The Exceptional Student Services Unit (ESSU) of the Colorado Department of Education serves students with exceptional educational needs. This monthly e-newsletter is sent to administrators, educators and support staff throughout Colorado. To access a calendar of upcoming events, training sessions and other important dates, click here.
In this email:
Recent News
Directors encouraged to attend special strand at PEAK Inclusion Conference
A special strand during the PEAK Inclusion Conference on Feb. 20 has been designed for directors of special education. The strand will allow directors to network about issues of inclusive leadership and to meet in a small group with Patrick Schwarz, education leader, consultant, and author of the new book From Possibility to Success. Directors who wish to register for the one-day event pay a special reduced rate of $200. ESSU has funds available to support directors who are able to attend but whose budgets will not cover the cost. Contact Faye Gibson at gibson_f@cde.state.co.us for information about registration assistance. Register here.
Zoom meeting to update progress on transition action plans
A 90-minute Zoom meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, will provide an opportunity for districts to update progress on current transition action plans. Access this link to join the meeting. For additional information, contact Gail Lott at lott_g@cde.state.co.us or 303-501-0347.
Submit proposal to present at 2020 Transition Leadership Institute
Proposals about successful secondary transition practices are being accepted to present at the 13th annual Transition Leadership Institute, June 11-12 at the Denver Marriott in Golden. Presentations should show transition practices that have led to successful employment/career, postsecondary education/training, and/or independent living skill development. Also, being sought are presentations that show effective family engagement and interagency collaboration strategies, social/emotional learning, diversity and inclusion, and/or effective instructional strategies. The deadline to submit your proposal is March 29. Please use this link to the application. For additional information, contact Roberta Curtis at curtis_r@cde.state.co.us or 303-866-6883.
Assistance available for post-school outcome interviews
Many resources on the CDE Indicator 14 requirements section of the website are available to assist you in preparing students and families for this upcoming data collection. Don’t forget to request PSO Interview pre-notification postcards. For additional information, contact Roberta Curtis at curtis_r@cde.state.co.us or 303-866-6883.
CDE State Preschool Meeting
CDE's State Preschool Meeting is set for March 5-6. Registration will come out early in January with more information.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation accepting Requests for Application
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is accepting Requests for Application from districts/BOCES interested in participating in the School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) for FY 2020-21 beginning July 1. SWAP is a collaboration between DVR and CDE and assists young adults transitioning from school to employment through career pathway development programs. The goal is for successful post-school employment outcomes, increased community links, and development of new patterns of service for young adults with disabilities. The program supports current transition efforts, creates career pathways with pre-employment transition services, and provides case management for students with disabilities who have mild to moderate needs in employment. Districts/BOCES interested should contact Katie Oliver at oliver_k@cde.state.co.us or 303-866-6701. Applications must be submitted no later than Feb.14 to be considered.
Indicator 13 Compliance: Notice of change in reporting requirements and CDE guidance
Information on changes to School Year 2019-20 Indicator 13 reporting will be presented during a webinar at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. Click here to join the Zoom meeting. Or call in at 669-900-6833 with the meeting ID: 123 784 686.
Training and Professional Development
Professional development opportunities
CDE has created a webpage of professional development offerings, which include opportunities specifically from ESSU.
“Save the Date” - 13th Annual Transition Leadership Institute
The Transition Leadership Institute will be June 10-12 at the Denver Marriott in Golden.
State Toolkit for examining Post-school Success (STEPSS)
A State Toolkit for Examining Post-school Success (STEPSS) has been created to examine post-school outcome interview data. For questions, contact Gail Lott at lott_g@cde.state.co.us or 303-501-0347.
Post-School Outcome Interviews: Strategies to increase student participation
Do you need assistance identifying strategies to increase student participation in the post-school outcome interview process? Join Gail Lott on Zoom, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, to discuss ways to engage students and families. For additional information, please contact Gail Lott at lott_g@cde.state.co.us or 303-501-0347.
D/HH & ASD One Day Training
One-day training sessions have been scheduled in February to help address the needs of students with dual identifications of deafness and autism. The sessions are scheduled for Feb. 12 at the Penrose House (Carriage House) - 1661 Mesa Ave., Colorado Springs; Feb. 13 at University of Northern Colorado Center at Lowry - 1059 Alton Way (Room 217) Denver; and Feb. 14 at University of Northern Colorado's Loveland Centerra Campus (Monarch & Steamboat Rooms) - 2915 Rocky Mountain Ave., Loveland. Click here to register.
Deadlines
JANUARY
- 31 - A complete and error-free December Count Snapshot is due
FEBRUARY
- 1 - 2018-19 High Cost Reimbursement Application window open through Feb. 28
- 3 - 2019-20 Federal Application Narrative Amendment No. 2 window open through Feb. 21
- 21 - December Count Student and Staff Snapshot closes
- 21 - 2019-20 Federal Application narrative Amendment No. 2 is due
- 24 - 2019-20 Budget Revision No. 2 window open through March 6
- 28 - 2018-19 High Cost Reimbursement Applications due to CDE (by upload to the Data Management System, Fiscal Tab)
OSEP Monthly Update
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