DETROIT, MICHIGAN
Asperger Syndrome and
Behavior Solutions for Autism
October 31, 2007 - November 1, 2007
October 31, 2007
"Asperger Syndrome: Beyond the Basics"
Teresa Bolick, Ph.D.
Children and adolescents with Asperger Syndrome (AS) can intrigue and confound us- often simultaneously. Designed for participants with a basic knowledge of AS, this workshop will present a framework that allows us to build upon strengths in order to minimize challenges in the real world. Participants will learn accommodations, modifications, and direct teaching strategies that optimize availability for learning and enhance social cognition, communication, and emotional competence. The workshopwill emphasize practical strategies that can be used across school, home, and community settings.
November 1, 2007
"Behavior Solutions for Autism Spectrum Disorders"
Maria Wheeler, M.Ed.
Increase understanding of the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) that impact behavior and can foster communication breakdowns and feelings of being overwhelmed. Learn how to address both the social and sensory needs of an individual. Topics will include: effective behavior interventions, visual supports for maximizing communication and minimizing confusion, and preventing and dealing with shutdowns and meltdowns. This presentation is appropriate for educators, therapists, caregivers and parents of children/teens with ASD.
Location: Doubletree Hotel Dearborn
5801 Southfield Expressway
Detroit, MI 48228
(313) 336-3340
Professional 2 Days:
$195 through September 17
$205 from September 18 to November 1
Professional 1 Day:
$130 through September 17
$140 from September 18 to November 1
Parent 2 Days:
$160 through November 1
Parent 1 Day:
$95 through November 1
1.2 SB-CEUs are available for Michigan educators who attend both days.
Printer-friendly conference information
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CLEVELAND, OHIO
The Autism Spectrum: Social Skills
and Students with Asperger Syndrome
November 15-16, 2007
November 15
"Social Skills Training and Frustration Management"
Jed Baker, Ph.D.
Specific, user-friendly strategies and techniques for providing relevant social skills instruction to children and teens with ASD will be shared at this workshop. Enjoyable socialization methods are emphasized so individuals may experience success and desire to build skills. Social deficits affect life at home, school and eventually in the workplace. Conference participants will learn both highly beneficial strategies that can be used across a variety of settings and routines; and practical and effective solutions to assist 'typical' peers, family members and professionals to become more understanding, accepting and engaging of those with social difficulties.
November 16
"Strategies for Students with Asperger Syndrome"
Diane Adreon, Ph.D.
This workshop will focus on specific strategies to increase the likelihood of providing a successful experience for students with Asperger Syndrome (AS) in school. Workshop participants will (a) gain an understanding of the challenges of students with AS in the school setting; (b) learn specific strategies to reduce the likelihood of problematic behavior by pro-actively engineering a supportive environment, and (c) learn practical strategies to address common academic, social, organizational, and behavioral issues.
Location: Holiday Inn Westlake / Cleveland West
1100 Crocker Rd.
Westlake, OH 44145
(440) 871-6000
Professional 2 Days:
$195 through September 24
$205 from September 25 to November 16
Professional 1 Day:
$130 through September 24
$140 from September 25 to November 16
Parent 2 Days:
$160 through November 16
Parent 1 Day:
$95 through November 16
Register Now for National Training Institute for School-Based Mentoring!
EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION RATE ENDS SEPTEMBER 28, 2007
National Training Institute for School-Based Mentoring
Nov. 5-7, 2007
Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
Kansas City, Mo.
Whether you are managing a mentoring program in your school district, thinking about it or just getting started, the November Training Institute in Kansas City, Mo., is the place for you. Register now, as space is limited.
For more details and a registration form, click here.
For information about accommodations, click here.
Holiday Inn at the Plaza – Special $96 Training Institute rate available if reservations are made before Oct. 15. Free shuttle to Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
Also, obtain more information by contacting
Melissa Gingell at gingell@youthfriends.org or by calling:
1.877.842.7082 toll free
816.842.7082 telephone
816.842.7907 fax
www.charterschoolsports.org
Ohio Charter School Athletic Association
PO Box 23287
Columbus, OH 43223
(614) 214-1020
e-mail: charterschoolsports@yahoo.com
website: www.charterschoolsports.org
www.CharterResource.org"
I am not recommending this website, however it came to my attention as an on-line resource that may be useful. I forward it to you for your perusal.
