Thursday, May 18, 2017

Structured Work Systems Resources

Structured Work Systems

Structured Work Systems expert - Amanda Reinke 

What are they?
https://www.autismclassroomresources.com/structured-work-systemswhat-are-they/

10 Commandments of Structured Work Systems
https://www.autismclassroomresources.com/the-ten-commandments-of-structured-work/

Steps for Implementation - Structured Work Systems
http://csesa.fpg.unc.edu/sites/csesa.fpg.unc.edu/files/ebpbriefs/StructuredWorkSystems_Steps_0.pdf

Special Ed Structured Work Systems on Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/pinksparkle71/special-ed-structured-work-systems/

Structured Work Systems - Waisman Center Presentation
https://www.waisman.wisc.edu/connections/pdfs/Structured_Teaching_WorkSystems.pdf

Work Systems and Visual Structure - CESA 7
https://www.cesa7.org/sped/autism/structure/str12.htm

Autism Internet Modules - Structured Work Systems
http://www.autisminternetmodules.org/up_doc/StructuredWorkSystemsStepsforImplementation_1-30-09.pdf

http://www.autisminternetmodules.org/

Structured Work Systems in the Home and School - Kentucky Center for Autism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjsooRCG428

Structured Work Systems - Lincoln Public Schools
http://wp.lps.org/pbis/autism-best-practices/structured-work-spaces/

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Taylor County Resource Night for Special Needs Families Age 3-21 on May 9th

Taylor County Resource Night for Special Needs Families Age 3-21
Tuesday May 9th
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Taylor County Education Center - 624 College Street in Medford

We currently have 400 families with special needs in the Medford Area Public School District. This Resource Night will help provide education, resources, information, and advocacy for all of our families in Medford and throughout Taylor County.  Our Resource Night is one week away from today. Please share the flyer with your families. We hope to see you there.  

·         Speak with: multiple agencies designed to support special needs children and families.
·         Tour the Taylor County Education Center – see the SOAR 18-21 year old, Medford Adult Diploma Academy, Medford Alternative High School, DVR, Head Start, Food Pantry, and Rural Virtual Academy
·         Learn about: Guardianship, Therapy Services, Receive a DNA Safety Kit, Reading Rummage Sale by Literacy Council, Transition Planning to Work or College, Job Coaching, Supported Employment, Special Olympics, Dave Hemke Memorial Little Free Library, 1:1 Tutoring for Adults, Project Lifesaver, Post-Secondary Accommodations, and more  
·         Education and Resources on: Dyslexia, Autism, Mental Health, Literacy, Vocational, Speech Language, Occupational/Physical Therapy, Social-Emotional, Special Education   
·         Appetizers for those people in attendance.

Agencies represented:
ADRC, Aspirus Therapy and Fitness, Birth to Three, Black River Industries, Counseling Connection, Employment Bound, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Frances Simek Public Library, IBA Resources, Indianhead Community Action Agency – Head Start and Food Pantry, Medford Area Public School District Special Education Department, Medford Adult Diploma Academy, Medford Alternative High School, Northcentral Technical College, Opportunity Development Center Inc, Progressive Travel for Special Needs, Rotary Interact Club, Rural Virtual Academy, SOAR 18-21 year old, Special Education Advisory Council, Stepping Stones Domestic Violence, Taylor County Autism Support Group, Taylor County Drug Opposition Partners, Taylor County Golden Eagles – Special Olympics, Taylor County Health Department, Taylor County Human Services, Taylor County Literacy Council, Taylor County Project Lifesaver, Taylor County Transition Advisory Council, and more

This is evening is brought to you through the Special Education Advisory Council of the Medford Area Public School District

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Supreme Court Ruling on Endrew vs. Douglas County School District

Supreme Court Ruling on Endrew vs. Douglas County School District


Supreme Court Ruling: 
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/16pdf/15-827_0pm1.pdf

National Association for Directors of Special Education 
http://www.scotusblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/15-827-amicus-neither-party-NASDSE.pdf

National Public Radio Article
http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/03/22/521094752/the-supreme-court-rules-in-favor-of-a-special-education-student?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npred&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20170322&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npred&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20170322

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st - Resources and Information

Today March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day. Here are some resources to support our students, parents, and staff who teach those with Down Syndrome. 

