Career Planning for Individuals
with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Help Young Adults with ASDs Transition to Careers!

After several years of planning, Spectrum Training is delighted to announce that our two day Autism Career Planning conferences are now ready.  After much dialogue with career planners, transition teachers, parents and other ASD concerned persons we planned these conferences to meet those specific, critical needs.
 
This high caliber career planning is the key to a successful future with positive long-term outcomes and is ESSENTIAL for:

*  Career counselors, job developers/job coaches, rehab administrators, vocational coordinators
*  Special education administrators, teachers, teacher assistants, case managers, therapists
*  Students, parents, caregivers, and young adults with ASDs (16+)

Dates and Locations

November 16-17 in Indianapolis, IN with James Emmett & Karen Steffan

November 18-19 in Columbus, OH with James Emmett & Christopher Simler

Topic Schedule 

Conference Schedule Day One:
Career Planning   
A.  Introduction to ASD & Career Planning
B.  Communication Skills in the Initial Interview
C.  Interview Communication Graffiti Activity
D.  Structuring the Interview Environment
E.  Interview Structure Activity
F.  Theory of Mind
G.  Building the Career Portfolio
H.  Career Portfolio Development Activity
I.    Partnering with the Business Community
J.   Business Development Activity

Career Assessment   
A.  Creating the Evaluation Plan
B.  Assessment Processes for Job Seekers With ASD
C.  Skill/Interest Testing
D.  Assessing Social/Communication Skills
E.  Career Assessment Activity

Conference Schedule Day Two:

Workplace Supports
A.  Workplace Problems
B.  Natural Support Development
C.  Make/Take Workplace Supports
D.  The Classroom as Simulated Workplace
E.  Minnesota Work Adjustment Theory
F.  Environmental Analysis
G.  Work Values Graffiti Activity

Social Communication in the Workplace
A.  Social Coaching
B.  Basic Steps to Self Advocacy
C.  Courtesy Rule Card Activity
D.  Sins of the System
E.  How to Aid Understanding
F.  Conversation Speech Strategies
G.  Asking Questions and Listening Strategies
H.  Tools to Help Improve Social Communication
I.    Social Stories Activity
J.   Comic Strip Activity
K.  How to be a Competent Communicator
L.   Environmental Supports
M.  Social Interaction Checklist

Implementing the Career Plan
A.  Career Strategies in Action
B.  Final Wrap Up - Q & A Session

Presenters
James Emmett is a national leader in development of employment services for persons with autism spectrum disorders as well as in assisting corporations in creation of outreach efforts to the disability and autism communities. He is an individual with a disability and a parent of three daughters with disabilities. James currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Integrated Behavioral Systems (www.integratedbehavioralsystems.com) and is a Partner in the consulting firm Two Steps Forward (www.twostepsforwardinc.com). He graduated with a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Illinois Institute of Technology. James recently completed 1.5 years working as the Disability Program Manager for Walgreens helping set up the company's national disability initiative (www.walgreensoutreach.com). He also assisted Easter Seals National in laying the foundation for their national autism services network.

Karen Steffan, MS, CRC has worked in the field of Rehabilitation and Transition for over 26 years and has been the LADSE Transition and Vocational Program Coordinator for the past 15 years. Karen's experience spans a broad spectrum of responsibilities including job development and placement, classroom instruction, program development, grant writing, professional development and training, project management, and program administration in public and not-for-profit sectors.  Karen provided employment, transition, and advocacy training to thousands of colleagues in private through university settings.  She has lead the Transition Alliance Next Steps Training Team for the past 20 years, training parents on the topic of effective transition planning. Karen has been a board member on local and state boards such as G&A Human Rights Committee, Illinois Job Placement Division, Suburban Access, Seguin Services and IAPSE.  She is a member of multiple professional associations including ACTE, NRA/IRA, ARC and Advocates United.
 

Christopher Simler, is the Chief Executive Officer and Autism Consultant for Integrated Behavioral Systems, Inc and is an Adjunct Professor at Elmhurst College. Christopher is classically trained as an Applied Behavioral Scientist specializing in the field of Autism supports, strategies, and curriculum development. As a Behavioral Scientist, Christopher applies his knowledge of leadership, program development, communication and instruction as key components in working with a person on the spectrum. Over the last thirteen years Christopher has worked with non-profits, school districts, transition programs, national associations and co-operative special education programs providing trainings, transition consultation and behavioral support. Christopher has twelve years of management and leadership within the field of social services. He has designed new teaching methodologies and restructured the environments in both public and private school's behavioral and transition programs. Christopher continues to work with agencies in the Illinois area providing a strong and successful future for people on the spectrum.