Lee Ketcham, Educational Consultant
Ketcham_L@swoserrc.org
(513) 563-0045 x19
Holly Boroff
Boroff_H@swoserrc.org
Go to www.swoserrc.org, Click on Professional Development to check out current and future learning opportunities.
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New Website for Charter Leaders Launched!
Need information and ideas on effective charter school finance and governance? Check out www.CharterResource.org. Research suggests that most charter schools that fail are forced to close for non-academic reasons, most often because of organizational mismanagement and financial difficulties. This new website provides an array of resources to help policymakers, authorizers, and operators build and support stronger charter schools.
Highlights of the site are:
- A resource clearinghouse searchable by finance or governance topic
- An expanding compendium of promising practices in charter school finance and governance
- An open discussion board for information exchange among leaders in the field
Other resources coming soon include:
- Guides to state policy in charter school finance and governance
- A catalog of federal funding sources for charter school operations and facilities
The website is operated by the National Resource Center on Charter School Finance and Governance, which develops and disseminates information, tools, and technical assistance to help charter leaders at all levels take steps to improve charter school finance and governance. The National Resource Center is operated through a collaboration among The Finance Project, University of Southern California’s Center on Educational Governance, and WestEd. It is funded under National Leadership Activity grant U282N060012 from the U.S. Department of Education.
For more information, contact The Finance Project at 202-587-1000 or email info@CharterResource.org.
Here is a follow-up to the previous message that was sent regarding Task Force Meetings.
At our next All County Task Force Meeting, Thursday, October 18, 2007 here at SWO SERRC, Greg Maloney, state director of special education will be joining us for the meeting. In preparation for this meeting please email: poth_r@swoserrc.org your ideas/topic areas for discussion so we may plan our upcoming meeting.
Lee Ketcham, Educational Consultant
Ketcham_L@swoserrc.org
(513) 563-0045 x19
Go to www.swoserrc.org Click on Professional Development to check out current and future learning opportunities.
To: Community Schools
From: Southwestern Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center (SWO
SERRC) - State Support Team Region 13
Date: September 18, 2007
Holly Boroff and I are your connection to the Special Education Regional Resource Center-State Support Team Region 13.
We offer our regional Community Schools monthly meeting times for the purpose of securing information related to NCLB, IDEIA, and Ohio's special education related policies and procedures.
Opportunities for 2007-2008 are as follows:
All CountyTask Force Meetings are scheduled every other month. They are designed for PPD's, Directors of Special Education, Curriculum Directors, Coordinators. Agendas to be announced.
- Thursday October 18, 2007
- Thursday December 6, 2007
- Thursday February 7, 2008
- No April Meeting
- Thursday May 15, 2008
- Location: SERRC 1301 Bonnell suite 3
- Networking begins at 8:00 am, meeting at 8:30, conclude 11:00
Individual Community School Task Force Meetings
- Wednesday November 14, 2007
- Wednesday January 9, 2008
- Tuesday March 4, 2008
- Wednesday April 9, 2008
- Location: SERRC 1301 Bonnell Suite 3
- Meeting begins 2:00 - 3:30
Questions or concerns can be directed to:
Lee Ketcham, Educational Consultant
Ketcham_L@swoserrc.org
(513) 563-0045 x19
- To Download the Overview document - Click Here
- To Download Official Letter from Todd L. Hanes (Executive Director, Office of Community Schools) - Click Here
WO SERRC, a member of State Support Team Region #13, has scheduled dates for Surrogate Parent Training for Fall 2007. The attached flyer identifies dates and registration procedures. A minimum of 10 participants is required and registrations close Tuesday at 4:30 PM the week of the training.
Any parent or family member may take the training to increase their knowledge of the Special Education process. Those intending to serve as a Surrogate Parent for districts in Region #13 will be asked to complete a form stating that intent. Participants are under no obligation to complete the form.
Districts may want to encourage parents to attend the training, if finding Surrogate Parents has been an issue in the past. If districts are interested in connecting with a parent or family member who would serve as their district Surrogate Parent, SERRC could facilitate that connection. Call Sue Bitsko, 563-0045 ext. 30 for more information.
Thank you for all you do for families.
Sue Bitsko
Southwestern Ohio SERRC
(513) 563-0045 ext. 30
www.swoserrc.org
National Training Institute for School-Based Mentoring Coming Soon
Register Now for Early Bird Rate!
Whether you are managing a mentoring program in your school district, thinking about it or just getting started, the November Training Institute in Kansas City, Mo., is the place for you. Register now, as space is limited.
