The Office for Exceptional Children at the Ohio Department of Education has opened registration for Ohio’s 6th Annual Special Education Leadership Conference on September 26-27, 2012 and you are invited to attend. The Conference theme is Closing the Achievement Gap and the overarching focus is “Show Me What Works!” to improve results for children with disabilities in reading, math, and behaviour. Registration is $100 for both days or for either day. Registration is available at http://www.ocecd.org/.

In addition to the interesting opening session featuring Stan Heffner, Superintendent, Ohio Department of Education, and Sue Zake, Director of the Office for Exceptional Children, there will be four stimulating Master Sessions each day and strands of noteworthy Breakout Sessions each day. In addition, thought-provoking Poster Sessions will be available.

In support of the overarching focus, Keynote and Master Session presenters include:

• Patricia Edwards, Professor of Language & Literacy at Michigan State University & 2010-2011 President of the International Reading Association (Wednesday & Thursday) (Reading and Literacy)
• Donald Deshler, Director of the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning (Thursday) (RtI)
• Tim Lewis, Co-Director for the Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and professor of Education at the University of Missouri (Wednesday & Thursday)(Behavior)
• Paul Riccomini, Associate Professor at Penn State University (Wednesday & Thursday) (Math)

Staff members from the Office for Exceptional Children will present a Master Session on Wednesday. Patricia Edwards, Tim Lewis, and Paul Riccomini will present keynotes as well as a Master Session each day and Donald Deshler will present a keynote and a Master Session on Thursday.

Breakout Sessions are noted by Strands listed as: All, Administrators, Elementary Educators, Secondary Educators, Technology, and IHE.

When you register for the Conference, you will also have the opportunity to register for a Master Session each day or both days. Breakout Session selection will be available at the Conference. Prior to registering, you may want to check the agendas for each day to see the Breakout Sessions that will be taking place during the times the Master Sessions are scheduled.

Click here to view the agendas for each day:

• Wednesday, September 26, 2012
• Thursday, September 27, 2012

In support of this year’s Conference commercial and non-profit vendors, including OEC’s Initiated projects, will showcase a variety of products and services.

Volunteer opportunities are available by completing and submitting the Call for Volunteers form.

House Bill 96 signed by Governor Kasich in December 2011 requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to establish a pilot project involving school districts to provide early screening and intervention services for children with risk factors for dyslexia. The pilot project must operate for three full school years, beginning with the 2012-2013 school year. The specified goal of the pilot project is to evaluate the effectiveness of early screening and reading assistance programs for children at risk for reading failure including those students exhibiting risk factors associated with dyslexia and to evaluate whether those programs can reduce future special education costs.

The state Superintendent will select six school districts to participate in the pilot project on a voluntary basis. At least one of the districts must be located in an urban setting, one in a suburban setting and one in a rural setting. To be considered for the pilot project, a school district’s proposal must:

1. Identify a method of screening children for low phonemic awareness and other risk factors for dyslexia;
2. Provide for the enrollment of children identified as having risk factors in a reading program staffed by teachers trained in evidence-based reading instruction and multisensory structured language instruction; and
3. Include a methodology for evaluating the reading program's effects on the children's identified risk factors.

Submitting a Proposal to Participate in the Dyslexia Pilot Project

Interested city, local, exempted village school districts and community schools are invited to submit a proposal by responding to the Plan to Implement and Evaluate the Dyslexia Pilot Project components. The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) Office for Exceptional Children (OEC) will fund projects for three years beginning in 2012-2013 to provide early screening, reading intervention and evaluation for students at risk for reading failure, including those students with dyslexia.

Plan to Implement and Evaluate the Dyslexia Pilot Project(PDF)

OEC will conduct a formal evaluation to determine whether to continue, expand or make changes to the pilot project. Awardees are required to participate in the evaluation as part of their involvement in the Dyslexia Pilot Project.

Districts may be funded up to $40,000 per year for implementation of the pilot project. Funds for years 2 and 3 will be made available contingent upon successful completion of the year one project, submission of required data components for the formal evaluation, review of the second year application and available/continued IDEA Part-B funds.

Interested LEAs are asked to submit no more than 10 single-spaced pages in response to the Plan to Implement and Evaluate the Dyslexia Pilot Project components and submit electronically to exceptionalchildren@education.ohio.gov by 5:00pm on May 25, 2012. Please include a district name and contact information. Selected districts will be notified by June 8, 2012 and receive an application with project requirements and forms to complete proposed budget information.

For questions, contact:

Wendy Stoica, Assistant Director
Ohio Department of Education
Office for Exceptional Children
25 South Front Street, Mail Stop 202
Columbus, Ohio 43215-4183
614.644.7307 (desk)
877.644.6338 (toll-free)
614.653.2858 (cell)
Wendy.Stoica@education.ohio.gov

It is with great pleasure that the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) announces that Sue Zake, Ph.D., has been selected as the Director of the Office for Exceptional Children (OEC). Dr. Zake will begin on April 16, 2012 and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to OEC and the ODE.