Prices
Two Day Professional:
$205

One Day Professional:
$140

Two Day Parent or Young Adult:
$120

One Day Parent or Young Adult:
$80       

Details are available on the following site:
www.SpectrumTrainingSystemsInc.com/Conferences.html

Thank you!
Spectrum Training Systems, Inc.
spectrumtrainingsystems@yahoo.com
(920) 749-0332 

Oct. 21, 2009

Good morning,

Since Monday’s edition of EdConnection was released, details were confirmed about the availability of Web resources and a grant program related to HB1 Family and Civic Engagement requirements.

Recognizing that school, family and community engagement is critical for student success and well-being, HB1 contains requirements designed to increase partnerships among these groups. Information about the specifics contained in HB1 on this topic are now posted on ODE’s Web site along with information about professional development opportunities to assist with the implementation of these requirements.

In addition, ODE, in collaboration with the Ohio Family and Children’s First Cabinet Council and its chair, First Lady Frances Strickland, has announced the 21st Century Community Learning Center’s Family and Civic Engagement in Schools Initiative. Through a competitive grant process, 25 county Family and Children First Council, Educational Service Center and district teams will be selected and receive funding to participate in this initiative. To learn more about this opportunity, including information about team requirements, plan to attend the online Family and Civic Engagement Bidders Conference occurring Nov. 2, 2009, from 10-11:30 a.m.

For more information, click here.

Sincerely,

Oct. 19, 2009

Good afternoon,

I hope you each had time to enjoy the beautiful fall colors this week as it appears that colder weather is sure coming to Ohio. Some of you may have even had flurries during Friday’s football games!

There was promising news last week with the release of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), as Ohio students continue to perform above the national average and most states in 4th and 8th-grade mathematics achievement. Ohio’s students maintained previous gains in mathematics, where in the past decade the basic performance level has increased 12 percent and the number of students performing at or above the NAEP proficient level has increased 20 percent.

Measures such as NAEP that assess students across the country are helpful in ensuring Ohio students keep pace with what their peers in other states are learning. These results are a testament to the hard work of educators and students throughout the state. As always, thank you for your commitment to your students and for helping them achieve. This is certainly a strong foundation for reaching higher levels of academic rigor and success in the future.

PASS form update
The Department has been busy preparing for the first payment under the new Evidence-Based Model (EBM), and we are excited to inform you that the first EBM payment will be made at the end of this week. This has been a huge undertaking, and I would like to thank all of the ODE staff who have worked to get the EBM off the ground and running as well as local districts and education stakeholders for the valuable input that you provided.

This new funding methodology is outlined on the new PAthway to Student Success (PASS) form, which replaces the SF-3 form. The PASS form for each district and for each payment as well as other helpful resources may be found on ODE’s Web site by clicking here and searching keywords: district payment reports. The following documents can be found on the page as available resources regarding your FY10 payments:

• Payment Schedule
• SF- 3 Reports – Prior to October #2
• PASS Reports – October #2 and after
• Statement of Settlement Reports
• Manual: PAthway to Student Success (PASS) Form, An Evidence-Based Model
• Manual: PAthway to Student Success (PASS) Worksheet, Line-by-Line

The two manuals referenced above were developed by ODE to help you understand the new EBM funding methodology and corresponding PASS form. The first document, entitled PAthway to Student Success (PASS) Form: An Evidence-Based Model, provides a high level overview of the new system in language geared more to the average citizen. The other document, PAthway to Student Success (PASS) Worksheet: Line-by-Line, provides a detailed explanation of the formulas and variables of the EBM as presented on the new PASS Detail worksheet. 

An important reminder – if you downloaded these documents prior to Monday, Oct. 19, 2009, please make sure that you go back and download them again as they have been updated. If you have any questions about the PASS form or other aspects of the EBM funding methodology, please contact one of the following individuals in the Office of School Funding and Fiscal Support Services:

• Jim Payton at (614) 466-9044, jim.payton@ode.state.oh.us;

• Daria Shams at (614) 466-6253, daria.shams@ode.state.oh.us;
• Prabir Sarkar at (614) 728-7849, prabir.sarkar@ode.state.oh.us; or
• Barb Mattei-Smith at (614) 752-1219, barbara.mattei-smith@ode.state.oh.us

State Board meeting update
The State Board of Education held its monthly meeting for October last week, and you can view a complete summary of the meeting by visiting www.sboe.ohio.gov and clicking on the link to “board briefs.” In addition to the actions taken during the business meeting, the Board this month engaged in a discussion about the 2008-2009 Local Report Card results.

