In this issue:

Foundations of Communication Update

Four Foundations of Communication implementation teams are planning to attend the Alt+Shift Summer Retreat this month. Educators within this learning opportunity have indicated they are feeling more confident using core boards to model an alternative form of communication with students with complex communication needs. They are looking to provide aided language input in an increased number of structured activities and environments (including general education settings for some teams). The Summer Retreat will allow them to develop goals and objectives for the 2019-2020 school year to continue with implementation of communication supports with fidelity.

Pragmatic Organization Dynamic Display (PODD) Update

This August, educators throughout Michigan have an opportunity to attend a two-day introductory PODD training.  PODD registration is open for in-state attendees.
 
Date: August 7 and 8, 2019
Location: Clinton County Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA), St. Johns, MI
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Presenter: Carolyn O’Hearn
Cost: $30 in-state, $150 out-of-state (registration opens June 17, 2019 for out-of-state)

Accessible Materials Made Right (AMMR) Update

• First, there is the content. This must not be confused with the delivery method (we’ll get to that in a minute.) This is the information: the story, text, math problem, picture, or image, etc.
• Second, there is the platform, or delivery method. The platform is where the content is found and consumed by the student. This could be anything from a textbook to G Suite apps, Bookshare, podcasts, worksheets, and more.
• Finally, there is the tool that is used for access. In special education, this is often referred to as assistive technology. Tools can be both software (screen readers, text-to-speech readers, dictation, etc.) and hardware (joysticks, mice, switches, microphones, etc.)

Comprehensive Literacy Instruction Update

A state-wide Emergent Literacy Instruction for Students with Significant Disabilities and Complex Communication Needs has been scheduled for next fall. Emergent Literacy Instruction registration is open for in-state attendees.
 
Date: October 1-2, 2019
Location: Clinton County RESA, St. Johns, MI
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Presenters: Marlene Cummings and Megan Zell
Cost: $30 in-state, $150 out-of-state (registration opens July 1, 2019 for out-of-state)

Assistive Technology (AT) Journey: Web Edition Update

Stop 2 of the virtual AT Journey is now live! This stop of the AT Journey highlights the Student, Environment, Tasks, and Tools (SETT) Framework and explores the commonalities and differences between Assistive Technology, Educational Technology, Information Technology, and Universal Design for Learning. Additional stops will be coming soon. Stay tuned!

Assistive Technology (AT) Journey Symposium Update: Educator Feature

Holly Kivoja, School Psychologist; Rhonda Colberg, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant; Sara Pericolosi, Speech Language Pathologist
Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District

Alt+Shift (AS): In what ways have you implemented ideas and information from the AT Journey training/implementation process?

Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District (DIISD): Following our first live training, we updated our AT consideration, assessment, and implementation Forms. Our AT team has also grown as a direct result of our partnership with the AT Journey. We now have ISD staff embedded within our local districts who are involved in our ISD AT Leadership Team. We also added an AT section to our ISD website in an effort to ensure that all districts and parents have access to AT resources.
 
AS: What impact has the training/process had on you and those you work with (e.g., teachers, students, ancillary staff, administrators, parents, community mental health, etc)?

DIISD: The training has not only expanded our ISD AT team and our local teams, it has also increased our knowledge base. Specifically, we have observed new staff who have stepped into AT leadership roles as a direct result of the symposium.  We have also seen a shift in how all staff considers AT within the IEP process. 
 
AS: Describe one implementation highlight or success.

DIISD: We've had many success stories throughout the year as a result of the symposium. One story that stands out is that of Nicole Weber, a middle school special education teacher at Norway-Vulcan Area Schools. She has enthusiastically adopted the AT consideration process including improved data collection and documentation. Nicole has observed increased engagement and independence within her students. Within Forest Park schools, an AT team was established in which they focused on working through the process for one student. As a result, the team is moving into next school year with greater knowledge, understanding, and excitement to expand this process for all students. Overall, the AT Journey allowed for great conversation and a shift in culture from an an 'expert model' to more of a collaborative approach. It empowered those working directly with students to learn more about the consideration process as well as the AT tools that are available. 
 
AS: Describe one implementation challenge/barrier and how you're working on overcoming it.

DIISD: As an ISD, we support six local school districts in two counties. By nature, the distance creates communication and collaboration barriers. In an effort to eliminate these silos, we have implemented an ISD AT listserv where all staff are able to ask questions, learn about tools, etc.  To further collaboration efforts across all school districts, our ISD will host quarterly AT meetings with our local school districts in attendance during the 2019-2020 school year. 
 
AS: What are your next steps in the implementation process?

DIISD: As we move forward, we hope to see additional AT leaders emerge within all of our local school districts. We recognize the need for further professional development opportunities related to AT for all staff. In an effort to do so, our ISD is committed to partnering and supporting our local districts. As we wrap up the symposium, our ISD AT team along with our administration is focused on making progress toward a system-wide professional development implementation plan. 
 
AS: How has Alt+Shift supported your district's AT Journey?

DIISD: Alt+Shift has thoroughly supported our journey by creating coaching opportunities, webinars, and live trainings. These have allowed our staff to pause, process, and collaborate throughout the journey.  We were able to really delve into the AT consideration process as a team, which created further buy-in from a larger group. We have found it very beneficial to have an AT Implementation Plan that was monitored by Carolyn and Mike throughout the process.

(Mi)² Update - Mathematics: Reaching All Learners Together

Mathematics: Reaching All Learners Together (MRALT) is a one day conference that brings math educators (including general and special education teachers, interventionists, coaches, administrators, consultants and support staff) together for a day of learning and sharing. The event is sponsored by Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Michigan Council for Exceptional Children, and Alt+Shift. 
 
Date: October 28, 2019
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Lansing Community College West Campus
MRALT conference registration link

Lending Library Update

Resources

Do you have parents of children receiving special education services who are looking for or could benefit from information, education, or support in their child’s special education journey? Michigan Alliance for Families may help! This IDEA grant-funded initiative connects parents with local parent mentors to address family’s needs, including navigating the educational system and how to be more involved with their child’s education. Services are provided statewide, and each parent mentor has first-hand experience with multiple aspects of the special education system.