Special Education

Supplemental aids are intended for students who are approved to use them based on the decisions of an ARD committee, 504 committee, LPAC committee in conjunction with an ARD or 504 committee, RTI or student assistance team. But what do these actually mean? What does this actually look like in a 6- Algebra math classroom? Join this collaborative session between Region 16 Inclusive Service and Practice for Improved Student Outcomes and Secondary Math specialists to learn about the supplemental aids that are allowed and experience how students would use these. You will leave with the new approved list of supplemental aids along with math activities that are ready to use the next day in class, increasing success for ALL students.

This session will meet on February 18, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

This session is a must for teachers new to administering SA2 and/or veteran teachers needing extra time to plan for SA2. In this 1/2 day session, participants will plan out their STAAR ALT 2 preview window before test administration. We will cover what is allowable in the preview window, look at testing accommodations, adapting STAAR ALT 2 released tests, practice the script, and use different documentation tools to optimize the preview window. Participants will leave with a planned preview window to implement.

This session will meet on February 19, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Texas Dyslexia Academy (TDA) 5: Screening for Dyslexia focuses on the universal screening process for dyslexia and reading development.

This session will meet on February 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Texas Dyslexia Academy (TDA) 6: Dysgraphia provides educators with foundational information about dysgraphia, which is a related disorder to dyslexia. In this course, participants explore how students acquire writing skills, what dysgraphia is, the identification process, and the provision of services for students with dysgraphia as outlined in the Dyslexia Handbook.

This session will meet on February 19, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

This training is designed for STAAR Alternate 2 test administrators. This course is helpful for those new to the test administration process and is a great yearly refresher to experienced test administrators. After this session, participants will understand how to instruct and prepare their students appropriately prior to the administration of the SA2 assessment, including adapting materials, using assistive technology and reading the test script. We will cover implementation with fidelity and how to review test results and use the data to inform future instruction of students. Participants will also understand the definition of "the most significant cognitive disabiltiy" and review the updated participation requirements.

This session will meet on February 19, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

Presenter Cindy Goldrich will give teachers, guidance counselors, and school psychologists an understanding of the social and emotional impact that ADHD and Executive Function

challenges have on learning, motivation, behavior, and the family system.

Participants will learn practical tips, tools, and strategies to help students gain self-awareness, self-direction, and greater accountability that can be incorporated into everyday

teaching and across the curriculum.

This session will meet on February 24, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

This event is designed for Juniors and Seniors receiving special education services to explore a variety of post-secondary options. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn essential skills in self-advocacy, self-determination, financial planning, and community safety. Representatives from local colleges will be available to address disability services, while vendors will showcase valuable resources and services for transitioning into adulthood.

This session will meet on February 25, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Texas Dyslexia Academy (TDA) 1: Foundations is the first of six training opportunities developed to assist educators to better understand dyslexia and related disorders. In this course, participants learn foundational information about how students acquire reading skills, why some students struggle in reading, what dyslexia is, and warning signs that dyslexia may be causing a student’s reading difficulties.

This session will meet on February 26, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The focus of this session is developing present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP) development based on student data, drafting annual goals (academic and/or functional) and objectives, if appropriate, and collecting data for reporting progress. Participants will understand the importance of these components and how their alignment results in an appropriate and ambitious individualized education program for students receiving special education and related services.

This session will meet on February 26, 2025, and again on March 5, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Join us for an immersive in-person session of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Course 3: Design Multiple Means of Engagement, developed by the Texas Education Agency. This session is the third course of a comprehensive series of five courses, focusing on the UDL principle of Design Multiple Means of Engagement and its guidelines and considerations. Required Prerequisites: TEA Learn Courses - Universal Design for Learning Overview (Course 1) and Universal Design for Learning Framework (Course 2)

This session will meet on March 4, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Texas Dyslexia Academy (TDA) 3: Dyslexia: Considerations for Emergent Bilingual (EB) Students provides a general overview of the unique needs of EB students as it relates to dyslexia risk factors, identification, and services.