The next State Board meeting will be held Nov. 9-10, and I am excited that Monday’s portion of the meeting will be held at the Columbus Convention Center as part of the OSBA Capital Conference. I know many of you take part in this annual event, and the Board and I look forward to being there and networking with educators from throughout the state. The Board will be meeting in rooms D 233-235 and D 244-245, which are located across the hall from each other. I will be sharing more information about the Board’s agenda for Monday, Nov. 9 in the upcoming weeks. Thank you to OSBA for making it possible for the State Board to be present at this year’s Capital Conference.

Have a wonderful week. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the meteorologists are correct and that warmer temps are headed our way!

Sincerely,

Here are some other items that may be of interest to you:

• Background check revisions take effect January 1
• Remember to use the school closure reporting system for flu-related closings
• Credit flexibility plan update
• Social Studies standards revision moves forward
• USDOE limits alternate assessment scores for accountability
• One-day mentor training now available for Resident Educator Program
• Physical education content standards workshops to be held in November
• Register for Ohio Prevention and Education Conference (OPEC) by Nov. 10
• Asset Builder award nominations due Friday, Oct. 23
• School health profiles report about Ohio middle and high schools issued
• Virtual town hall for teachers Oct. 20
• Video contest for students continues - $1,000 prize

Background check revisions take effect January 1
House Bill 1 requires changes to background check requirements for licensed educators in Ohio beginning Jan. 1, 2010. Educators who are renewing a license or permit and have lived continuously in the state of Ohio for the previous five years and have a BCI background check on file with ODE will need to complete only an FBI criminal background check once every five years. Currently, they must complete both BCI and FBI checks whenever they renew. Educators who have not lived continuously in the state for the past five years will need to complete both a BCI and FBI background check.
Further, educators with multiple licenses only need to submit the required background checks when they are applying for the renewal of the license or permit that is of the longest duration. Educators who hold a permanent certificate are still required to submit the required background checks once every five years. Permanent certificate holders who have lived continuously in Ohio for those five years, however, will only need to submit FBI background checks. Initial applicants for a license must complete both BCI and FBI criminal background checks. These checks need to be less than 365 days old to be considered valid for licensing purposes. For details, click here and search keywords: background check FAQ.

Remember to use the school closure reporting system for flu-related closings
As a reminder, both public and nonpublic schools that decide to close due to influenza are asked to complete the Ohio Department of Health’s (ODH’s) online report as soon as possible and no later than 9 a.m. on the first day of closure. Local health departments want to work closely with you as these decisions are made. To access the reporting system, see education.ohio.gov, keyword search: flu.
Credit Flexibility plan update
ODE has received questions from districts about credit flexibility plans and local board policies. As a reminder, the state’s Credit Flexibility Plan requires local boards to adopt and have policies in place to comply with the state guidelines by the start of the 2010 school year.
Credit flexibility is an aspect of the Ohio Core legislation to help more students graduate from college ready for careers. ODE has developed a checklist for local boards to use in the development of local credit flexibility policies. Many of you may already been engaged in developing your local plans for credit flexibility, but to clarify, the actual deadline is the start of next school year. For more information about the credit flexibility plan and requirements for local boards, please click here and search keywords: credit flexibility.
Social Studies standards revision moves forward
H.B. 1 requires revision of Ohio’s academic content standards in social studies and other subjects by June 30, 2010. Proposed revisions include reduced breadth, increased depth and the combination of process and content standards. The number of standards will decrease to four: government, economics, geography and history. Benchmarks and grade-level indicators are being replaced with themes, topics and content statements.
Strong instruction in the social studies throughout grades K-12 will ensure a sound transition from one set of standards to the next and prepare students for future state assessments. More importantly, a strong social studies background will help prepare today’s students for success in the global workforce.

For more information about the standards revision process for social studies, English language arts, mathematics and science, visit ODE’s Web site at education.ohio.gov, keyword search: revision.

