Here are the worksheets, forms, data item definitions, and supporting resources for Parent Centers to use in submitting results of the 2021 Parent Center Data Collection activities and Program Measures Survey. This page gives Parent Centers the tools they need to collect and submit data on their Center’s activities for the 2020-2021 program year (October 1, 2020 to […]
Summer is merging into fall, and a new academic school year begins. With regret and excitement both, we climb aboard for the next part of this ride, take a deep breath, and look around us and ahead. Lots to do, and that’s nothing new. Stand tall, here we go. And may these resources (for families and communities; from the Feds) be of help and support along the way.
(2021, August 26) | Useful to educators and to advocates and parents. It’s hard to believe that we’re entering the third year of pandemic teaching, but here we are! Some districts have no mandates, while others are encouraging preventive measures. During times like these, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan (and a […]
The 2020-21 school year was an unprecedented year with many districts implementing virtual learning, and with some districts moving back and forth between in-person and distance learning. Now, as children return to school in Fall 2021, it is critical that states and districts gather information on what children with disabilities have learned and where they need more support to meet standards-based learning goals. With this information, educators can make changes to current programs and to instruction to address children’s needs. Both formal and informal tests are important tools for gathering information.
This brief from NCEO answers frequently asked questions about whether (and how!) to test children with disabilities. The FAQ notes in particular that individualized education program (IEP) teams may need to revisit a child’s IEP before making test participation decisions. IEPs written before the COVID-19 pandemic may no longer address an individual child’s needs after the pandemic. For a list of the FAQs posed and to connect with the brief, read more here.
There’s so much going on! Information, news, and resources are flying off the shelves and buzzing around our heads. It’s a challenge to focus, grab the ones you can use, and then find the time to actually use them. This Buzz alerts you to 7 resources you may find helpful in “embracing the chaos.” And may they support your work with families and schools.
Updated August 2021 In Part 1 of the data collection process, Parents Centers will use the data collection worksheet and accompanying definitions key to report: numbers of contacts with parents and professionals; an unduplicated count of parents served; demographic data on children (e.g., disability, race, ethnicity) and the primary language of parents; numbers of meetings attended by staff; and outreach […]
After spending 10 years in a middle school special education classroom, it’s easy to say that paras are the foundation to our entire education system. Without them, kids in classrooms would struggle to understand key content, groups in the special education setting would be too large and unmanageable, teachers would have even bigger difficulties with […]
This Buzz brings you news of several recent resources to support your Center’s work with families of young children with disabilities.
In May of 2021, Part 1 of this webinar series introduced attendees to the Division for Early Childhood’s (DEC) Recommended Practices (RPs), which offer guidance to parents and professionals who work with young children who have or are at risk for developmental delays or disabilities. Part 2 of the series built upon the information shared in the first webinar. In Part 2, presenters discussed a variety of practice ways to SHARE the RPs as part of the ongoing work of a Parent Center. Presenters then identified ways in which Parent Centers can use the RPs in their daily work with families.
The Alabama Parent Education Center is the Parent Training & Information for the state of Alabama. The project provides information and services to Alabama families with children ages birth to twenty-six with disabilities. The program is designed to empower and enable them to work collaboratively with schools and agencies to improve services for their children. The center provides free information and training to families to assist them in becoming advocates for their children with disabilities.
Alabama Parent Education Center has a collection of excellent resources for families, professionals and youth/young adults about topics such as Family Involvement, Special Education, IEP Development, Assistive Technology, Early Intervention, Transition to Adult Life, and more. Find these resources here!