The objectives for this course are:
-Understand how The Dyslexia Handbook, 2024 Update addresses EB students
-Understand the process of second language acquisition
-Learn about the benefits of bilingualism
-Explore the various types of alphabetic systems that exist around the world
-Explore instructional programming for emergent bilingual students

This session will meet on March 5, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

PreK students thrive when learning through play. In this session, we will delve into the math domain of the PreK guidelines and explore play-based activities that will engage students in math throughout the day.

This session will meet on March 6, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Texas Dyslexia Academy (TDA) 4: Dyslexia: From Child Find through the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee Process is designed to build background knowledge about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and special education. It provides information about core special education concepts such as Child Find, Full Individual and Initial Evaluations (FIIEs), Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committees, and Individual Education Program (IEP) development.

Participants will gain an understanding of:
-IDEA
-Child Find requirements
-The referral process for an initial evaluation when a specific learning disability (SLD)/dyslexia is suspected
-Notice of Action-Prior Written Notice (PWN), Notice of Procedural Safeguards, and Overview of Special Education for Parents
-FIIE
-ARD committee meeting and IEP components
-Reevaluation process

This session will meet on March 18, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Join us for an immersive in-person session of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Course 4: Design Multiple Means of Representation, developed by the Texas Education Agency. This session is the fourth course of a comprehensive series of five courses, focusing on the UDL principle of Design Multiple Means of Representation and its guidelines and considerations. Required Prerequisites: TEA Learn Courses - Universal Design for Learning Overview (Course 1) and Universal Design for Learning Framework (Course 2); In-Person Session - Universal Design for Learning Course 3: Design Multiple Means of Engagement

This session will meet on March 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Enhance transition planning with effective transition assessments, measurable postsecondary goals, and coordinated set of activities. Learn to use formal and informal assessments to create meaningful postsecondary goals aligned with federal and state requirements, and the development of a coordinated set of activities engaging students and families. Gain tools to support successful transitions to education, employment, and independent living. Ideal for educators, transition specialists, and IEP teams!

This session will meet on March 20, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Unlock the potential of every young learner by integrating Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) into your preschool classroom. This interactive session is designed for Pre-K teachers, special education professionals, and speech-language pathologists who are eager to create an inclusive and communicative environment for all children. You'll discover practical strategies for incorporating AAC tools and techniques into your daily routines, learn how to support language development through play-based activities, and gain the confidence to empower even the smallest voices in your classroom. Whether you're new to AAC or looking to enhance your current practices, this session will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact on your students' communication journey.

This session will meet on March 26, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Join us for an immersive in-person session of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Course 5: Design Multiple Means of Action and Expression, developed by the Texas Education Agency. This session is the fifth and final course in the comprehensive series, focusing on the UDL principle of Design Multiple Means of Action and Expression and its considerations. Required Prerequisites: TEA Learn Courses - Universal Design for Learning Overview (Course 1) and Universal Design for Learning Framework (Course 2); In-Person Session - Universal Design for Learning Course 3: Design Multiple Means of Engagement; In-Person Session - Universal Design for Learning Course 4: Design Multiple Means of Representation

This session will meet on April 1, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Over 15,000 students in Region 16 receive either special education or dyslexia services. To continuously improve district special program services, districts engage in cyclical review and dyslexia monitoring. Join us as we dive deeply into the monitoring process and its impact on the students you serve.

This session will meet on April 24, 2025, from 9:00 PM to 12:00 PM.

This full-day training is designed to support an understanding of the graduation requirements for students under the Foundation High School Program with a focus on students who are receiving special education services. If possible, it is recommended that a team of personnel from your district or campus (such as registrar, counselor, diagnostician, special education and transition personnel) attend this training to support your discussion of local procedures for graduation documentation.

This session will meet on May 6, 2025, from 9:00 PM to 4:00 PM.