About Dr. Zake:

Dr. Zake was most recently the State Support Team (SST) Region 1 executive director. As executive director, she was accountable for all facets of the SST Region 1 work scope. She provided oversight and support to district administration and leadership teams in the area of school improvement, including facilitating the Ohio Improvement Process (OIP) in SST Region 1.

Dr. Zake received a Bachelor of Education with a major in Emotionally Impaired and Elementary Education from Michigan State University. She received a Master of Education in Educational Administration and a Doctor of Educational Psychology with a minor in Educational Administration from the University of Toledo.

Dr. Zake has over 30 years of professional expertise in the field of education. She has served as a special education teacher, coordinator of assessment and legal / compliance services, director of student services, and director and associate director of the Northwest Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center.

The Ohio Interagency Workgroup on Autism invites the public to provide comment on state autism recommendations at regional open forums held across the state in April and May. The forums will gather practical input from parents, professionals and other stakeholders with first-hand knowledge of what supports and services are needed most for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families. The forums will provide a brief overview of the proposed recommendations followed by opportunity for feedback and comments. Responses and suggestions will be used in developing final recommendations, which will be presented in June to the Governor’s office and Ohio’s Interagency Work Group on Autism.

The autism recommendations focus on early identification and diagnosis, skill development and support, and sustained services for future success. Revised from previous recommendations first prepared in 2004, they will be used to inform state policy decision makers and improve support services for all Ohioans diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

Information regarding the recommendations, the public forums and the online survey for input are found at http://www.ocali.org/ohio_recommendations.

The online survey will remain open through May 20, 2012.

On April 26, 2012, the Ohio Department of Education, Office for Exceptional Children, held a public hearing on the “Complaint Process” that must be used in administering programs and services for children with disabilities. The hearing was held pursuant to 34 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Sections 300.165 and 300.509. The opportunity to provide comments in writing is available until May 25, 2012.

View the “Complaint Process” at www.education.ohio.gov, keyword search “Complaint Process” (select the first returned search result titled “ODE-Mediation, Complaints and Due Process”.

Written Comments - Parties may submit written comments directly to the Office for Exceptional Children, Ohio Department of Education. Written comments shall be either: (1) mailed to Shirley Crabtree, Procedural Safeguards, Office for Exceptional Children, Ohio Department of Education, 25 South Front Street, Mail Stop 202, Columbus, Ohio 43215-4183; (2) faxed to Shirley Crabtree at (614) 728-1097; or (3) e-mailed to shirley.crabtree@education.ohio.gov. All written comments must be received by the Office for Exceptional Children by 5:00 p.m. on May 25, 2012.

May 23, 2012, 3:30pm-4:30pm EST

Description: Assistive technology (AT) supports have traditionally been considered on a case-by-case basis within the scope of a student's IEP. It is necessary to consider and assess the need for AT individually for appropriate alignment of student needs with AT features and supports. Unfortunately, it has not worked well for the actual implementation phase of the AT process in school settings. This system often delays student access to needed AT due to the time involved in pursuing and implementing individual funding, training, setup and integration within already existing school technology. This OCALI webinar will discuss a comprehensive system of district-wide planning for AT implementation that allows students quicker access to needed AT supports. Included in the presentation is a demonstration of a tiered model of AT supports. Consideration for multi-environment implementation for "anytime anywhere" access to AT will also be discussed. This webinar is appropriate for administrators, AT specialists, classroom teachers, related services providers and others interested in the "big picture' implementation of AT services within their district.

For more information and to register, please click here: http://www.ocali.org/center/at

The Offices for Curriculum, Assessment and Exceptional Children have worked collaboratively since July 2011 in the creation of extensions to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Math as well as the revised Academic Content Standards for Science and Social Studies. A committee comprised of special educators, regular educators, parents, administrators and other stakeholders in Ohio came together in the writing of these extensions to be used for students participating in the Alternate Assessment.

The Ohio Academic Content Standards – Extended (OACS-E) also are commonly known as "the extended standards". These standards help to ensure that students with significant cognitive disabilities are provided with multiple ways to learn and demonstrate knowledge. At the same time, the extended standards are designed to maintain the rigor and high expectations of the Common Core and Ohio Academic Content Standards. The extensions are to be implemented for the 2012-2013 school year as students will be assessed on their knowledge of these extensions when the new Alternate Assessment for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities is administered in the spring of 2013.

View the webpage that contains FAQ, PowerPoint and the Ohio Academic Content Standards-Extended at www.education.ohio.gov, keyword search "OACS-E".

Webinar - May 23, 2012, 3:30pm-4:30pm EST

Description: Assistive technology (AT) supports have traditionally been considered on a case-by-case basis within the scope of a student's IEP. It is necessary to consider and assess the need for AT individually for appropriate alignment of student needs with AT features and supports. Unfortunately, it has not worked well for the actual implementation phase of the AT process in school settings. This system often delays student access to needed AT due to the time involved in pursuing and implementing individual funding, training, setup and integration within already existing school technology.