USDOE limits alternate assessment scores for accountability
The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) has limited the count of proficient or higher scores on the alternate assessment to 1 percent of Ohio’s statewide tested population. This means that for the 2009-2010 school year and beyond, most LEAs will be restricted to this cap.

Unless otherwise directed by the USDOE, the Office of Accountability plans to accept requests for exception to the cap only from LEAs with special circumstances, such as those having a small tested population (approximately 1,000 tested students) and those that draw a disproportionate number of families of students with the most severe cognitive disabilities. However, under the current restriction, there is no guarantee even these LEAs will receive their requested number of students.

To assist LEAs that are using the alternate assessment for greater than 1 percent of their total tested student population, Ohio will continue to work with the USDOE to explore potential flexibility in the federal restrictions. Based on past requests for flexibility, it is unlikely that the USDOE will grant any state exceptions to the cap. 

To clarify, the restriction is on the count of proficient or higher scores on the alternate assessment that can be used for accountability purposes. The restriction is not on the number of alternate assessments that can be administered. Once an LEA exceeds the cap on the scores that can be used for accountability purposes, the remaining scores will be reassigned (i.e., changed from proficient, accelerated or advanced to basic). A random process identifies which scores will be reassigned at the district level and the reassigned scores then will be attributed to the building the student attends. 

If you have questions, please contact ODE’s Office of Accountability at (614) 728-4510.

One-day mentor training now available for Resident Educator Program
Sixteen one-day Instructional Mentoring Training Sessions are now available in STARS for the Resident Educator Program. Individuals who have had previous mentor training or were certified Praxis assessors and have mentored a beginning teacher within the past three years are eligible to complete the training during a one-day program. Two-day mentoring training sessions are also offered in for educators who do not meet these qualifications.

Educators who have scheduled a two-day training but are eligible for a one-day session are encouraged to cancel their two-day registration as soon as possible so that individuals on the wait list can move into those slots. Additional one- and two-day training sessions will be scheduled until all mentors are trained. For complete program details and a list of current one-day sessions, click here and search keywords: resident educator.

Physical education content standards workshops to be held in November
To help educators learn how to structure local curriculum using the new physical education standards adopted by the State Board in June, ODE will hold the following free workshops:

• Tuesday, Nov 3, Painesville;
• Thursday, Nov. 19, Athens; and
• Friday, Nov. 20, Cincinnati.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Individuals must register through STARS by visiting education.ohio.gov and clicking the SAFE Account link at the top of the page. Additional workshops will be scheduled throughout the school year. For more information, see the Events link on the ODE home page or contact Lisa Lyle Henry at lisa.henry@ode.state.oh.us.

Register for Ohio Prevention and Education Conference (OPEC) by Nov. 10 
Educators who are interested in preventing and reducing substance abuse and related risky behaviors among students will benefit from the 2009 Ohio Prevention and Education Conference, Nov. 18-19 in Columbus. ODE and the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services are co-sponsoring the event, which is titled Prevention in the 21st Century: A Journey Within Reach.
The conference will provide professional development in three tracks: research and evidence-based prevention strategies; cultural and linguistic competency; and coordination across multiple systems and disciplines. Register by Nov. 10 by clicking here. For more information, contact Jill Jackson or Christine Kane in the ODE Office of Safety, Health and Nutrition at (800) 808-6325.

Asset Builder Award nominations due Friday, Oct. 23
Those who are planning to nominate an individual or group for ODE’s annual Asset Builder Award program have until 5 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 23 to submit applications. The Asset Builder Awards recognize individuals, schools, districts, youth organizations, businesses or community members for outstanding work in creating and sustaining substance abuse intervention efforts. The 40 Developmental Assets identified by the Search Institute will be used as selection criteria for recipients.
Winners will be recognized Nov. 19, during the second day of the 2009 Ohio Prevention and Education Conference. To view the nomination form, the Search Institute assets and information about the conference, click here, and search: Asset Builder. For more information, contact Jill Jackson or Christine Kane in the ODE Office of Safety, Health and Nutrition at (800) 808-6325.

