Weekly Update (8.24.2017)
TEA Information
Clarification Process
Technical assistance in completing the Clarification process is available at the following link on TEA’s website:
http://tea.texas.gov/Academics/Special_Student_Populations/Special_Education/Data_and_Reports/Local_Educational_Agency_Reports_and_Requirements/
Additional guidance is also available in the Help file in the TEASE Application.
Extension of Timeline for Clarification Process
The safety and well-being of all those impacted by the arrival and effects of Hurricane Harvey are of upmost importance to us and we hope everyone in its path takes the necessary precautions to stay safe.
The clarification period due to end on August 30, 2017 will be extended until noon on September 1 due to expected closures and conditions associated with the storm. Districts most impacted by the storm that need additional time to participate in clarifications beyond September 1 need to notify the SPP team through email at by September 1 if at all possible.
Instructions and resources for clarification are found on the TEA website at http://tea.texas.gov/Academics/Special_Student_Populations/Special_Education/Data_and_Reports/Local_Educational_Agency_Reports_and_Requirements/.
Districts who choose to participate in clarification will need to provide student level clarifications and include additional information under Prong 2 of OSEP memo 09-02 that demonstrates the district has taken appropriate action and is implementing the regulatory requirements related to the compliance indicators (11, 12, and/or 13) before the State can verify correction before finding of non-compliance based on the State’s review of updated data.
Please let us know if we can be of further assistance during this time.--TEA SPP Team
For Your Information
2017–2018 AGCStakeholder Meetings
Discuss current national, state and local information on curriculum, assessment and instructional issues as it relates to students with disabilities accessing the general educationcurriculum. Identify trends and issues affecting districts/campuses across the region, give feedback on services provided and those needed by Region 4 ESC and network with other professionals across the region. Registration is limited to stakeholder members. This group will be comprised of staff designated by LEA Directors of Special Education. Click on the link below to enter your AGC Stakeholder designee(s).
http://tinyurl.com/agcstakeholder
LEAs and Charters may identify representatives to attend our 2017-2018 AGCStakeholder Meetings. We are able to accommodate (1) representative per LEA/Charter per stakeholder group.
2017-2018 AGC Stakeholder Meetings: Secondary
October 10, 2017 8:30-11:30
November 28, 2017 8:30-11:30
February 13, 2018 8:30-11:30
2017-2018 AGCStakeholder Meetings: Elementary
October 10, 2017 12:30-3:30
November 28, 2017 12:30-3:30
February 13, 2018 12:30-3:30
For additional information, contact Cynthia Barrett, Ph.D., at or 713-744-6343 or Townsley Raposa at or 713-744-4470.
Help a Fellow Director! Please complete the Facilitators for the IEP Process Survey (2017–2018)
IIn order to help Local Education Agencies in Facilitating the IEP Process, Region 4 needs information to compile an updated list of person’s districts and charters are utilizing asindependent/neutral Facilitators. Please go to
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/W5GRVRZ
and help us by providing information on people that you have used asindependent/neutral Facilitators.
The survey will go to Linda De Zell Hall, Ph.D.She will contact the peopleto verify that they want to be included on the list. The list will be available to district and charter directors of special education upon request.Being on the listis not an endorsement of the person nor is it a recommendation from any other district or charter. Any districtor charter will need to review the person’s credentials, experience, vita/resume, documented training, level of experience in working with ARD/IEP Teams on consensus, and other information. Rates of reimbursement will also need to be reviewed by the district or charter. If you have questions, please contact Dr. Hall at 713.744.6399 or . We appreciate your help and sharing of information.
DON”T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY! Ingrid Bens Facilitation Tutor Online Special Education Director Nomination Survey (2017–2018)
In order to help Local Education Agencies in Facilitating the IEP Process, Region 4 has collaborated with Ingrid Bens, National Facilitation Expert, to utilize IDEA funds to provide access to the online Facilitation Tutor at no additional cost for a limited number of participants. The Facilitation Tutor Core Skills Program has been designed to teach the essential skills needed to become an effective group facilitator. The course is organized into ten lessons demonstrating core skills. Each lesson is supported by downloadable workbook pages. Each participant will have access to the online course for six months. Good news you say? How do I sign me or my staff up? Please complete the online survey at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RK9VCGG
with information on you as Director and information on participants. Please note that only Directors of Special Education may nominate staff. Region 4 will provide login information to you via email.
If you have questions, please contact Linda De Zell Hall, Ph.D. at 713.744.6399 or . We appreciate your participation in this capacity building opportunity.
Region 4 Upcoming Professional Development
Professionals for Students with Deafblindness Collaborative
Join this group of professionals in an information sharing session which focuses on supporting students with deafblindness. Review national, state, and regional updates on best practices and explore solutions to common dilemmas. Participants will build their network of support and increase effectiveness in serving students with deafblindness.
This collaborative is offered in two formats: live and distance learning. Participants can mix and match depending on their schedule in order to attend one meeting in the fall, winter, and spring for updates.
Live Sessions
Time: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Registration Fee: FREE
Location: Region 4
Date / October 18, 2017 / January 31, 2018 / March 21, 2018Session ID / 1322313 / 1322315 / 1322317
Online Sessions
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Registration Fee: FREE
Location: Blackboard Collaborate
Date / October 25, 2017 / February 7, 2018 / March 28, 2018Session ID / 1325682 / 1325713 / 1325715
For more information, please contact Marina McCormick, 713.744.6329 or .
Transformational Special Education Leadership Series 2017–2018
In a leadership position for Special Education in schools in the state of Texas? Or want to be? Join us for the Transformational Special Education Leadership series. Topics are targeted to build capacity for current and aspiring leaders and will include:
· Transformational leadership skills
· Developing outstanding staff and working with the educational community
· Parents as partners
· Fiscal management and budgeting
· Crucial conversation, accountability and influencerskills
· Instructional leadership
· Program supervision
· Key components to take the next step in leading for the future
This session is designed for current and future leaders of special education including Directors, Assistant Directors, Administrators, Coordinators, Supervisors, Senior Specialists, Leads, and ARD/IEP Facilitators. Participants will be encouraged to operationalize leadership by identifying and focusing on a personal leadership application and sharing out information. Topic specific resources for each day will be provided during the series. Attendance and participation during each respective session is mandatory for receipt of training materials for that day. This series will be provided throughout the 2017-18 school year. Registration is limited to 50 participants. Registration fee will not be prorated. Session and materials are partially or fully funded by state or federal grants.
Session ID: 1275200
Dates:
· October 4, 2017
· November 7, 2017
· November 8, 2017
· November 29, 2017
· December 5, 2017
· February 7, 2017
· March 21, 2017
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Region 4
Fee $350
Contact: Linda De Zell Hall, Ph.D., 713-744-6399 or
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) Trainer of Trainers
This training is for those who will be providing Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training (CPI) within their district. Current trainers in need of certification renewal may also attend this event. Districts may only register 2 participants for this training. $1,850.00 of the $2,850 per participant cost will be funded through Region 4 Special Education Solutions. The district will be responsible for the remaining balance of $1,000.00 per participant.
Before registering, please email your request to to receive the promo code. Please note that attendance on all days is mandatory in order to obtain certification.
Dates: October 24th – 27th, 2017
Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Hilton Garden Inn Houston NW America Plaza
14919 Northwest Frwy.
Houston, TX 77040
Fee $1,000.00 (with promo code)
Contact: Catherine Landry, 713-338-1884 or