For more details and a registration form, click here.
Also, obtain more information by contacting Melissa Gingell at gingell@youthfriends.org or by calling:
1.877.842.7082 toll free
816.842.7082 telephone
816.842.7907 fax
The article below appeared in the DAYTON DAILY NEWS today, September 13, 2007 and we believe this is just a start in an attempt to close all community schools. The action taken by the Attorney General’s office, and wholeheartedly supported by the teachers’ union, again demonstrates the ultimate goal of the union to eliminate all competition in free public education. We, as members and supporters, must unite. Write your local newspaper or contact your state representative today! OCQE will aggressively fight and defend its quality member schools.
Ron F. Adler, President
Ohio Coalition for Quality Education
Phone: 937/ 239-7969
Email: radler@ocqe.org
Website: www.ocqe.org
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Dann sues to close 2 charters
Attorney general: Schools have failed to live up to their obligations to educate children. - Click-2-Listen
By Scott Elliott, Staff Writer
Thursday, September 13, 2007
DAYTON — Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann filed suit Wednesday seeking to force the two city charter schools to close, arguing that they have failed to live up to their obligations to educate children. The schools are Colin Powell Leadership Academy, 834 Randolph St., and New Choices Community School, 601 S. Keowee St.Extras
The two complaints were filed in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court. More low performing charter schools could face similar action, said Leo Jennings, a spokesman for Dann.
The move was hailed by teachers unions as an overdue step toward accountability. They have long been critics of charter schools but assailed by supporters of the charter movement as a declaration of war on charters.
Dann's lawsuits target the schools' status as "charitable trusts" under state law. He argues that by operating schools that produce consistently poor academic results, the trusts are not living up to the law's requirements.
"These two institutions are not meeting their fiduciary responsibilities under Ohio's charitable trust laws," Jennings said. "They are not achieving their charitable purpose. They are not educating kids and they need to be held accountable."
Ron Adler, president of the Ohio Coalition for a Quality Education, said the move was an attempt to circumvent state law.
Ohio has just implemented new rules that will close charter schools rated in the lowest state category for three straight years.
"I'm not opposed to closing schools, but you have to do it orderly and you have to follow the law," he said. "It seems like they're trying to expand the powers of their office."
Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted, R-Kettering, said charter schools have tougher accountability than regular public schools.
"A neighborhood public school has no threat of being shut down under current law, but we will shut down these schools at the end of the year if they don't improve under our law," he said.
Community School Contacts:
For those who may have missed the initial memo of 8/10/07, SERRC training for Alternate Assessment is soon approaching. Below is a description of some changes being implemented this year. A schedule of the training dates is included for your convenience. Please note: Registration is not available on-line for these trainings, call or email Terri Densford as indicated.
First, Sue Bitsko (SERRC Consultant) will now be the Lead Consultant for Alternate Assessment. Please direct any questions or concerns to Sue at bitsko_s@swoserrc.org or 563-0045 x30.
Second, to build capacity in community schools, SERRC has been directed to adopt the state's "train-the-trainer" model for Alternate Assessment. This means SERRC will not train each individual teacher in the Alternate Assessment process. Instead, SERRC will train representatives from community schools in our region. Each community school may register one person who will serve as a trainer/supporter of Alternate Assessment within that school. SERRC will provide one copy of training materials to the designee, and one master copy of DVD/CD resources.
As directed by the State, Test Coordinators are expected to have sufficient knowledge of Alternate Assessment to provide support to individual teachers. Test Coordinators are encouraged to call their state Alternate Assessment contact with specific questions. SERRC will work through the school trainer to answer questions and problem-solve technical assistance issues.
Alternate Assessment training registration will not be accessible online. SERRC requests that each community school contact Terri Densford (densford_t@swoserrc.org or 563-0045 x10) with the name, professional role, and contact information of the designated trainer, and the training date he/she would like to attend.
Train-the-trainer dates are as follows:
September 26 8:30-11:00 (updates; intended for those trainers already
familiar with the process)
September 26 4:30-7:00 (updates; intended for those trainers already
familiar with the process)
October 2 8:30-3:30 (cover-to-cover, learn the process from planning to
submission; intended for those trainers NOT familiar with the process, or who need more in-depth information to be able to train)
October 9 8:30-3:30 (cover-to-cover, learn the process from planning to
submission; intended for those trainers NOT familiar with the process, or who need more in-depth information to be able to train)
SWO SERRC is a member of State Support Team Region #13.