Down Syndrome Resources for Educators and Parents

We currently have 5 students with Down Syndrome in the Medford Area Public School District. There will be an additional 2 students that will be transitioning in through the Taylor County Birth to Three program. This is more students with Down Syndrome then we have ever had.  Here are some resources to help with the education of these students: 

October was Down Syndrome Awareness Month. March 21st is considered World Down Syndrome Day. 

Listed are recommended resources on Down Syndrome:
If People with Down Syndrome Ruled the World

Down Syndrome Resources in Wisconsin

Tips for Teaching Students with Down Syndrome

Supporting the Student with Down Syndrome in Your Classroom

A Guide to Inclusive Education for Students with Down Syndrome

Facts about Down Syndrome

Skill Development Resources

Wikipedia extensive information
 
Teaching Students with Down Syndrome
 
National Association for Down Syndrome

I Love My Life video

Down Syndrome Sibling Resources

Education and Down Syndrome

42 Great Down Syndrome Resources

Down Syndrome Resources for Educators and Schools

World Down Syndrome Day Activities - March 21

Down Syndrome Association in Wisconsin

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Last Day of Winter in Medford Schools

On this last day of winter in Wisconsin the cold and snow can have a long hard impact on us personally and professionally especially when you are involved in education. With the official start of Spring tomorrow I took a look back to see if we made it through this school year so far okay and look ahead to the optimism of Spring.

August
Friends of Literacy Awards were handed out to those who promote literacy. Recognizing special education and other staff who have taught 30 years and others at the 5-10-15-20-25 years.

September
New school year with new staff coming in to work with our veteran teachers. New positions of school social worker, online SLP, and ELL teacher starting for the first time. Learning new College and Career Ready IEP Forms. The start of our Books on the Bus program for our special needs busses. Suicide Prevention QPR training for Suicide Awareness Month.

October
Our annual Child Development Day, Amazing Race to Employment where 126 businesses were visited, Ms Amber and Ms Sheryl recognized as the Collaborative Team of the Year at the WECA conference, our series of Town Hall meetings on Meth Prevention, the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown Book Night, the Lions Club Donation for the Eye Gaze Technology, Heroes to Hire Initiative through the Medford Chamber where HH was given an honorary badge by Chief Carey. Luanne telling me she was retiring, The Jeanne's Way Trail dedication with her family, and Big Red Bowling Extravaganza was held.

November
Our annual Words With Friends Tournament, Wilson Language featuring our story on our Wilson Little Free Library at MAES, Former Chief Coyer and his deputies Jaeden and Jacoby Reading to the students, the initial steps beginning of an Inclusive Playground in Medford, and the first Thanksgiving Luncheon by Mrs Q and her crew.

December
The Green Bay Packers Foundation Grant for our Packer Backer Backpack Program for Adapted PE students, Polar Express Book and Movie Event, Kiwanis iPad Donation, Rotary Service Above Self, and the annual trip for Santa and Mrs Claus to Medford.

January
Brought in the Special Needs Eye Care Open House at Healthview Eye Care, Mr Jack being administrator of the day, our Cares for Children Program, and READ Initiative.

February
The Take Your Legislator to Work Day, remembrance of Mikey, and Harry Potter Day.

March
Gave us our CARES Model presentation on school based mental health counseling to Aspirus Community Benefits, CATT team recognized with Outstanding Service Award, Shelly Elkin as Audiologist of the Year, Timer given as a gift by Jack, Captain America, Dr Suess Day, Transition Day for SOAR and MASH sped students, and informed our Employment First Initiative will be getting a Community Project Award by Medford Chamber In June.

While a lot has been accomplished and this written was just some. There is more to come with Adapted PE students photo op with the Packers in April, our first Taylor County Resource Night for Special Needs Families on May 9th, Week of the Young Child, Autism Awareness Activities in April, March Against Meth, new Head Start collaboration, continuing discussion on realigning our School Psychological Services Model, and the official retirement of the wonderful Luanne yet this year.

None of this would happen without our Village That It Takes to Raise a Child With a Disability, our special education staff giving their 150 percent on a personal and professional level, our supportive school environment, and our students and families worth advocating for each and every time.

So to everyone thank you for everything this winter and school year. May your Spring and soon to be Summer be enjoyable and continue to make differences in the lives of our students.