This webinar will discuss a comprehensive system of district-wide planning for AT implementation that allows students quicker access to needed AT supports. Included in the presentation is a demonstration of a tiered model of AT supports. Consideration for multi-environment implementation for "anytime anywhere" access to AT will also be discussed. This webinar is appropriate for administrators, AT specialists, classroom teachers, related services providers and others interested in the "big picture" implementation of AT services within their district.

For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.ocali.org/center/at

http://conference.ocali.org/ OCALICON 2012 is a 3.5 day gathering of national leaders, educators, parents, individuals, scholars, policy-makers, and service providers who will examine common concerns and share proven solutions that address issues faced by individuals with autism and low-incidence disabilities across their lifespan.

It is face-to-face gathering of cross-section participants to share current research, trends, ideas, and solutions in order to multiply the implementation and effectiveness of practices for individuals with autism and other disabilities across the lifespan.

OCALICON 2012 provides all participants with opportunities:

To Learn - over 150 lecture, discussion, and hands-on sessions will be provided; in addition, the Research Symposium features current research and findings from leading universities and institutions

To Connect - built-in :60 meeting time first thing each day, :30 between sessions, and a :75 lunch provide numerous opportunities for networking and informal discussion

To Build - the four summits focus on development and the informing of policy

**A question was added to the proposal submission, asking for connection to the common core, universal design for learning and/or least restrictive environment when applicable. The responses will be reviewed and scored as part of the review process.

Information about the group rate:

Link specifically for group rate information: http://conference.ocali.org/view.php?nav_id=32

Group Rate is available for groups of 10 or more from the same organization.

Registrants must include a Group Name on the registration form and complete a separate registration form for each member of the group.

Mail registrations should be submitted in the same envelope.

The current OCALI Transition to Adulthood Guidelines for Individuals with ASD has been revised and formatted into a series of web –based booklets. Each booklet focuses on one aspect of the transition from school to adult life. Four booklets are now available on the OCALI website. Available booklets include:

IEP Components of the Transition Process
Considerations for School Programming
Age Appropriate Transition Assessment
Employment

Each booklet offers information about the subject area, implications for individuals with ASD, examples, and resources. Many direct links to more in-depth information are available in each booklet. While these guidelines discuss issues surrounding ASD and transition, much of the information is appropriate for any transition age youth served through the IEP process.

Coming in the near future - booklets on the following topics so keep checking back!!

Post Secondary Education
Community Participation
Supported Living

Access the OCALI ASD Transition Guidelines at http://www.ocali.org/center/transitions

June 11-14, 2012 - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
470 Glenmont Avenue - Columbus, OH 43214

What is the Paraprofessional Institute?

OCALI is hosting this four-day institute designed especially for paraprofessionals. The goal of the event is to provide specific information on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that will allow paraprofessionals to better assist teachers in creating learning environments that promote high levels of student learning and achievement in the least restrictive environment.

Over the four days, topics will focus on improving instructional opportunities for children and youth with ASD and will include: understanding characteristics, the “what” and “why” of behavior, how to effectively communicate with those with ASD, how to improve social competence, and strategies for creating increased participation and independence in accessing the core standards. All sessions will be presented in a smaller setting, allowing for increased participation.

Register now! Space is limited. Registration deadline is June 1, 2012.

The website for the event it here: http://www.ocali.org/project/paraprofessional_institute

The Office for Exceptional Children (OEC) has completed technical corrections of Whose IDEA Is This?. The updated version is posted on the OEC website with revision date of April 2, 2012. Please discard your inventory of the previous version dated June 14, 2010. The updated version is available on the ODE website, keyword search "Whose IDEA Is This?" and on Edresourcesohio.

The translations of Whose IDEA Is This? are being updated and will be posted as soon as they are available. An email will go out on this list-serv once they are posted.

Students who are blind or visually impaired, their parents and the professionals who serve them are invited to a free Assistive Technology conference on Saturday, June 2. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ESC of Central Ohio, 2080 Citygate Drive in Columbus.

Assistive Technology vendors focusing on braille literacy, writing, reading, communication, math, science and more will be available all day to demonstrate products and answer your questions. Breakout sessions with in-depth, hands-on information (refer to the attached agenda). Box lunches will be provided.

The event is sponsored by the BEST Grant and its collaborative partners: Center for Instructional Supports and Accessible Materials (CISAM); the Ohio State School for the Blind and the Ohio Center for Deafblind Education.

Although registration is free, attendees must register in advance. The registration deadline is May 25. For more information, including a registration form, visit the CISAM website.

The BGSU online Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate is a 15-hour program (5 courses) designed to offer professional development for special educators and others who work to support the education of students on the autism spectrum. By taking one course each semester (including one course in the summer), the program can be completed in less than two years. For those who are interested in pursuing a master’s degree, the five courses can be counted toward a Master of Education in Special Education.

This program can benefit anyone who would like to develop expertise in supporting the growth, development and learning of individuals with ASD, including special educators, general educators, school psychologists, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation counselors, medical personnel and educational consultants.

For more information, please visit the BGSU Website at http://www.bgsu.edu/colleges/edhd/sis/page109346.html or contact Brenda Oyer, cohort coordinator, at oyerb@bgsu.edu.