Breakout Session 2: 12:15pm – 1:15pm
2A: Building Partnerships with Families for Student Success: CPAC’s Supports and Resources for LEAs
ROOM 22
Presenters: Jane Hampton Smith, Co-Executive Director CPAC; Jennifer Lussier, CPAC Partnership Programs Manager; ConnCASE Representatives.
Panelists: TBD
The Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) and the Connecticut Council of Administrators of Special Education (ConnCASE) will discuss CPAC’s role in providing support and resources to LEAs and Programs across the state. A panel of Special Education leaders will discuss how they proactively leveraged their collaboration with CPAC to build the capacity of families and educators. Through this work, districts are able to strengthen family-school partnerships through programs, services and professional development that improve families’ understanding of the special education process and develop them as effective leaders and advocates for their child(ren). The panel will also share strategies to work collaboratively with CPAC to build internal capacity through technical assistance in such areas as developing language access plans, effective communication, and increasing family engagement.
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2B: CT-SEDS: Best Practices, Resources, and Support
ROOM 25
Presenters: Kim Bean, BSE CT-SEDS Project Manager; Kelly Hilliard, CT-SEDS Help Desk Lead, ACES
During this session, participants will receive information related to best practices within CT-SEDS. Participants will also receive a review of available updated resources and support structures.
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2C: CT-SEDS MTSS Module Overview
ROOM 11
Presenters: Mollye Kiss, MTSS Project Lead, PCG; Erin Dunn, MTSS Project Manager, EastConn
During this informational session you will learn more about the CT-SEDS MTSS module available to districts and aligned with the state’s SRBI/MTSS framework. This module provides school districts with a resource to build a robust MTSS framework using evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes in the general education setting. Come and learn more about the intervention management system for literacy, math, and social-emotional behavior.
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2D: SLD/Dyslexia Eligibility Determination
ROOM 14
Presenters: Jule McCombes-Tolis, Ph.D., ODRD Bureau Chief; Kristin Allen, ODRD Associate Education Consultant and Megan Rodriguez, PCG
The Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities (ODRD) will provide an in-depth review of eligibility determination for students suspected of having SLD/Dyslexia as it relates to the completion of the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Report. Guidance will be provided to assist teams in determining if students with SLD who are not deemed eligible for a primary disability of SLD/Dyslexia should be regarded as having a Specific Reading Comprehension Disability (SRCD) or a Mixed Reading Disability (MRD). Resources will be shared and reviewed throughout the session.
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2E: Special Education Procedures and Practices Manual
ROOM 15
Presenters: Heather Levitt Doucette, BSE General Supervision Project Manager and Jay Brown, BSE Consultant
The Bureau of Special Education has revised the Special Education Procedures and Practices Manual to reflect changes in legislation, terms and definitions, resources, and best practices. In this session, participants will learn about changes that have been made to the manual since the last widely disseminated version in 2019. Guidance will also be given regarding how the manual may be adapted and tailored to meet the unique needs of districts. In addition, districts will learn how the BSE plans to monitor local policies, procedures, and practices to ensure adherence to IDEA and state regulations.
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2F: Low Incident Populations (Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Blind/Low Vision, and DeafBlind)
ROOM 16
Presenters: Renee Kleinman, BSE Consultant; Alexa Osterhout, BSE Consultant; Catherine Summ, BESB Consultant; Ruth Ennis, CREC/TOD; and Tracy Evans-Luiselli, NEC
During this session, facilitators from CSDE, BESB, RESC and NEC will share a brief overview of the CT Language and Communication Plan, an overview of BESB services and professional development opportunities as well as professional learning opportunities for LEAs to support DeafBlind students from NEC.
Resources:
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2G: Special Ed Connection® Tips & Tools
ROOM 12
Presenter: Kelly Whiting, LRP CT Representative
Special Ed Connection® (LRP) is available to our school districts and programs at no cost. During this session, participants will receive an overview of the program and learn about the valuable resources (tips, tools, and shortcuts) on Special Ed Connection® that will quickly provide you with needed guidance to assist you and your staff to positively impact your special education programs and students.
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2H: Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) Statewide Data and Local PPT Considerations
ROOM 17
Presenters: Nikki Hendry, SERC Consultant; CSDE Representative; Matthew Korobkin, PCG
During this session, participants will receive information and trends in recent years LRE data (State & Federal reporting Indicator 5 and 6) submissions as well as the current status of LRE data across the state. This session will also review a continuum of services and resources to support school’s efforts to support students within the Least Restrictive Environment.
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