract 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.