As of July 1, 2007, the state's regional structures became effective, and have provided guidance on priority work for our four county region. As a result of these changes, SWO SERRC (State Support Team 13) will unfortunately not continue to offer Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training.
We will still offer trainings in Positive Behavior Support which would be very beneficial for all educators, especially for those who are working with students who need individual behavior plans.
I recommend getting a staff member CPI certified within your district if
the need is there, it is important to have that level of technical
assistance and support when dealing with challenging behaviors. Go to
www.crisisprevention.com or call 1-877-877-5390 for more information about
training opportunities. Please do not hesitate to call me if you have any
questions.
Thank You,
Holly Boroff, Educational Consultant
SWO SERRC - SST Region 13
513-563-0045 ext. 15
Debbie Clyde, Secretary
SWO SERRC/State Support Team Region 13
513-563-0045 ext. 11
clyde_d@swoserrc.org
Click on www.swoserrc.org and then click the Professional Development
button to see the latest in professional development offerings at the SWO
SERRC Support Team Region 13.
Scott Gallagher here...
Last month I sent out an article on "The Links between Bullying and Addiction" -- hoping that you/your students would find it useful. For many people, however, it got lost during the holidays... so I am providing that link again (click here). I've also provided NEW information (below) on my Addiction and Bullying programs for 2007/2008, in case it's useful. Finally, if someone else at your school arranges for speakers on these issues, would you help me by forwarding this to them? I really appreciate your help.
Sincerely,
Scott Gallagher
1-800-227-1760
P.S. Just so you know... if you call or e-mail me, Cindy Harris (my partner) may be the one replying. She's an amazing person and is as committed to helping kids as I am!
_____________________________________________
Please circulate to others who may be interested -- Thanks!
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Information on Scott Gallagher
-- Speaker on Addictions and Bullying in Schools
Background
Scott was an addict and bully at the age of 13. He went on to become a successful business owner and corporate recruiter... and then lost it all (his wife, home and business) after 17 years of multiple addictions (including solvents, tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and crack cocaine).
Now seven years "sober," Scott has founded a recovery program (called "All Addictions Anonymous"), spoken in jails and detox centres, and helped hundreds of addicts to recover. He now shares his story and tips with school kids, teachers and parents across the country.
Goals
To prevent addiction and bullying before it starts, and to help kids who are addicted (or who have serious bad habits) to stop. He also shows the links between bullying and addiction, with insights from his own experience.
Programs
Scott offers four programs for schools:
1) a student assembly (60-75 minutes)
2) a 2-hour workshop for students with serious bad habits/addictions (this one is FREE, following a paid assembly)
3) a workshop for teachers only
4) an evening presentation to adults (teachers, parents, the community).
School Assemblies
In Scott's assembly talk, he shares his own experiences with addiction, being a bully, and being bullied. (On his Website, he has an audio recording with a Principal, immediately after giving an assembly to 1000+ students at her school. It's at: http://www.lifetransformation.ca/media/Nancy-Testimony.mp3.)
Student Addictions Workshop
This FREE, two-hour Workshop is done immediately after the student assembly. It is for kids who feel they have a serious bad habit or addiction, causing them personal pain with grades, friends, family or life in general -- AND -- who have a genuine commitment to taking action. Scott gives them specific steps to break these habits or deal with their addictions.
(Note: At the end of his Assembly presentation, Scott invites kids with severe problems to attend this Workshop (and deters those who might attend simply to avoid their next class). No work is involved for teachers in having to identify, chase down, or advertise the workshop to students. You can estimate that less than 5% of the students who hear Scott's assembly talk, may have problems severe enough that they will want to attend.)
More details on this workshop are at: http://www.lifetransformation.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=ArticleDisplay&SectionID=163&ArticleID=510
Audio Recorded comments from students who attended this workshop can be heard at: http://www.lifetransformation.ca/media/scott-g-kids-feedback-1.mp3
Parent/Educator Sessions
Scott offers two possible sessions
1) an afternoon workshop for teachers (and other school staff, if desired) -- held following the student addictions workshop; and
2) an evening presentation for adult members of the community.
The teachers' workshop is a one-hour, no-holds-barred Q and A. It's designed to help them understand more about addictions, as well as to know what occurred in the Student Addiction Workshop so they can support the kids who attended. Teachers (and staff) are also encouraged to ask questions about habits/addiction as they relate to themselves, family and friends -- so it's a nice "value added" service for school staff.