School health profiles report about Ohio middle and high schools issued
ODE and the Ohio Department of Health have released a report that will help schools better understand the positive correlation between healthy students and academic success. Titled 2008 Ohio School Health Profiles: Characteristics of Health Programs in Secondary Schools, the report is based on a survey of Ohio middle and high school principals and health education teachers about school health policies and programs.
The report describes how embedding student health goals into school life can create a culture of wellness that supports sustainable, coordinated health efforts. To see the report, click here, keyword search: health profiles. For more information, contact Craig Wethington, Office of Safety, Health and Nutrition, at craig.wethington@ode.state.oh.us or (614) 466-6837.
Two announcements from the USDOE
Virtual town hall for teachers Oct. 20
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will engage teachers across the country in a virtual town hall forum from 8–9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, about what’s working and what’s not working in our nation’s schools. During the live program, Secretary Duncan will listen to comments from a studio audience comprised entirely of local teachers, and he will respond to telephone calls and e-mails from across the country. For more information, visit www.ed.gov/edtv.

Video contest for students continues - $1,000 prize!
The USDOE is asking students to participate in a national video contest titled “I Am What I Learn.” The contest is open to middle, secondary and college students, ages 13 and older. For complete contest information and rules, visit http://www.Ed.gov/IAmWhatILearn.

Affordable Board Member Training

Are your schools in need of board member training? 
 The experts at Ohio Charter Partners provide affordable, comprehensive training for all the members of your Board of Directors.
OCP’s board member training is taught by an expert who has been in the education profession for over 37 years, 19 of which were as a superintendent of schools.  Additionally, he is supported by an OCP aide to assist during the training session.

Our goal in OCP’s board training program is to ensure that board members are better equipped to govern their charter schools with increased knowledge and efficiently.

OCP’s Board Training Program includes a variety of topics, such as:
n   Orientation for new members
n   Governing vs. Managing
n   Board/Superintendent Relationship
n   Resolving Complaints

Please see the contact information below to schedule a no-cost initial consulting session.  See how OCP’s experienced team can benefit your organization by assisting with the business challenges while helping your schools focus on academic performance of students.

  Thank you for your time,
  Zach Male

  (614) 208-8007
  zach.male@ohiocharterpartners.com

Ohio Charter Partners (OCP) was formed to serve as a professional resource for charter school executives in Ohio seeking assistance in navigating through the recruiting, marketing, legislative, administrative and operational roadblocks that impede charter school progress.

OCP's pool of experienced consultants includes administrators, legislative consultants and marketing professionals who possess in-depth knowledge of the charter school process. Together, these advisors provide the support needed to help your charter school achieve maximum success.


Our Services
Click to learn more.

- Marketing & Communication Programs
- Student Recruiting & Retention
- Government Relations & State Funding
- Superintendant & Executive Mentoring
- Board Training
- Strategic Planning Services
- Curriculum Services
- Fiscal & Data Reporting

Ohio Charter Partners, LLC
4901 Heath Gate Drive
New Albany, OH 43054
(614) 208-8007
www.OhioCharterPartners.com

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Michael Dreiblatt of Balance Educational Services LLC
teaches issues and ideas you need to know on 
Strategies to Reduce Bullying and Social Aggression
Live Teleconference    December 2, 2009 • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern
Special Offer: Receive $50.00 off your registration fee by using the following discount code Z7745121
Listen from your home or office / Unlimited listeners per connection

Teleconference Highlights View Complete Agenda
Increasingly educators, health professionals, parents and lawmakers realize the seriousness of bullying, cyber bullying and social aggression in school. Certain state laws and regulations now hold schools personally responsible for the effects of bullying, including cyber bullying. Whether your school plans to implement one or more bullying prevention strategies, or a comprehensive bullying prevention or school improvement initiative, there are several issues you need to know that can increase your chances of success. This teleconference is devoted to learning new techniques and strategies that can dramatically reduce the incidents of bullying, cyber bullying and social aggression in your school right away.
Key Agenda Points

• Recognize the Different Types of Bullying Behavior
• Learn How to Stop the Bullying i.e., Nip It in the Bud
• Increase Respect and Decrease Violence and Bullying

Faculty Detailed Faculty Information

Mike Dreiblatt, Balance Educational Services

Credit Detailed Credit Information

• NBCC
• SCHOOL
• SW

Additional credit may be available upon request. Please call 1-866-352-9540 for more information. Only registered attendee will receive continuing education credit.

Who Should Attend?
Teachers, administrators, counselors, board members, special education directors and law enforcement officials

Strategies to Reduce Bullying and Social Aggression
December 2, 2009 - 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Eastern

Seminar ID: 385551 | Your priority code is: 15800

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