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Taylor County Resource Night for Special Needs Families on May 9th

Taylor County Resource Night for Special Needs Families
Tuesday May 9th
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Taylor County Education Center – 624 College Street in Medford


A Special Night for our Special Needs Families



This night will include:
Speak with: multiple agencies designed to support special needs children and families.
Tour the Taylor County Education Center – see the SOAR 18-21 year old, Medford Adult Diploma Academy, Medford Alternative High School, DVR, Head Start, Food Pantry, and Rural Virtual Academy Offices/Rooms
Learn about: Guardianship, Receive a DNA Safety Kit, Reading Rummage Sale by Literacy Council, Transition Planning to Work or College, Job Coaching, Supported Employment, Join Special Olympics, See the Dave Hemke Memorial Little Free Library, 1:1 Tutoring for Adults, Project Lifesaver, Post-Secondary Accommodations, and more
Education and Resources on: Dyslexia, Autism, Mental Health, Literacy, Vocational, Speech Language, Occupational/Physical Therapy, Social-Emotional, Special Education
Appetizers for those people in attendance.


Agencies represented:
Aspirus Therapy and Fitness, Birth to Three, Black River Industries, Counseling Connection, Employment Bound, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Frances Simek Public Library, Indianhead Community Action Agency – Head Start and Food Pantry, Medford Area Public School District Special Education Department, Medford Adult Diploma Academy, Medford Alternative High School, Northcentral Technical College, Opportunity Development Center Inc,
Progressive Travel for Special Needs, Rotary Interact Club, Rural Virtual Academy, SOAR 18-21 year old, Special Education Advisory Council, Stepping Stones Domestic Violence, Taylor County Autism Support Group, Taylor County Drug Opposition Partners, Taylor County Golden Eagles – Special Olympics, Taylor County Health Department, Taylor County Human Services, Taylor County Literacy Council, Taylor County Project Lifesaver, Taylor County Transition Advisory Council, and more


This is evening is brought to you through the Special Education Advisory Council of the Medford Area Public School District

Monday, January 16, 2017

R.E.A.D. Initiative (Research, Educate, and Advocate for Dyslexia) A Series on Dyslexia for Parents and Educators on January 17 in Medford

R.E.A.D. Initiative (Research, Educate, and Advocate for Dyslexia) 
A Series on Dyslexia for Parents and Educators 
Tuesday January 17th 
Taylor County Education Center - 624 East College Street in Medford
4:00 pm = Pre-Workshop
4:45 pm = Dinner
5:00 pm = Webinar Seminars
6:30 pm = Panel Discussion


4:00 pm = Pre-Workshop on Dyslexia - Educational Keynote
“Why Spelling Counts in the 21st Century Classroom” by Louisa Moats Ed.D. 

4:45 pm = Dinner through Evening 
Dinner will be available to eat 

5:00 pm = Workshop on Dyslexia 
5:00 pm to 5:45 pm = * “Understanding ADHD, Executive Function Disorder, and their Relationship with Dyslexia” presented by Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D. 

5:45 pm to 6:30 pm = * “Critical Components of Literacy Instruction for Prevention and Early Intervention” presented by Barbara Wilson, M.Ed. 

6:30 pm = Panel Discussion 
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm A special round table panel discussion on Dyslexia with local and statewide experts from: 
● Wisconsin Branch of International Dyslexia Association ● Individuals with Dyslexia ● Wilson Dyslexia Therapists ● Reading Teachers and Specialists ● Behavioral and Developmental Pediatricians ● Taylor County Literacy Council ● Medford Area Public School District ● Postsecondary Education - NTC 


Handouts at our Event will include: 
Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading and Dyslexia Specialists

International Dyslexia Association Fact Sheets

Perspectives on Language and Literacy

IDA: What Every Family Should Know About Dyslexia

Dyslexia Toolkit by National Center for Learning Disabilities

Critical Components of Literacy for Prevention and Intervention Presentation

Dyslexia and ADHD Presentation 

Beyond Decoding - Fluency and Comprehension Presentation

Why Spelling Counts Presentation
  • Why Spelling Counts (main presentation)
  • 10 Ways to Help Your Child With Spelling
  • Spelling
Wilson Reading
  • Wilson Reading System for Parents
  • Wilson Literacy for Life
  • Wilson Reading Teacher Certification
  • Wilson Effectiveness Research
* Featured national speakers are through recorded webinars from the 2016 Learning Ally’s Spotlight on Dyslexia Series.

** R.E.A.D. Initiative is provided by the Taylor County Literacy Council and the Medford Area Public School District Special Education Advisory Council