OSDE - SES - December 12, 2023 - External

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Announcement

**NEW** Seeking Your Insight on Free Dispute Resolution Resources

Your professional perspectives are being sought to guide national practice. CADRE, the Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education, is the national technical assistance center funded by the US Department of Education to increase the nation’s capacity to prevent and resolve special education disputes to improve outcomes for youth with disabilities. For the last 25 years, CADRE has provided support primarily for state departments of education (SEA) and OSEP-funded parent centers. CADRE is expanding its services to also support local education agencies (LEA). CADRE has contracted Dr. Angie Balsley, a LEA director, researcher, and practitioner, to conduct a Needs Assessment that will culminate in recommendations from the field to CADRE, guiding the development of alternative dispute resolution resources and technical assistance to increase the capacity of LEAs to prevent and resolve special education disputes.  This survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. You and your time are valued. Thank you for lending your expertise to guide CADRE’s work. 

Access the Survey today! 

Please contact Angie Balsley if you have any questions about the study.


**NEW** Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)

The Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma is hosting their annual Oklahoma Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) in June 2024. YLF is a great self-advocacy and self-determination learning opportunity for youth with disabilities! It is an educational, fun-filled, motivational, and packed week of experiences like no other! Check out the YLF Brochure and learn more about this event on the Oklahoma YLE page and encourage students and families to APPLY for YLF NOW!

*Applications are due March 1, 2024.


**NEW** Oklahoma Partners in Policymaking (PIP)

 Oklahoma Partners in Policymaking (PIP) is a program through the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma where participants learn how to work with public officials, agencies, and private organizations to promote positive systems change for Oklahomans with disabilities. It is designed for adults/persons with disabilities, family members of children who are too young to advocate for themselves, allies and professionals who support people with disabilities, and advocates. Find out more in the PIP Brochure on the Oklahoma Partners in Policymaking webpage.


Employer Tuition Assistance for Higher Education

Many agencies, organizations and businesses across Oklahoma provide tuition assistance benefits to help their employees pay for higher education. Types of education benefits for employees vary, and may include:

  • Tuition payment assistance or reimbursement.
  • Payment/reimbursement for licensing courses and exams.
  • Matched contributions to employer-sponsored 529 college savings plan.
  • Student loan repayment.

Some employers that offer educational benefit options require a minimum waiting period for eligibility, some set a maximum benefit amount, and some may extend educational benefits to employee dependents. Please visit our alphabetical list of some Oklahoma employers that offer tuition assistance benefits for employees. For more specific and comprehensive information, contact the employer directly.


Transition Assessment and Goal Generator

TAGG-MS is wanting your help to finalize a NEW Transition Assessment for middle school students with mild to moderate disabilities. 

If you are a student, parent, caregiver, and/or educator of a middle school student with mild to moderate disabilities please reach out to C. Sanford to participate! 


2023 Oklahoma Autism Needs Assessment Dissemination Request

The 2023 survey has questions geared for autistic adults, families and caregivers of individuals with autism, as well as service providers and educators.  It takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. 

OANTrainings/Webinars

**NEW** Early Intervention and School-Based Occupational Therapists

Calling all early intervention and school-based OTs…

💥 Opportunity to earn FREE CEUs, Participate in an interactive virtual training to enhance clinical skills and advance research in the area of fieldwork education

Friday, 1/19/2024 9:00am - 4:30pm CST via Zoom

For more information, please see the OU Early Intervention and School-Based Occupational Therapist Flyer


**NEW** OKMTSS Winter Conference

Focus is on Evidence-Based Practices with sessions in a "workshop" format to teach practices for quality teaming, literacy and math instruction, and behavior intervention. 

 Please join us on January 26, 2024. For more information, view the 2024 MTSS Winter Conference flyer


Sooner Works is now accepting applications!

Sooner Works is the inclusive postsecondary education program at the University of Oklahoma for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

For the application portal, please visit the application overview packet.