The evening presentation (typically 7-9 p.m.) is for parents, teachers and members of the community. It's a combination of Scott's story about addiction/bullying also followed by a no-holds-barred Q and A. plus help for adults in dealing with their kids' problems and issues of their own.
[Note: It may not be possible to offer both the Teacher and Adult/Community sessions on the same day.]
For more on these Teacher & Adult talks: http://www.lifetransformation.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=ArticleDisplay&SectionID=161&ArticleID=511
Costs and Expenses
(Here's a quick summary. There's more info on his Website.)
Speaking Fees
1) Student Assembly -- $995.
2) Student Addictions Workshop -- FR.EE.
3) Teachers Workshop (afternoon) -- $195.
4) Adult/Community Presentation (evening) -- $395.
Travel/Accommodation Expenses (estimates only)
1) $ 80.00 – local transportation, Toronto (to/from Airport)
2) $ 80.00/day – in your community, for car rental/insurance/gas IF NEEDED.
(Scott prefers to eliminate this and be escorted by people in your community.)
3) $100.00/day – Hotel
(including 1 night before the first talk, and 1 night after the last one, when several schools are involved)
4) $40.00/day – Food
5) $400.00-to-$600.00 – Air Travel
Note: WE ENCOURAGE SCHOOLS in each district or region to work together and book Scott while he is in the area. This way, discounts are offered on Teacher Sessions -- and travel costs can be shared among all schools where he speaks.
Testimonies and References
Scott has received many written testimonies from educators who have heard him speak. These are posted on his Website. He will also give out specific names (of references), if you want to speak with someone directly.
"What you are offering is a lot more than most speakers offer. Don't get me wrong, there are some very good speakers out there. But the fact that you offer three different things – an initial talk to all the students, a follow-up session for kids with addiction problems, and then a talk to parents/teachers – that’s HUGE! That’s one of the things I really liked about you, and what sold me on the whole thing. It’s almost like three for the price of one. The fact that you offer the extra session for kids (free) shows that you really care about what you are doing."
Darrell Hall, Principal, St. Thomas Moore Collegiate,
Burnaby, British Columbia
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Finally, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. If you have any ideas, suggestions or feedback that can help us to help more kids, please let us know!
Many thanks,
Scott Gallagher / Cindy Harris
1-800-227-1760
Please review the following, State of Auditor
2007-2008 bulletin and share this information with your treasurer.
Click Here to download
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Social Skills & Curriculum
September 19 - 20, 2007
Pittsburgh, PA
Conference Webpage - Click Here
Printable Conference Information - Click Here
Registration Form - Click Here
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SEPTEMBER 19, 2007
Curricular Adaptations with Patrick Schwarz, Ph.D.
Considering the specific learning and support needs for students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the inclusive classroom, participants of this workshop will learn processes to adaptively personalize and improve the quality of educational settings. Included will be how to provide rationales for curricular adaptations, differentiated instruction and universal design in the general classroom, how to set up an IEP-at-a-glance tool for supporting students, how to orchestrate a planning process so student needs are creatively met in a quality fashion and ideas for differentiation and universal design.
Setepmber 20, 2007
Social Skills Training with Jed Baker, Ph.D.
Specific, user-friendly strategies and techniques for providing relevant social skills instruction to children and teens with ASD will be shared at this workshop. Enjoyable socialization methods are emphasized so individuals may experience success and desire to build skills. Social deficits affect life at home, school and eventually in the workplace. Conference participants will learn both highly beneficial strategies that can be used across a variety of settings and routines; and practical and effective solutions to assist 'typical' peers, family members and professionals to become more understanding, accepting and engaging of those with social difficulties.
PRICES
- Professional 2 Days:
$205.00
- Professional 1 Day:
$140 .00
- Parent 2 Days:
$160.00
- Parent 1 Day: $95.00
HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS
Holiday Inn: Pittsburgh-Central
401 Holiday Drive | Pittsburgh, PA | (412) 922-8100
NOTE: There is a limited block of rooms reserved for our group at $85 plus tax per night. Call the hotel and make your reservations soon!
The Ashland University Strategies for At-Risk Students Workshop will be taught again in September and again in December...
Attached please find advertisements to post/share for both of these professional development opportunities...
- Click Here to download advtertisement
There have been several community school participants at these workshops...and the feedback has been very positive...