*This is a one (1) day event - Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Audience: Directors/Supervisors of Special Education
Presenter: Various Presenters
The Bureau of Special Education’s 16th Annual Back to School Meeting
Supporting Special Education Leadership:
Enhancing Student Outcomes
General Session (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
The 16th Annual Back to School meeting, hosted by the Connecticut State Department of Education's Bureau of Special Education, is designed specifically for special education administrators to keep them abreast of current updates on special education law, processes, protocols and culturally responsive practices.
COFFEE WILL BE AVAILABLE * BRING YOUR OWN SNACK * LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
Afternoon Sessions (1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Connecticut Alternate Assessment System: New CT Alternate Assessment Eligibility Form
This session will provide an overview of the ESSA and Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) requirements regarding Alternate Assessments and the CSDE's efforts to support school districts in appropriate identification of students for participation in alternate assessments. Statewide data will be shared to generate discussion and inform next steps. The CSDE will also provide an in-depth review of the new Connecticut Alternate Assessment Eligibility Form which has replaced the previous Learner Characteristic Inventory (LCI).
Directors of Approved Private Special Education Programs (APSEPs)
This session is open to Education Directors and Chief Administrators of APSEPs and will provide a review of current legislation and required activities pertinent to APSEPs. Consultants from the Performance Office and the Talent Office will also provide updates related to data collection and the educator evaluation process.
LRP Publications: Special Ed Connection Overview and Support
This session is designed to be a drop-in event and does not require prior registration. During the afternoon, representatives of LRP Publications will be available to review the extensive technical assistance, professional learning, and special education case-decision resource made available to you online through the Bureau of Special Education. You may also visit the LRP Publications display table in the main hallway of the back to school event.
NEAT Center
The Bureau of Special Education (BSE) is utilizing the cohort model as a means of providing LEAs the opportunity to access support in the area of Assistive Technology (AT). The BSE is partnering with the New England Assistive Technology (NEAT) Center at Oak Hill, in order to provide a no cost comprehensive subscription service during the 2019-2020 school year for Cohort C LEAs.
The breakout session is designed for all LEAs with an emphasis on Cohort C members. It will address the impactful use of AT to improve outcomes for students with disabilities and explain the facets of the no cost comprehensive subscription service, which includes: one standard AT Evaluation, two hours of AT consultation, AT capacity building/professional development, and all NEAT Membership benefits (including their AT lending library). Time will be provided to address questions.
Data Training New Connecticut Administrators of Special Education
This session is open to public school directors with two or fewer years of experience in Connecticut, whose districts report to SEDAC. A review of data collection requirements and the data analysis tools available to assist in data review will be covered. Participants will be able to ask questions about their special education data reporting responsibilities.
Parent Advisory Structure – CT Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC)
Over the past year, CPAC, in partnership with the State Department of Education, has introduced two new programs designed to facilitate and improve the communication between parents and school districts. This session will summarize the programs (Effective Conversations and Special Education Parent Advisory Council). Within the Effective Conversations program, CPAC Consultants work with parents and educators to understand and respond to miscommunication that occurs within the PPT process and during general communications. The Special Education Advisory Council program is designed to bring families and educators together within a structured format. This supports them to engage in productive conversations to improve understanding of the special education process within the school districts. This session will introduce both programs to special education leaders and provide a forum to discuss the programs as well as ideas that will improve school family communication.
Transition from Birth to Three to Public School
This session will provide information about CT’s Birth to Three System, and Part B (preschool special education) and Part C (Birth to Three) roles and responsibilities. This will include processes and procedures required for the transition process between Part C and Part B.
WAIVER: By registering for this event, I understand that I may appear in recorded videos and photos taken during this professional development event. I provide this General Release with full knowledge and consent, and expressly waive any monetary compensation.
Questions? Please contact SERC at 860-632-1485. Direct questions regarding conference content to Stephen Proffitt at x322 or proffitt@ctserc.org. Direct questions regarding registration to Linda Adorno at x241 or adorno@ctserc.org.
