Archived newsletter — April 2024. This issue preserves historical information; events, contacts, and resources may have changed.
Welcome to the 40th issue of the SIGnetwork Newsletter published monthly for SPDG projects and their partners to learn about upcoming events, the latest relevant research, TA resources and training, and, most importantly, SPDG impact. We’re glad you're here!
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We are continuing our series exploring Priya Parker’s ideas in The Art of Gathering. The first chapter, DECIDE WHY YOU’RE REALLY GATHERING, is all about getting clear on the purpose of the event and ensuring each aspect is geared toward reaching that purpose. The second chapter, CLOSE DOORS, describes why opening the event to any interested party may prevent you from fulfilling the event’s purpose. This month we’re discussing why Parker recommends DON’T BE A CHILL HOST.
“In gatherings, once your guests have chosen to come into your kingdom, they want to be governed – gently, respectfully, and well.” -pg 74. It turns out, it isn’t enough to set a purpose, direction, and ground rules – you must enforce them. Once again, it’s all about implementing your plan with fidelity.
Parker makes the argument that being a chill host is not a gift to your participants, but rather the opposite. If someone isn’t at the helm, the ship is unlikely to continue its charted path and may never reach its destination.
Speaking of steering the ship… I think we can all agree that Kelsey has done a terrific job steering us through virtual and in-person SPDG National Meetings, as well as our day-to-day webinars and community gatherings. She has ensured every Zoom meeting goes smoothly (which you can really appreciate if you’ve attended a poorly run Zoom meeting). She’s also gently and respectfully gotten us back on track when we’ve veered off course. She has great, common-sense ideas that she offers up just when we need them.
SIGnetwork will not be the same when Kelsey bids us adieu on April 12th, but we can appreciate how she has run this ship and SIGnetwork is better off for her guidance and skillful implementation of our plans. Thank you, Kelsey - we wish you the absolute best!
Back to “The Art of Gathering.” Our May newsletter will explore how to CREATE A TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE WORLD. By the end of the series, we hope you have at least 3 new ideas to try in virtual and in-person convenings. Please share how Parker’s ideas have made your gatherings more meaningful. Email your thoughts to SIGnetwork@uoregon.edu and we’ll compile ideas to share with the group.
-Jennifer
News You Can Use
- Save the dates! You should now have two conferences on your calendar, and we encourage you to bring your PTI/CPRC, IHE, district, and Part C partners.
The OSEP Conference is Aug 6-8 in Crystal City, VA. Register and Reserve your Room
The SPDG National Meeting is October 15-16 in DC.
- Questions about managing your grant, especially from the financial side? Have we got a webinar for you!
David Downey, the US Department of Education’s leading voice on the Uniform Guidance and EDGAR, recorded a webinar full of important guidance: Informational Webinars for OSEP Funding Opportunities | OSEP Ideas That Work.
- New Fast Facts Alert! The latest focuses on Autism.
- Next NASDSE-OSEP Webinar Series for potential SPDG applicants
“Evaluation Planning,” May 1st from 3-4:00 ET
Teams Meeting
+1 202-991-0393,,798022880#
- Next SPDG Directors’ Webinar
Coherence: How do you create it internally and externally?
May 2nd from 3-4:30
- SPDG Proposed Priorities released Thursday, March 28, 2024.
Notice of Proposed Priorities and Requirements (NPP) for OSERS-OSEP: State Personnel Development Grants (Assistance Listing Number 84.323A).
Proposed Priority 1: Providing Career Pathways for Those Interested in Becoming Fully Certified Special Education Teachers, Including Paraprofessionals, Through Residency, Grow Your Own (GYO), and Registered Apprenticeships Programs.
Proposed Priority 2: Supporting Emergency Certified Special Education Teachers to Become Fully Certified.
Proposed Priority 3: Person-Centered Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that Support Instructional Progress.
Proposed Priority 4: Principals as Instructional Leaders Who Support Collaborative Service Provision.
Proposed Priority 5: Improving Engagement Between Schools and Families.
Deadline for Public Comments: April 29, 2024. Point of contact for the 84.323A NPP: Jennifer Coffey (Jennifer.Coffey@ed.gov)
SPDG Success!
Maine’s 1st SPDG PBIS Cohort just finished their 3rd year of professional learning. To commemorate the the impact of PBIS in their schools they created a yearbook. Pro tips from the yearbook: (1) Try new things within your team first; (2) Choose a reinforcement system that matches the values of your school and make it engaging for all!
Improving Professional Learning
Leading Schools and the Partnership Principles (instructionalcoaching.com)
Jim Knight shares how leaders can use partnership communication strategies that demonstrate their commitment to the change initiative. These strategies demonstrate equality, choice, voice, reflection, dialogue, praxis, and reciprocity. Principals should understand good instruction and support and lead professional learning that makes an impact.
Family Engagement Done Well
Considering Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities
CPIR (the Center for Parent Information and Resources) provides guidance and an AT checklist that families can use with their IEP team to determine the needs of their child that can be supported by AT and how the AT will be implemented.
Spotlight on OSEP and ED-funded TA & Technology
WRITE Tool
Writing stRategies for Instructional Technology in Education (WRITE) was developed for educators to better understand and then apply effective technology solutions aligned with evidence-based writing interventions.
The 2nd edition of High-Leverage Practices has just been released!
For this resource and more, visit CEEDAR’s High-Leverage Practices Resource page (original link unavailable in this archive).
UDL Coaching Modules
CAST’s Project COOL has worked with teachers, coaches, and administrators to create free modules that prepare coaches to support UDL implementation.
Evaluators' Corner
Look Beyond the Satisfaction Survey
article by Thomas Guskey
The Learning Professional, FEBRUARY 2024
Guskey provides a 5-level model for evaluating professional learning. I’ve shared a few standouts from the article here.
The 3rd level, which measures organizational support and change analyzes the conditions and resources necessary for high-quality implementation. Strong leadership and a culture of collaboration and open communication are key aspects.
The 4th level, participants’ use of new knowledge and skills, includes the idea of mutual adaptation.
“Participants are not only expected to adjust to the use of new strategies but also to adapt these innovations to suit their unique educational settings, highlighting the need for a flexible and context-sensitive approach. This level is crucial for understanding the practical application and relevance of the professional learning, bridging the gap between theory and practice.”
Guskey describes the importance of backward planning, starting with the desired student outcome measures. All in all, a thought-provoking article!
Video of the Month
- Video about self-advocacy created by the North Carolina PTI, ECAC.
- From Annette Young: Shelley Moore is my favorite SPED Educator! This 5-Moore Minute video talks about strength-based and inclusive IEPs and she loops in a conversation she had with our friend Katie Novak.
I really like Shelley’s suggestion at the end of the video to develop our own Seed Packet: What is your strength? What do you offer to the communities you are a part of? Why are they so lucky to have you? What do you need to grow? And look at all the examples of the “Made to Stick” SUCCESs model!
- What Do Coaches Do? Facilitating a Data PLC (podcast)
Instructional Coaching with Ms. B
If You Have the Time
Teacher Registered Apprenticeships as One Response to Educator Shortages: Possibilities and Considerations
CEEDAR Presentation
Melinda Leko, Meg Kamman & Lynn Holdheide
CEC 2024