Applications are due February 1st

Sooner Works will also be hosting two more Virtual Open Houses via Zoom where any interested student, parent, or educator can learn more about the program and meet our staff.

For more information and registration, please see Virtual Open Houses.


**NEW** Center on Transition Innovations (CTI)

The Center on Transition Innovations (CTI) at Virginia Commonwealth University offers facilitated and self-paced courses that provide a comprehensive overview of the best practices in transition planning for both high school students interested in tips for career planning and educators who want to learn about effective practices in transition. Each course offers a certificate of completion and CRCs for meeting course requirements. Click below to see the overview for each of the current courses and to access the registration link:


Oklahoma Department of Career Technology Education (ODCTE) Innovative Grants

  • “Supporting CTE Special Populations Grant Application 2024-2026” is now available for review and will open in March 2024!!!​ Check it out and begin planning in advance for an opportunity to be awarded a two-year grant (up to $50,000/year) aimed at helping schools implement transition programs and/or other support strategies to assist in the provision of transferable skill sets to students regarding the attainment of meaningful employment and becoming productive members of society!!!
  • The Supporting CTE Special Populations Overview (oklahoma.gov) outlines the requirements for the 2024-2026 grant application and required goal priorities.
  • Perkins LEAs or consortia meeting the $15,000 requirement OR technology centers, technology center co-ops, postsecondary institutions, or consortia meeting the $50,000 requirement are eligible to complete the grant application. ​
  • Application deadline is currently listed as May 3, 2024 (subject to change).
Staffing

*UPDATED* CPI Trainings for 2023-2024 SY

The Oklahoma State Department of Education, Office of Special Education Services will be holding their CPI 2-day Regional Trainings for you to send 4 employees to get blue card certified.

ONLY 40 people will be able to attend each session, so make sure you register ASAP! 

NOTE: A waitlist has opened for the sessions, if the session is full follow the link to join the waitlist

2024 - Second Semester - 

CPI is approved through Project 613 for substitutes, travel, and lodging. Keep in mind lodging must be at least 60 miles one way. Questions can be directed to Megan Salisbury.


Boot Camp Opportunities

Boot Camp is one of the alternative pathways special education teacher certification  offers for candidates interested in obtaining a non-traditional certification in the state of Oklahoma. You may view the entire list of Boot Camp Partner Universities

  • OSU - Oklahoma State University: January 16, 2024 - May 10, 2024
  • UCO - University of Central Oklahoma: Pick a schedule that fits your time. Summer, Fall, and Spring options available
Professional Development

IRIS Modules for Secondary Classrooms

The IRIS Center now has secondary versions for two of its most popular modules.

  • Addressing Challenging Behaviors (Part 1, Secondary): Understanding the Acting-Out Cycle discusses challenging behavior in terms of the seven phases of the acting-out cycle and offers strategies and tips for responding to students in each phase. The module contains 24 classroom videos, play-by-play analyses by behavioral experts, and interactive practice opportunities.
  • Addressing Challenging Behaviors (Part 2, Secondary): Behavioral Strategies describes six low-intensity strategies that can increase initial compliance to teacher requests and prevent or decrease challenging behaviors. The strategies include behavior-specific praise, pre-correction, active supervision, high-probability requests, and opportunities to respond. The module also explores differential reinforcement of alternative behavior for situations when low-intensity strategies are not sufficient to prevent or de-escalate a student’s challenging behavior. Each strategy page includes classroom video examples and non-examples, fundamental skill sheets, and implementation checklists.

Both modules include free PD certificates of completion, Kahoot games, and more.


Oklahoma Autism Center

The Oklahoma Autism Center is offering Professional Development Opportunities for 2023-2024 including:

  • Autism: Foundation Training
  • Reducing Challenging Behaviors
  • Conducting FBA and Writing BIP's

Please see the OAC Professional Development Opportunities for more information. 

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